Status of the Population
After record low numbers last winter, how many monarchs will be migrating to Mexico this fall? That's the question on everybody's mind.

It's too early to know, but people across the breeding range are saying they're seeing more monarchs this year than last. Thank you for reporting sightings this summer, and into the fall. The observations are so helpful for monitoring the population.

Population Building
Monarchs can produce a new generation every 30 days, resulting in four generations during the typical breeding season. The population grows with each new generation — and by fall migration monarch numbers reach their peak. At no other time of year is the population larger. This generation must migrate to Mexico, survive the winter, and return next spring to begin the breeding season anew.

Fall Migration Begins Mid-August
Monarchs born in the north after mid-August will be the first members of the migratory generation. Get ready to watch for signs that the monarchs are on their way.