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 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Wisconsin
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when monarch butterflies are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for monarch butterflies sit around 53 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" |
| Jun | 77°F | 57°F | 3.8" |
| Julbest time | 80°F | 61°F | 3.5" |
| Augbest time | 77°F | 60°F | 3.5" |
| Sepbest time | 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 monarch butterflies in Wisconsin:
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
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 places to see monarch butterflies
More wildlife in Wisconsin