Fireflies in Georgia typically start to come out in late spring, with many sightings beginning as early as the third week of May and continuing through June and into the summer months. Their peak activity often occurs between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, though this can vary year to year depending on weather conditions like temperature and rainfall. Fireflies love warm, humid weather and are most active on warm summer evenings. The synchronous firefly displays, especially notable in areas like the Great Smoky Mountains, usually peak for two to three weeks in early to mid-June. In North Georgia, fireflies are often seen lighting up yards and forest edges at dusk during the summer. Some species show unique flashing patterns that can last about 90 minutes after sunset. The presence and timing of fireflies are influenced by soil moisture and mild winters that help larvae survive and mature by early summer. To sum up, in Georgia:
- Fireflies begin emerging mostly from the third week of May onward,
- Peak activity is around late May through early July,
- Warm, humid evenings enhance their visibility and activity,
- Different species may have different flashing times and patterns, with some rare species appearing earlier in the season.
For the best viewing, it is recommended to look for fireflies at dusk in natural areas with healthy soil, moisture, and low light pollution during warm evenings in late spring to early summer.
