diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index 62bcc6c..d3396bc 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -74,6 +74,9 @@ jobs:
           CIBW_ARCHS: "${{ matrix.cibw_archs }}"
           # disable finding unintended freetype installations
           CIBW_ENVIRONMENT_WINDOWS: "AGGDRAW_FREETYPE_ROOT=''"
+          # we use libpng/libfreetype from homebrew which has a current limit of
+          # macos 12 (Monterey): https://formulae.brew.sh/formula/libomp
+          CIBW_ENVIRONMENT_MACOS: MACOSX_DEPLOYMENT_TARGET=12
       - name: upload
         uses: actions/upload-artifact@v3
         with: