Winter is a popular time of year for tourists to visit the Golden State, and they aren’t the only ones. Monarch butterflies make their way in droves down the California coastline as the cold weather settles in, congregating in certain coastal communities until the spring. The sight of these beautiful insects is something we look forward to every year, and it’s a phenomenon you will definitely want to witness for yourself sometime. This year’s monarch butterfly migration has already started, so keep reading to learn all about where you can expect to see these gorgeous creatures.

Monarch butterflies are truly magnificent little creatures. Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are the only known butterfly species in North America that migrate in both spring and fall.
Peter Miller/Flickr
These gorgeous butterflies do something amazing once the seasons begin to change from summer to fall. They migrate to their "second homes" to escape colder climates. Monarchs simply can't survive in cold winters, so they use environmental cues to know when it's time to start migrating to warmer areas.
pat1479/Flickr
Butterfly populations from Eastern North America overwinter in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Mexico, whereas populations from Western North America overwinter in California. They settle in many of California's coastal areas, stretching all the way from Mendocino to San Diego.
U.S. Forest Service

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There are around 400 sites along California's coast where monarchs are known to gather during wintertime. Mendocino County is the northernmost of the roosting area but it is considered a transient site since butterflies are only present here for several weeks during wintertime.
USFWS Midwest Region/Flickr
Large populations of these migrating insects can be found in places like Pacific Grove and Santa Cruz. Both of these destinations have become popular spots for viewing the monarch butterfly migration.
Chris D 2006/Flickr
The congregation sites themselves are truly a spectacular sight to see. During this time, monarchs gather close together for warmth and they often settle on tree branches with thick canopies. There will often be dozens, or even hundreds, of butterflies on a single branch!
Claus Dahm/Flickr
Migration begins every year in October and the butterflies don't fly back typically until February or March. That means there are a solid five months a year that you can seek out these beautiful insects at their overwintering areas.
lamoustique/Flickr

Have you witnessed the monarch butterfly migration for yourself yet? The sight of hundreds of butterflies settling in one spot is truly spectacular! Check out more beautiful insects when you plan a visit to The Butterfly Forest In Northern California That’s The Perfect Family Destination.

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