Best Time to See Scorpions in Arizona
August, July and September is the best time to see scorpions in Arizona. Based on 10,567 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when scorpions are most active across the year in Arizona.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Western Forest Scorpion · Seth CC BY
Black Hairy Scorpion · Public domain CC0
Southern Devil Scorpion · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
10,567 verified observations of scorpions in Arizona, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When scorpions are recorded in Arizona
Peak month
August
1,757 records (16.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 219 | 2.1% |
| February | 338 | 3.2% |
| March | 936 | 8.9% |
| April | 1,085 | 10.3% |
| May | 1,090 | 10.3% |
| June | 1,113 | 10.5% |
| Julypeak | 1,599 | 15.1% |
| Augustpeak | 1,757 | 16.6% |
| Septemberpeak | 1,155 | 10.9% |
| October | 691 | 6.5% |
| November | 384 | 3.6% |
| December | 200 | 1.9% |
Scorpions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Stripe-tailed Scorpion | 3,789 |
| Arizona Bark Scorpion | 2,410 |
| Desert Hairy Scorpion | 1,144 |
| Yellow Devil Scorpion | 805 |
| Superstition Mountains Scorpion | 185 |
| Pseudouroctonus santarita | 175 |
| Vaejovis deboerae | 129 |
| Dune Scorpion | 123 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arizona
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when scorpions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for scorpions sit around 64 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Feb | 52°F | 34°F | 1.9" |
| Mar | 58°F | 39°F | 2.7" |
| Apr | 71°F | 49°F | 0.2" |
| May | 77°F | 56°F | 0.3" |
| Jun | 88°F | 66°F | 0.3" |
| Julbest time | 91°F | 72°F | 2.7" |
| Augbest time | 88°F | 70°F | 2.2" |
| Sepbest time | 84°F | 64°F | 1.4" |
| Oct | 73°F | 52°F | 0.6" |
| Nov | 63°F | 43°F | 1.5" |
| Dec | 53°F | 36°F | 2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Arizona. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of scorpions in Arizona peak in August, when 1,757 of the year's 10,567 verified observations are logged — about 16.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and September.
The quietest stretch is December and January, when scorpions are hardest to find — December sees just 200 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The scorpions you are most likely to encounter in Arizona are Stripe-tailed Scorpion, Arizona Bark Scorpion and Desert Hairy Scorpion — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see scorpions in Arizona
- Chiricahua National Monument — National Monument
- Coronado National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Bowie National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Grand Canyon National Park — National Park
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Montezuma Castle National Monument — National Monument
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see scorpions in Arizona?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and September, based on 10,567 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are scorpions hardest to see in Arizona?+
December is the quietest month for scorpions in Arizona, with only 200 verified records.
Are scorpions active year-round in Arizona?+
Scorpions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arizona, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More wildlife in Arizona