Best Time to See Black Widows in Arkansas
September, July and August is the best time to see black widows in Arkansas. Based on 1,111 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when black widows are most active across the year in Arkansas.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.

Northern Black Widow · Joseph McPhail CC BY

Western Black Widow · Rebecca Ray CC BY

Western Black Widow · Michael Eisen CC BY
1,111 verified observations of black widows in Arkansas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When black widows are recorded in Arkansas
Peak month
September
163 records (14.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14 | 1.3% |
| February | 17 | 1.5% |
| March | 57 | 5.1% |
| April | 105 | 9.5% |
| May | 129 | 11.6% |
| June | 111 | 10% |
| Julypeak | 145 | 13.1% |
| Augustpeak | 135 | 12.2% |
| Septemberpeak | 163 | 14.7% |
| October | 131 | 11.8% |
| November | 64 | 5.8% |
| December | 40 | 3.6% |
Black Widows you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Southern Black Widow | 715 |
| Northern Black Widow | 225 |
| Western Black Widow | 4 |
| Brown Widow | 2 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arkansas
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when black widows are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for black widows sit around 68 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52°F | 36°F | 4.7" |
| Feb | 54°F | 36°F | 5.3" |
| Mar | 64°F | 45°F | 6.1" |
| Apr | 71°F | 52°F | 6.8" |
| May | 80°F | 62°F | 5.3" |
| Jun | 88°F | 70°F | 4.4" |
| Julbest time | 92°F | 74°F | 3.7" |
| Augbest time | 91°F | 74°F | 3.3" |
| Sepbest time | 87°F | 68°F | 2" |
| Oct | 74°F | 56°F | 4.3" |
| Nov | 61°F | 43°F | 3.1" |
| Dec | 57°F | 40°F | 3.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Arkansas. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of black widows in Arkansas peak in September, when 163 of the year's 1,111 verified observations are logged — about 14.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, July and August.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when black widows are hardest to find — January sees just 14 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The black widows you are most likely to encounter in Arkansas are Southern Black Widow, Northern Black Widow and Western Black Widow — 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 black widows in Arkansas
- Arkansas Post National Memorial — National Memorial
- Buffalo National River — National River
- Hot Springs National Park — National Park
- Pea Ridge National Military Park — National Military Park
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Fort Smith National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see black widows in Arkansas?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, July and August, based on 1,111 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are black widows hardest to see in Arkansas?+
January is the quietest month for black widows in Arkansas, with only 14 verified records.
Are black widows active year-round in Arkansas?+
Black widows are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arkansas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More wildlife in Arkansas