Monarch Butterflies in West Virginia in September
Yes, September is one of the best months to see monarch butterflies in West Virginia. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 433 of the 1,399 sightings logged across the year (31%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Peak month for monarch butterflies in West Virginia
31%
of yearly sightings
433
records in September
#2
busiest month of 12
1,399
verified records a year
August 38.8%, September 31%, October 6.6%. Busiest month is August at 38.8%.
1,399 verified observations of monarch butterflies in West Virginia, recorded across 8 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
August
543 records (38.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 4 | 0.3% |
| May | 26 | 1.9% |
| June | 76 | 5.4% |
| Julypeak | 217 | 15.5% |
| Augustpeak | 543 | 38.8% |
| Septemberpeak | 433 | 31% |
| October | 92 | 6.6% |
| November | 8 | 0.6% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 1,399 |
In West Virginia, September carries 31% of the year's monarch butterflies sightings, about 22.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 8 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from August (38.8%) into September, and it heads toward October (6.6%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so September is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The monarch butterflies most often recorded in West Virginia are Monarch. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.
Which monarch butterflies you are most likely to see
- Monarch1,399 records
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in West Virginia
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main monarch butterfly viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in West Virginia.
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Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in West Virginia
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see monarch butterflies in West Virginia in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 433 of the 1,399 verified monarch butterflies sightings logged in West Virginia across the year, which is 31% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see monarch butterflies in West Virginia?+
September is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of August, September and July.
What month is best for monarch butterflies in West Virginia?+
August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, September and July, based on 1,399 verified observations.
Which monarch butterflies are you most likely to see in West Virginia?+
The most-recorded species in West Virginia are Monarch, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See monarch butterflies in West Virginia in other months
More wildlife in West Virginia