San Luis Refugewildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in San Luis Refuge · September
- Kesterson Unit open (on foot) · Feb–Sep
- Monarch butterfly fall migration peak · Sep
185days to the next wildflowers seasonApr 1–30, Wildflowers around the vernal pools in April, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 11:56 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
San Luis National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Kesterson Unit open (on foot)NowFeb–Sep
- Wildflowers around the vernal poolsApr
- Tule elk rut and bugling peakAug
- Monarch butterfly fall migration peakNowSep
Best spots around San Luis National Wildlife Refuge
- Wetland nature trailShort stroll from right outside the visitor center
- Sousa Marsh nature trailOne of the refuge's 8 nature trails, on foot only
- Tule Elk auto tour routeDrive-only route from the main entrance on Wolfsen Road
- Kesterson UnitOpen on foot only, February 15 through September 15
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Species (Nature's Calendar) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in San Luis National Wildlife Refuge in 2027?
Wildflowers around the vernal pools in April, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Apr 1–30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in San Luis National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 185 days (Apr 1–30, Wildflowers around the vernal pools in April, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
When do the wildflowers bloom?
April is the month the refuge's calendar gives for abundant wildflowers around the vernal pools. Early spring wildflowers then give way to summer grasses.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Species (Nature's Calendar) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How hot does it get?
Summer can stay over 100 degrees for weeks at a time. Bring plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen; mosquitoes can be very active, especially in fall and spring.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I walk the auto tour routes?
No: the auto tour routes are for vehicles only. Walk one of the nature trails instead. There's no fee for the visitor center, auto tour routes or nature trails.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in San Luis National Wildlife Refuge?
Wetland nature trail: short stroll from right outside the visitor center; Sousa Marsh nature trail: one of the refuge's 8 nature trails, on foot only; Tule Elk auto tour route: drive-only route from the main entrance on Wolfsen Road; Kesterson Unit: open on foot only, February 15 through September 15.
What is San Luis National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Wildflowers around the vernal pools (Apr), Kesterson Unit open (on foot) (Feb–Sep), Tule elk rut and bugling peak (Aug) and Monarch butterfly fall migration peak (Sep).