- Monarch butterflies migrate into California every fall to escape the cold weather. They cluster in coastal groves and are visible from October to February.
- Natural Bridges, Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove, and Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove are all excellent viewing locations.
- Monarch populations are declining due to climate change, pesticides, habitat loss, and other factors. This makes conservation efforts even more urgent.
From the hibernation months long of bears, to the running salmon of the sea, there are many extraordinary animal events in nature. Naturalists in California are anxiously waiting for the monarch migration.
Some monarchs migrate to avoid too-cold weather. In Western North America monarchs migrate south from Canada, the Pacific Northwest and Western North America. overwinter in temperate spots Some come from colder regions west of the Rocky Mountains. Some also come from the colder areas west of Rocky Mountains. In California, the overwintering period is from roughly October to about February.
During this time, monarchs cluster together in packed colonies for warmth—in a good year, thousands of monarchs might rest on a single tree, creating a kaleidoscope of brilliantly colored wings. Eucalyptus and Monterey Pine trees provide the best shelter for monarchs.
Sadly, monarch populations have been in a steady decline for years—and some seasons, including last year’s, have brought extreme dips. For instance, Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove Over 24,000 monarchs will be protected in 2022/23. This number will rise to over 16,000 in the following years, before dropping to just 556 in 2020/25. The Xerces Society for Invertebrate ConservationWho organizes the official Western Monarch CountMonarch decline is attributed to climate change, pesticides and the loss overwintering habitat.
It’s time for the 2025/26 migration period. While it’s difficult to predict how California’s populations will overwinter, experts have provided some suggestions on where to visit to see the butterflies, as well as ways you can help the species.
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Natural Bridges State Park Santa Cruz
Rhiannon Sims is the manager of education and interpretation for Rhiannon Sims. California State ParksThe Interpretive Staff at Natural Bridges State Park Santa Cruz. The park is closed during the winter. Monarch Grove Trail It is a major attraction. It is possible to see monarchs on the interpretive trail, which is open for self-guided walking from 8 am to sunset.
Sims explained that this is our busiest season, as early November is typically the peak viewing time for monarchs. During this time, we have docents in the grove—they hang out there to answer your questions, and sometimes they’ll have spotting scopes, so that people can get a good look at the monarchs when they’re clustering in the trees.”
Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove. Pismo Beach
Pismo Beach’s downtown is only one mile away. Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove Another easy-to reach viewing spot is in California. Emma Rhoads is the director of Pismo Beach’s Stewardship and Education Outreach Program. She loves that the grove has been set back from sea level.
“It is so cool that you can go from the sea to the grove,” said she. “Within 5 minutes, you are in a fairy-tale eucalyptus world with giant trees, monarchs, and other creatures.”
Rhoads says late November to early December is a good time to see the monarchs of Pismo—though of course that can shift.
Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau
Monarch Grove Sanctuary (Pacific Grove)
Pacific Grove is a beachside town located adjacent to Monterey. Monarch Grove Sanctuary—and the overwintering populations here even garnered the hamlet the nickname “Butterfly Town, U.S.A.” During the October to February overwintering period, volunteer docents are present in the preserve to provide assistance and education.
Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove
Sarah Cusser works as a conservation ecologist for terrestrial invertebrates. Santa Barbara Botanic GardenHer professional life has been dedicated to the study of and protection of “bugs with jobs.” Butterflies are pollinators and they’re vital for plant reproduction. It’s not surprising that there are a pollinator garden You can find monarchs not only at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden but also in the wild.
The most popular place to view monarchs in Santa Barbara County, California is the Goleta Butterfly Grove Cusser told me that there are butterflies in Elwood Mesa. In a good season, you may see hundreds of butterflies, or thousands. And it’s just so magical—they look like little living, fluttering leaves.”
Cusser recommends that you check nearby for clusters. Carpinteria.
Pismo Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau
Monarch Butterflies: How to Help
Kim Zsembik is the regional coordinator for the Xerces Society Western Monarch Count Lead butterfly wranglers at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History For its Butterflies Alive Experience hopes that more people will be inspired by the “charismatic monarch species” to do more for their protection.
Zsembik explains that monarch lovers should be conscious of habitat destruction and vote to protect lands where monarchs live. Planting native milkweed is another way to help monarch caterpillars. It’s also the only plant that adult monarchs use for their eggs. Another step is to ask your local nursery for plants that aren’t sprayed with pesticides. These can harm monarchs at every stage. You can even volunteer to help count monarchs.
Zsembik explained that “collecting data allows you to see how conservation scientists and biologists do their work.” “And you’re part of a bigger movement—you’re doing something that’s really powerful for the planet. “Even just watching monarchs roosting in winter is an incredibly humbling, transformative experience.”
