Butterfly releases can be a memorable addition to any celebration or ceremony. From weddings to memorials, butterfly releases offer a moment of peace and reflection for all in attendance, symbolizing hope, transformation, and beauty.
If you’re planning an event during the colder months, you might wonder if you can include this breathtaking moment in your ceremony. However, it’s important to understand the temperature considerations for these critters so you can plan a successful release.
Why the Temperature Matters
Butterflies are gorgeous creatures that we marvel at for their resiliency and grace. However, they are cold-blooded and need a certain amount of warmth to fly.
At cooler temperatures, butterflies are put into a hibernation-like state and will be too sluggish and lethargic to take flight. Some butterfly species can survive dry, freezing weather. However, they’re unlikely to fly in these conditions and will die if they get wet.
In other words, if you try to do a butterfly release during cold weather, you probably won’t get the breathtaking sea of butterflies in the sky that you’re hoping for.
What is the Minimum Temperature for a Butterfly Release?
We generally recommend releasing Monarch butterflies in temperatures no cooler than 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 degrees for Painted Lady butterflies.
To put it plainly, the warmer the weather, the better. The ideal temperature for a release is 70 degrees or higher, which means winter isn’t typically the best time of year for a butterfly release.
Releasing butterflies in colder weather can result in them landing on the ground, which is not only disappointing visually but also puts the butterflies at risk. Grounded butterflies can be injured, stepped on, or mishandled by well-meaning attendees trying to relocate them.
How to Do a Wintertime Butterfly Release
If you live in an area with mild winters where temperatures stay above or around 55 degrees, you can still plan for a captivating butterfly release as part of your special occasion.
Even if the temperature is above the minimum recommendation, you’ll still need to follow the appropriate steps to ensure a successful release. Here are the main pointers and tips to follow:
- Ensure the event venue allows releases.
- Plan the right number of butterflies for guests in attendance. A good rule of thumb is to plan for one butterfly for every two guests.
- Plan your release for the daytime, about one to two hours before sunset.
- Leave the butterflies outside in the shade for about an hour before the release to acclimate to the temperature. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight to warm up.
- Distribute/prepare the containers housing the butterflies when they’re adequately warmed up.
- Release the butterflies into the environment, marveling at their natural beauty as you and your guests watch them begin to flit their wings and take flight.
When the weather is right, a butterfly release is a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone in attendance. However, if you don’t anticipate favorable release conditions on the day of your event, you may want to forgo or postpone it until the weather is more suitable.