Monarch Season in Pismo Beach: October through February
Each fall, the Monarch Butterflies migrate thousands of miles to California’s Central Coast, and Pismo Beach has long been one of their favorite wintering destinations. The Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove is one of only a few sites in the state that have historically hosted tens of thousands of butterflies, clustering in the limbs of tall Eucalyptus trees beside the coastal estuary.
2025–2026 Monarch Butterfly Season Update
Monarch butterflies are returning to Pismo Beach for the 2025–2026 overwintering season, and the first counts are in. The early-season survey at the Pismo Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove recorded 235 monarchs on November 2. This number is similar to last year’s early-season count, and we often see clusters continue to build through November as more butterflies arrive along the coast.
While it’s too early to know where the season will land, we remain hopeful for steady growth as migration continues. Peak viewing at the Grove typically occurs in December and January, with monarchs often visible into February depending on weather.
We’ll continue to update these counts throughout the season as more monarchs arrive and conditions evolve!
Previous Season’s Peak Monarch Counts
2022/23 Season: 24,128
2023/24 Season: 16,347 on December 13th, 2023
2024/25 Season: 556 Why so low?
2025/26 Season: 471 As of 11/22/25
Location & Accessibility
The Grove is located at the southern edge of Pismo Beach, just off Highway 1, and is free to visit. Trails are flat and accessible, making it easy to experience this unique natural phenomenon up close.
Important:
- Seasonal: You will not see monarchs from March through October.
- Educational Programs: California State Parks has created a helpful monarch video available on their YouTube Channel.
- Parking: Visitors may not park inside the North Beach Campground. Please park along Highway 1.
- School Groups: Reservations are required for all school group visits. Details are available here.
- Tour Buses: Accepted with advance reservation. Call 805-474-2663 to schedule.
