Pacific Grove monarch butterflies: when and where to see them
Every fall, western monarch butterflies come back to the trees of Pacific Grove, which the city calls “Butterfly Town, U.S.A.” Here is when to go, what time of day to see clusters or butterflies in flight, the sanctuary rules, and an honest look at this season’s numbers, all from the city and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History.
The short version: Monarchs overwinter at the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary, 250 Ridge Road, typically arriving in mid-October and leaving in February, with the peak around late November. The museum recommends visiting November through January: before 11 am or on cool overcast days to see clusters, and after 11 am on sunny days to see them flying over the nectar beds. Entry is free, no reservations, open sunrise to sunset, and no dogs. As of the museum’s Nov 6, 2026 update, numbers are low this season with no large clusters.
Monarchs arrive
And leave in February, per the museum.
Typical peak
Visit November through January.
Admission
No reservations. Sunrise to sunset.
Maximum fine
For disturbing the butterflies.
Season and time of day
From the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, which runs the sanctuary docents and monarch counts.
The season
Western monarchs start arriving in low numbers in mid-October, peak around late November and leave in February. The museum recommends visiting from November through January. The city notes that by March most have left on their spring migration.
To see clusters
Go in the morning before 11 am, or on overcast days below 55°F. Clustered monarchs look like small pinecones or brown leaves hanging from the branches. They rarely use the same tree every day, so ask a docent.
To see them fly
Go after 11 am, or on sunny days above 55°F. Monarchs gather at the nectar beds at the south end of the trail, in the lower part of the sanctuary.
This season (2026)
The museum’s Nov 6, 2026 update says the population is low, with no large clusters, though afternoon visitors can see monarchs around the nectar beds. It expects the peak around the end of November but predicts low numbers in Pacific Grove, and suggests Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz and the Pismo Beach Butterfly Reserve for larger groups.
Getting there and what to expect
Where
Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary, 250 Ridge Road, Pacific Grove. The museum says it is the largest monarch overwintering site in Monterey County.
Hours and cost
Open sunrise to sunset every day, including weekends and holidays. It closes only when high winds make a visit unsafe. Admission is free and no reservations are needed.
Parking and access
Parking is free but limited, on nearby streets such as Lighthouse Avenue. There is no bus parking. The trail is packed gravel with a slight downhill slope, and the sanctuary is ADA accessible.
Docents
Museum monarch docents are often at the sanctuary from October through February, generally 11 am to 3 pm, weather permitting.
Make a day of it
For more walks and hikes, see best hikes in Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel-by-the-Sea walks.
Sanctuary rules
The museum’s etiquette list, enforced by the Pacific Grove Police Department.
Stay on the paths
Keep to the designated trail.
No pets
Dogs and other pets are not allowed, for the butterflies’ safety.
Hands off
Do not touch, pick up, chase or otherwise disturb the butterflies. The museum says the fine is up to $1,000; the city’s page lists a $1,000 fine for the “molestation of butterflies.”
Quiet, no food or smoking
Keep voices down. No food or smoking inside the sanctuary.
How Pacific Grove’s monarch counts have looked
From the city’s 2026 sanctuary assessment, prepared for Pacific Grove Public Works.
Last season (2025 to 2026)
The sanctuary’s official Thanksgiving count was 188 monarchs on November 21, 2025, and it peaked at 226 on December 12, 2025. Monarchs had left the grove by early February.
Statewide
The California Thanksgiving count total was 12,260 monarchs at more than 100 sites in fall 2025, up about a third from 9,119 in 2024.
Pacific Grove’s share
Since 1999 the sanctuary has averaged about 7% of the statewide Thanksgiving count (from 1% to 14%), and since 2001 about 37% of Monterey County’s total.
The bigger picture
The museum says the western monarch population has lost over 99% of its historic numbers. The city notes the Xerces Society ranked the Pacific Grove sanctuary the 6th most important California overwintering site in a 2016 report.
Helping monarchs at home
The museum’s advice for local gardeners.
Plant native nectar plants
Choose natives that bloom in fall, winter or spring if you live near an overwintering site like Pacific Grove.
Milkweed only inland
The museum recommends planting native milkweed only if you live at least five miles from the coast, because milkweed is not native to coastal California and can disrupt migration.
Skip pesticides
Avoid herbicides and insecticides around your home.
Volunteer
The museum invites volunteers at the sanctuary to educate visitors or gather data on the western monarch population.
Thinking about living on the Peninsula?
I help buyers across Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel and Pebble Beach find the right town and the right street. I represented the buyers of San Antonio 2 SW of 10th ($7M) and Lincoln 3 NE of 5th ($4.4M), and both sides of Torres 2 SE of 10th ($5.54M).
Start with a 30-minute call.
Buying in CarmelBuying in Carmel-by-the-SeaBuying in Pebble Beach
Curious what homes cost near the sanctuary?
Call or text 831-747-0310, or book a 30-minute call.
Before you rely on this
- Visiting details and this season’s outlook are from the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History monarch page (updated Nov 6, 2026), checked Nov 10, 2026. Monarch numbers change week to week; check the museum’s page before you go.
- Count figures are from the City of Pacific Grove’s 2026 Monarch Grove Sanctuary assessment. The sanctuary address, hours and fine are from the city and museum pages.
Pacific Grove monarchs: quick questions
When is the best time to see monarch butterflies in Pacific Grove?
November through January, per the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. Monarchs arrive in mid-October, peak around late November and leave in February.
Where is the Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary?
At 250 Ridge Road in Pacific Grove. Parking is free but limited, on nearby streets such as Lighthouse Avenue.
Is the monarch sanctuary free?
Yes. There is no admission fee and no reservation. It is open sunrise to sunset daily and closes only in unsafe high winds.
Are dogs allowed at the monarch sanctuary?
No. Pets are not permitted, for the safety of the butterflies.
What time of day is best to see the monarchs?
Before 11 am or on cool overcast days to see them clustered in the trees; after 11 am on sunny days to see them flying around the nectar beds at the south end of the trail.
How many monarchs are in Pacific Grove this year?
The museum’s Nov 6, 2026 update says numbers are low with no large clusters. Last season the official Thanksgiving count was 188, with a peak of 226 on December 12, 2025, per the city’s 2026 assessment.
Updated November 2026 · Facts checked Nov 10, 2026 against the City of Pacific Grove and the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Get The Balog Report.
Peninsula market notes, Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach listings worth a look, and the practical local tips I share with clients between showings.
Want a sample? Read the latest issue. Planning a move? Get in touch.
The next issue of The Balog Report will land in your inbox. Can’t wait? Read the latest issue.
