Monarch Butterfly Reserves, Michoac, Mexico: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Monarch Butterfly Reserves, Michoac, Mexico? If you're planning to go to Monarch Butterfly Reserves, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Monarch Butterfly Reserves
  2. Important essentials for Monarch Butterfly Reserves
  3. Activities for Monarch Butterfly Reserves
  4. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Monarch Butterfly Reserves in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Monarch Butterfly Reserves, Michoac, Mexico

Based on the climate and weather in Monarch Butterfly Reserves, Michoac, Mexico, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Monarch Butterfly Reserves, Michoac, Mexico

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Monarch Butterfly Reserves, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Monarch Butterfly Reserves, Michoac, Mexico by month

January

January for Monarch Butterfly Reserves can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to get the correct type. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February in Monarch Butterfly Reserves is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

March

March here is really hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

If you visit Monarch Butterfly Reserves during April, you are likely to notice that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. The majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

May

If you vacation in Monarch Butterfly Reserves during May, you may notice that it is sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the necessary kind. Most adapters available are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

June

In June, Monarch Butterfly Reserves can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Monarch Butterfly Reserves, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct type. Most adapters on sale are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

July

July for Monarch Butterfly Reserves is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

In August, Monarch Butterfly Reserves is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Monarch Butterfly Reserves, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

September

In September, Monarch Butterfly Reserves is really hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Monarch Butterfly Reserves, with several of the days of the month having rain.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the correct kind. Most adapters available online are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

If you visit Monarch Butterfly Reserves during October, you might notice that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the right type. A lot of adapters available online are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

November

If you visit Monarch Butterfly Reserves during November, you will probably see that it can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the right kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

If you go to Monarch Butterfly Reserves in December, you will notice that it is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Mexico has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Monarch Butterfly Reserves. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. A lot of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Monarch Butterfly Reserves, Michoac, Mexico

The Monarch Butterfly Reserves in Michoacan, Mexico are possibly one of the most stunning natural phenomena in the world. Every year, millions of orange and black Monarch butterflies flock to these forests, creating a breathtaking sight. Visitors from around the world come to experience these gorgeous creatures, and the area is a must-see if you're into nature, hiking, or bird watching.

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Monarch Butterfly Reserves:

1. El Rosario: El Rosario is arguably the most popular reserve in Michoacan, and for good reason. This is where tourists can witness the greatest concentration of butterflies during the winter months, and the hiking trail that leads to the reserve is picturesque.

2. La Mesa: La Mesa is another popular reserve. It's much smaller than El Rosario, but equally as impressive. Visitors can take a horseback ride or hike up to the reserve and witness the Monarchs in their natural habitat.

3. Sierra Chincua: A visit to Sierra Chincua is an unforgettable experience. The hike up to the reserve takes about 45 minutes, but the view is worth it. The butterflies in this reserve are particularly picturesque because they tend to cluster on the trees located on the basin's topography.

4. The Piedra Herrada Sanctuary: It is said that Piedra Herrada sanctuary features the most extended hiking trails amongst all of Hungary's reserves. Located in the Estado de Mexico, it has the perfect weather, particularly during the winter months when the butterflies migrate.

5. The Sanctuario de Mariposas: This reserve, located near the local town of Angangueo, features not only the Monarch butterflies but also the locals' unique way of life. There is plenty to see and do in the town of Angangueo, and it's a perfect way to taste some traditional Mexican food.

In conclusion, if you're interested in experiencing something truly extraordinary, the Monarch Butterfly Reserves in Michoacan, Mexico, are a must-visit destination. The sight of millions of butterflies clustering on a single tree is a mind-boggling experience that you won't forget anytime soon. While visiting the reserves, be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes, pack sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Countless trails lead to and from the butterfly reserves, so be sure to plan your visit ahead of time.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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