Monarch Butterfly Migration in Texas 2025

About half a million monarch butterflies pass through Texas every year. These tiny creatures cover over 1,500 mi (2,414 km), flying from their breeding grounds in Canada and the northern U.S. to Mexico, where they spend winter. Texas is strategically placed between two destinations, making it perfect for a brief stopover.

Migration Season

Monarch butterflies enter Texas in early September, following the route along I35 from Wichita Falls to Eagle Pass. One group of butterflies also flies along the Gulf Coast of Texas on their way to the Sierra Madre Range in Central Mexico. The first monarchs can be spotted in Texas in August, but the state experiences the peak of migration in mid-October. The migration is usually over by the end of October, with butterflies arriving at their wintering grounds in early November. In late March, the butterflies are back in Texas as they return north to breed.

Where to See Butterflies

Milkweed, other wildflowers, and vegetation are known to attract monarch butterflies. The creatures can be spotted in parks, coastal areas, and natural conservation spaces. During migration, butterflies arrive in swarms to Hill Country in central Texas, drawn to the prairies of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Other places include The Native Texas Butterfly Garden, Wildseed Farms, and the National Butterfly Center. Monarchs can also be spotted in San Antonio, famous for its migratory waves of butterflies.

The Native Texas Butterfly Garden at Heard Museum

Another place worth visiting is The Native Texas Butterfly Garden in The Heard National Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, located in McKinney, 32 miles (51 km) from the heart of Dallas. Visitors can encounter many free-flying native butterflies there. The garden is open from June 8 until September 28, welcoming visitors to observe monarchs and other pollinators. The grounds operate from 9 am until 4 pm on Thursday through Saturday and from 1 pm until 4 pm on Sunday. General admission costs $12 for adults, $9 for children between 3 and 12 years old, and people over 60 years old. Children under two have free admission.

Wildseed Farms

Monarch butterflies are abundant in Fredericksburg, 77 miles (124 km) from Austin. Wildseed Farms, the largest wildflower farm in the United States, celebrates the monarch season each October with special events and butterfly releases. The farm hosts the annual monarch celebration, scheduled for October 5th this year. The event gives an opportunity to observe butterflies in flight and spend time with your family. The butterfly gardens are open all week from 9:30 am until 5 pm and are surrounded by picturesque walking trails. While at the farm, consider tasting some exquisite wine or purchasing quality wildflower seeds.

National Butterfly Center in Mission

In the south, visit the National Butterfly Center in Mission, right on the US-Mexico border, situated 161 miles (259 km) from Corpus Christi. The center offers guided walks, a native plant sale, kids’ crafts, and other events during the season. The grounds are normally open all week, from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission costs $10 for adults, $5 for children between 5 and 12 years old, and is free for children under five. You can also purchase a weekly pass for $35. Local residents from Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, and Starr Counties are eligible for discounted admission.

Butterfly Events & Festivals

The arrival of these iconic butterflies is celebrated across the Lone Star State with various festivals and activities. There is the annual Butterfly Flutterby in Grapevine, Texas, every October. which features butterfly releases, art and educational exhibits, as well as a costume contest. Art displays can be seen at the Tower Gallery on South Main Street. The event is set to take place on October 19, 2024.

San Antonio hosts its own Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival held by The Texas Butterfly Ranch. This event features educational as well as artistic exhibits and is free for the public. National Butterfly Center in Mission celebrates all butterfly species by holding the Texas Butterfly Festival, which will take place on October 26-29, 2024.