Best Time to See Monarch Butterflies in Wisconsin
July, August and September is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Wisconsin. Based on 8,496 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when monarch butterflies 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 June 28, 2026.
8,496 verified observations of monarch butterflies in Wisconsin, recorded across 10 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When monarch butterflies are recorded in Wisconsin
Peak month
July
2,571 records (30.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 1 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 2 | 0% |
| May | 307 | 3.6% |
| June | 1,410 | 16.6% |
| Julypeak | 2,571 | 30.3% |
| Augustpeak | 2,492 | 29.3% |
| Septemberpeak | 1,470 | 17.3% |
| October | 230 | 2.7% |
| November | 12 | 0.1% |
| December | 1 | 0% |
Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Monarch | 8,496 |
Sightings of monarch butterflies in Wisconsin peak in July, when 2,571 of the year's 8,496 verified observations are logged — about 30.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and September.
The quietest stretch is January, March and February, when monarch butterflies are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The monarch butterflies you are most likely to encounter in Wisconsin are Monarch — 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 monarch butterflies 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
Plan your monarch butterfly trip in Wisconsin
Start with live tours near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
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 Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best monarch butterfly viewing area in Wisconsin.
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Broader backupBook a monarch butterfly tour in Wisconsin
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see monarch butterflies in Wisconsin?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and September, based on 8,496 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are monarch butterflies hardest to see in Wisconsin?+
January is the quietest month for monarch butterflies in Wisconsin, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are monarch butterflies active year-round in Wisconsin?+
Monarch butterflies are recorded in 10 of 12 months in Wisconsin, concentrated around July and August.
More wildlife in Wisconsin