See Millions Of Monarch Butterflies In New Hampshire This Spring

In a life of uncertainties, it’s nice to know that we can always rely on nature to bring some peace, calm, and beauty. Every year in New Hampshire we can rely on spring to bring us out of winter, even if that spring takes a while to arrive. One of the other benefits of springtime in New Hampshire is the beautiful Monarch butterfly migration that makes its way through the state. Each year these beautiful butterflies head north and then south again. They’re fairly easy to spot, you just need to know when to look. So, when do monarch butterflies migrate through New Hampshire? We’ll let you know exactly when to see Monarch butterflies in New Hampshire.

The Monarch butterfly might *seem* delicate, but did you know they undertake a 3,000-mile migration two times each year?

Every spring the Monarch butterfly makes its way from warm climates like Mexico and Florida towards cooler places up north.

While they’re strong, it’s unlikely that the ones who leave for the journey will make it all the way to their destination. In actuality, there’s a first generation of butterflies who lay eggs along the way. These eggs hatch and continue the trip.

This cycle repeats and these second or third-generation Monarchs are the ones that complete the entire journey. These are the Monarchs we may see in New England. From here, they’ll continue until they get to their northern destination. They’ll stay here until the fall when they head back down south. This is referred to as "overwintering."

Seeing the butterflies is a good indication that summer is nearly here!

While It’s hard to say why the Monarchs make this journey, scientists believe that sensing longer days and warmer weather triggers their flight.

And, when the weather changes again in the fall, back down they go following similar paths!

The best thing about this beautiful migration is that you don’t need to spend any money to enjoy it! Just make sure you’re spending a little more time outdoors this spring.

In fact, if you're asked by a curious spring vacationer, "Are there monarch butterflies in New Hampshire yet?" simply direct them outside.

While the spring and fall migrations are similar, there is one clear difference you’ll see. In the spring and fall migration, the butterflies interact differently. In the spring they’re likely to be solo, but the colder temperatures in the fall cause them to gather in roosts to stay warm.

The route changes slightly each year, but if you want to track the best time to see monarch butterflies in New Hampshire consider checking out last year's interactive map.

Have you seen the Monarch butterflies in New Hampshire? If so, let us know if you have any tips or tricks for seeing them. One thing I might try is using binoculars to spot them. This might also be a good way to check out the spring hummingbird migration in New Hampshire this year.

To learn more about the spring Monarch migration that happens each year, check out the Monarch Watch website. You can also track them across the country using the interactive map on the Journey North website, which will even track the migration path from past years.

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Michelle S. | February 18, 2024

What are the best hiking trails in New Hampshire during spring?

The best hiking trails in New Hampshire during spring can be found across the state. Here are a few you'll love:

Crawford Notch State Park: The entirety of Crawford Notch State Park offers lots of great ways to enjoy Spring in New Hampshire. There are over 4,000 miles of trails to explore.
Baldface Circle Trail, Chatham: This is a great trail any time of year, but it's great in spring you'll be able to see Emerald Pool in all its glory.
A fun family hike: A great way to enjoy spring in New Hampshire is to take the family for a fun adventure outdoors.

Which hikes in New Hampshire are short and sweet?

The hikes in New Hampshire that are short and sweet still offer plenty of time to soak up the state. Here are a few fun trails to try:

Echo Lake, North Conway: Located in the southern part of the state, the Echo Lake Trail is short, relatively flat, and just under a mile looping around the lake.
Rainbow Falls Trail, Walter-Newton Natural Area: This hike offers a little bit of everything, and it’s a great hike for beginners and families with little ones.
The Heron Point Sanctuary, Newmarket: This beautiful route is about 1.2 miles sitting within 32 acres of forest that's been set aside for recreation.

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Millions Of Monarch Butterflies Are Headed Straight For New Hampshire This Spring

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