Best Time to See Copperheads in Arkansas
May, April and July is the best time to see copperheads in Arkansas. Based on 861 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when copperheads 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.
Eastern Copperhead · Court Harding CC BY
Eastern Copperhead · Mila C. CC BY
Eastern Copperhead · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
861 verified observations of copperheads in Arkansas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When copperheads are recorded in Arkansas
Peak month
May
190 records (22.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 0.2% |
| February | 1 | 0.1% |
| March | 35 | 4.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 155 | 18% |
| Maypeak | 190 | 22.1% |
| June | 119 | 13.8% |
| Julypeak | 132 | 15.3% |
| August | 53 | 6.2% |
| September | 115 | 13.4% |
| October | 48 | 5.6% |
| November | 10 | 1.2% |
| December | 1 | 0.1% |
Copperheads you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Copperhead | 861 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arkansas
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when copperheads are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for copperheads sit around 52 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" |
| Aprbest time | 71°F | 52°F | 6.8" |
| Maybest time | 80°F | 62°F | 5.3" |
| Jun | 88°F | 70°F | 4.4" |
| Julbest time | 92°F | 74°F | 3.7" |
| Aug | 91°F | 74°F | 3.3" |
| Sep | 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 copperheads in Arkansas peak in May, when 190 of the year's 861 verified observations are logged — about 22.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and July.
The quietest stretch is February and December, when copperheads are hardest to find — February sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The copperheads you are most likely to encounter in Arkansas are Eastern Copperhead — 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 copperheads 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 copperheads in Arkansas?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and July, based on 861 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are copperheads hardest to see in Arkansas?+
February is the quietest month for copperheads in Arkansas, with only 1 verified records.
Are copperheads active year-round in Arkansas?+
Copperheads are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arkansas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Arkansas