Monarch butterflies 2025 in michoacán and state of mexico

Monarch Butterfly Season 2025: the best road routes to admire them in Michoacán and the State of Mexico

Every year, with the arrival of autumn, millions of monarch butterflies migrate from North America to hibernate in the oyamel forests located between Michoacán and the State of Mexico. If you’re planning to experience this unique natural wonder, here’s a complete guide with the best road routes, must‑see sanctuaries, and useful tips to plan your trip for the 2025 monarch butterfly season.

When is monarch butterfly season?

The hibernation period begins in November and lasts until late March, depending on weather conditions. The first sightings usually occur in November, right after the rainy season and when temperatures start to drop.

If you’re planning your trip, the best time is between December and February, when the colonies are most active and visible. Having your own car makes all the difference to visit more than one sanctuary at your own pace. With car rental from Hertz Mexico, you can design your route from nearby cities like Morelia, Toluca, or Mexico City, and enjoy the flexibility of reaching less crowded spots, stopping at magical towns, and making the most of a complete road trip to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.

What is the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve?

This reserve is one of the Protected Natural Areas administered by CONANP and SEMARNAT. It is located in eastern Michoacán, on the border with western State of Mexico. It covers 56,259 hectares, divided into three core zones and two buffer zones.

Here, oyamel forests offer the ideal environment for monarch butterflies to form their colonies, hanging from branches and trunks, hibernating before beginning their spring return. From November to March, the natural spectacle is unmatched: trees turn orange and black as the butterflies cluster together, covering branches and trunks.

What are the main monarch butterfly sanctuaries and how to get there?

Here are the most visited sanctuaries, their locations, and suggested road routes. Traveling by rental car gives you flexibility to plan your itinerary, stop at viewpoints, enjoy the scenery, and choose less crowded times.

Sierra Chincua, Angangueo, Michoacán

From Morelia, take the highway toward Zitácuaro and continue to Angangueo. From Mexico City, connect via the Mexico–Toluca federal highway, turning toward Zitácuaro. Once nearby, follow local signs to Angangueo and the visitor center.

El Rosario, Ocampo, Michoacán

El Rosario is another emblematic sanctuary within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. It’s very close to Angangueo, in the municipality of Ocampo. From Zitácuaro, take local routes to Ocampo and follow the signs to El Rosario.

Piedra Herrada Sanctuary, State of Mexico

Located in Temascaltepec/Valle de Bravo, State of Mexico. From Toluca, take the Mexico–Toluca federal highway, then turn toward Temascaltepec, passing mountain communities. If you don’t have your own car, you can rent a car in Toluca to fully enjoy the butterfly experience.

El Capulín and La Mesa, State of Mexico

El Capulín is in Donato Guerra municipality, State of Mexico. From Toluca, drive toward Villa Victoria, then take the local road to El Oro to reach the sanctuary. La Mesa, in Sierra Campanario on the border of Michoacán and State of Mexico, is also accessible via detours from Villa Victoria or Toluca, following mountain roads and local signs to the ejido.

What are the best road routes to reach the monarch butterfly sanctuaries?

Depending on your starting point, here are two recommended routes:

• From Mexico City: the most efficient route is the Mexico–Toluca highway, continuing to Toluca, then the federal road to Temascaltepec, with exits to various sanctuaries (Piedra Herrada, La Mesa, El Capulín). Car rental in Mexico City gives you the advantage of leaving early, avoiding traffic, stopping in towns, and arriving before sunset, when butterflies gather in the trees.

• From Morelia: the ideal route is via the Morelia–Zitácuaro highway, connecting with local roads to Angangueo, Ocampo, and other sanctuaries on the Michoacán side. With car rental in Morelia, you can explore several sanctuaries in one trip, stay overnight in nearby communities, and return via different routes, enjoying mountain landscapes, forests, and viewpoints.

The monarch butterfly season 2025 is approaching, and you can’t miss one of the most unforgettable natural experiences. Traveling by road—from Mexico City, Toluca, Morelia, or other cities—with a rental car lets you create your own itinerary, stop at viewpoints, visit mountain towns, and make the most of your time. Connect with nature in a unique way!