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Wildlife migrationAnnual · Nov to Mar

Monarch Overwintering, Michoacan

Millions of monarchs cluster on the oyamel firs, bending the branches under their weight.

Mid-November 2026 to mid-March 2027SeasonMid-November 2026 to mid-March 2027
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Monarch Overwintering, Michoacan

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Maricint / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

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Mid-November 2026 to mid-March 2027Season
Michoacan, MexicoWhere it happens
Millionsmonarchs per hectare of fir
Viewing advice

The butterflies fly only when it is warm and sunny; a cold or cloudy visit shows them clustered and still.

The best time to see Monarch Overwintering, Michoacan in 2027 is Mid-November 2026 to mid-March 2027. Timing status: Season.

After a migration of up to 3,000 miles, the eastern monarch population overwinters on a few forested mountaintops in Michoacan. On a warm midday the butterflies take flight in clouds; January and February are the fullest.

Monarch Overwintering, Michoacan: Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Photo information

Monarch Overwintering, Michoacan

Photo
Rafael Saldaña
Licence
CC BY 2.0
Original
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Changes
Cropped

Where to see it

These are the spots that catch it best. Tap one to see what's worth a trip nearby.

Cosmic events during this window

Cosmic events that peak while this season is on, so one trip could catch both. Meteor showers show the moon, since a dark sky is what makes them.

Related natural events

More moments to explore.

Frequently asked questions

When is Monarch Overwintering, Michoacan 2027?

Monarch Overwintering, Michoacan 2027: Mid-November 2026 to mid-March 2027.

Monarch Overwintering, Michoacan: Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus plexippus) on Oyamel fir (Abies religiosa) Piedra Herrada, Valle de Bravo, Mexico
Photo information

Monarch Overwintering, Michoacan

Photo
Charles J. Sharp
Licence
CC BY-SA 4.0
Original
View source
Changes
Cropped