Best Time to See Dragonflies in Wisconsin
June, July and August is the best time to see dragonflies in Wisconsin. Based on 38,908 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when dragonflies are most active across the year in Wisconsin.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Eastern Amberwing · Eric Schmidt CC BY
American Rubyspot · Eric Schmidt CC BY
Dot-tailed Whiteface · aarongunnar CC BY
38,908 verified observations of dragonflies in Wisconsin, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When dragonflies are recorded in Wisconsin
Peak month
June
13,782 records (35.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 0% |
| February | 1 | 0% |
| March | 37 | 0.1% |
| April | 330 | 0.8% |
| May | 3,501 | 9% |
| Junepeak | 13,782 | 35.4% |
| Julypeak | 11,386 | 29.3% |
| Augustpeak | 6,501 | 16.7% |
| September | 2,536 | 6.5% |
| October | 721 | 1.9% |
| November | 99 | 0.3% |
| December | 11 | 0% |
Dragonflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Forktail | 3,039 |
| Common Whitetail | 1,743 |
| Autumn Meadowhawk | 1,629 |
| Widow Skimmer | 1,492 |
| Ebony Jewelwing | 1,465 |
| Blue Dasher | 1,403 |
| Common Green Darner | 1,348 |
| Twelve-spotted Skimmer | 1,223 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Wisconsin
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when dragonflies are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for dragonflies sit around 57 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25°F | 10°F | 1.4" |
| Feb | 25°F | 7°F | 2" |
| Mar | 40°F | 21°F | 2.7" |
| Apr | 52°F | 32°F | 3.9" |
| May | 65°F | 45°F | 3.4" |
| Junbest time | 77°F | 57°F | 3.8" |
| Julbest time | 80°F | 61°F | 3.5" |
| Augbest time | 77°F | 60°F | 3.5" |
| Sep | 70°F | 53°F | 3" |
| Oct | 55°F | 40°F | 3.3" |
| Nov | 41°F | 27°F | 2.4" |
| Dec | 32°F | 17°F | 1.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Wisconsin. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on dragonflies in Wisconsin:
Sightings of dragonflies in Wisconsin peak in June, when 13,782 of the year's 38,908 verified observations are logged — about 35.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and August.
The quietest stretch is February, when dragonflies are hardest to find — February sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The dragonflies you are most likely to encounter in Wisconsin are Eastern Forktail, Common Whitetail and Autumn Meadowhawk — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see dragonflies in Wisconsin
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — National Lakeshore
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see dragonflies in Wisconsin?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and August, based on 38,908 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are dragonflies hardest to see in Wisconsin?+
February is the quietest month for dragonflies in Wisconsin, with only 1 verified records.
Are dragonflies active year-round in Wisconsin?+
Dragonflies are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Wisconsin, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see dragonflies
More wildlife in Wisconsin