Monarch Butterflies in Wisconsin in July

Yes, July is one of the best months to see monarch butterflies in Wisconsin. It is the 1st busiest month of the year, with 2,571 of the 8,496 sightings logged across the year (30.3%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Monarch photographed in WisconsinMonarch photographed in WisconsinMonarch photographed in Wisconsin
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for monarch butterflies in Wisconsin

30.3%

of yearly sightings

2,571

records in July

#1

busiest month of 12

8,496

verified records a year

June 16.6%, July 30.3%, August 29.3%. Busiest month is July at 30.3%.

Best months: July, August, SeptemberPeak season right now

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)

Quietest month

January

No verified records

MonthObservationsShare
January00%
February10%
March00%
April20%
May3073.6%
June1,41016.6%
Julypeak2,57130.3%
Augustpeak2,49229.3%
Septemberpeak1,47017.3%
October2302.7%
November120.1%
December10%

Monarch Butterflies you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Monarch8,496

In Wisconsin, July carries 30.3% of the year's monarch butterflies sightings, about 22 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 1st busiest of the twelve months, out of 10 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from June (16.6%) into July, and it heads toward August (29.3%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so July is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The monarch butterflies most often recorded in Wisconsin are Monarch. Those counts are annual totals rather than a July split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in July itself.

Which monarch butterflies you are most likely to see

  • Monarch8,496 records
Plan your tripApostle Islands National Lakeshore

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.

Frequently asked questions

Can you see monarch butterflies in Wisconsin in July?+

Yes. July accounts for 2,571 of the 8,496 verified monarch butterflies sightings logged in Wisconsin across the year, which is 30.3% of the annual total.

Is July a good time to see monarch butterflies in Wisconsin?+

July is one of the best months. It ranks 1st of the year and sits inside the peak window of July, August and September.

What month is best for monarch butterflies in Wisconsin?+

July is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through July, August and September, based on 8,496 verified observations.

Which monarch butterflies are you most likely to see in Wisconsin?+

The most-recorded species in Wisconsin are Monarch, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.