It's about that time of year for Oklahomans to spot monarch butterflies, the orange-and-black-winged insect known for their twice-yearly migrations across the continent as they pass through the state on their journey south.
Monarch butterflies migrate south to Mexico for the winter, then head north toward Canada each spring.
Oklahoma is one of their main stops along the way, though their numbers have shriveled in comparison to what they once were.
Hummingbird migration 2025: See map of when, where to spot them across Oklahoma this fall
Monarch butterfly migration facts, and why they migrate
The migratory monarch butterfly has a lifespan of two to six weeks, though the butterflies born at the end of the summer live eight to nine months in order to make the journey south and spend the winter clustered in trees in Mexico and California. In the spring, they head to their spring and summer breeding grounds and migrate as far north as southern parts of Canada.
The migratory subspecies is listed as "vulnerable," with their numbers dwindling due to habitat loss and climate change.
When is peak monarch migration in Oklahoma?
The peak of the monarch's fall migration through Oklahoma typically takes place in late September and early October.
During this time, dozens of the butterflies will be spotted together in trees, on nectaring plants and any milkweed they can find.
Some monarch butterflies have already reached the state, as reported by observers.
Where to see monarchs in Oklahoma City
Monarchs are often drawn to parks and gardens where milkweed and native nectaring plants can be found.
In Oklahoma, the traveling butterflies are more likely to be found near Interstate 35, which runs north and south.
Oklahoma City destinations that monarchs seem to enjoy year after year include:
Myriad Botanical Gardens
Will Rogers Gardens
Lake Hefner
Oklahoma City Zoo
Following the monarch migration to Mexico
If you want to follow along with the monarch's winter migration, head to journeynorth.org to see where others have spotted the butterflies, as well as their eggs, larva and milkweed plants.
You can even add your own sightings to the map.
How to plant your own monarch-friendly garden
Want to plant your own garden to attract monarch butterflies?
Keep Oklahoma Beautiful is partnering with Okies for Monarchs to provide plants and supplies for landowners and organizations wanting to add pollinating plants to their garden. Although the deadline to install a garden ahead of the fall migration has closed, eligible recipents can sign up online before the spring return migration before April 17, 2026.
Okies for Monarchs will also be at the Tulsa Botanic Garden on Sept. 6 and 7 for the Monarch Experience. Along with information sessions about the butterfly, its habitat and importance to the ecosystem, the event will also feature “Follow the Monarchs,” a traveling art display featuring thousands of paper butterflies mimicking the monarch migration.
In Yukon, the fourth annual Monarch Festival will take place Sept. 27 during the peak of butterfly migration. Attendees can learn about how to support the endangered monarch population, including making seed balls.
The following day on Sept. 28, Norman will hold its annual Monarchs in the Park festival.
Jana Hayes contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Monarch migration map 2025: Where, when to spot them in Oklahoma
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