Visit Monarchs at the Monarch Sanctuary

Monarch season is over! Check in again next October.

Monarch season in Pacific Grove typically runs from October – February, with peak seasons from November – January. The 2024 monarch season was impacted by record heatwaves in the monarch’s northern grounds and droughts in California. This led to low monarch populations and a shorter monarch season.

Migratory monarch butterflies are a highly threatened species whose population has plummeted with human development of their habitats, climate change, and pesticide poisonings. We support the proposed listing of monarch butterflies as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Learn more and support monarch butterflies with the links below.  

Last updated Feb 22, 2025

Want to learn more?

Listen to this 4-minute story by NPR

Read a press release by the Xerces Society about the 2024 monarch monitoring results

Show your support of the proposed federal listing of monarchs with a public comment

A green sign says "Monarch Habitat Sanctuary" with an arrow pointing to the right.

About the Sanctuary

A small cluster of monarchs with their wings folded perch on the branches and curved leaves of a eucalyptus tree.

Monarch Viewing FAQs

A dense cluster of monarchs, pale wings folded, a few monarchs with vibrant wings opened, perch on the needles of a Monterey pine tree.

Monarch Migration FAQs