Best Time to See Fire Ants in Arkansas
April, March and September is the best time to see fire ants in Arkansas. Based on 345 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when fire ants 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.
Red Imported Fire Ant · Sam Kieschnick CC BY
Red Imported Fire Ant · Emmett Collins-Sussman CC BY
Red Imported Fire Ant · Meghan Cassidy CC BY-SA
345 verified observations of fire ants in Arkansas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When fire ants are recorded in Arkansas
Peak month
April
87 records (25.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 1.4% |
| February | 12 | 3.5% |
| Marchpeak | 47 | 13.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 87 | 25.2% |
| May | 36 | 10.4% |
| June | 21 | 6.1% |
| July | 8 | 2.3% |
| August | 23 | 6.7% |
| Septemberpeak | 38 | 11% |
| October | 29 | 8.4% |
| November | 21 | 6.1% |
| December | 18 | 5.2% |
Fire Ants you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red Imported Fire Ant | 345 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Arkansas
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when fire ants are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for fire ants sit around 45 to 87 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" |
| Marbest time | 64°F | 45°F | 6.1" |
| Aprbest time | 71°F | 52°F | 6.8" |
| May | 80°F | 62°F | 5.3" |
| Jun | 88°F | 70°F | 4.4" |
| Jul | 92°F | 74°F | 3.7" |
| Aug | 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 fire ants in Arkansas peak in April, when 87 of the year's 345 verified observations are logged — about 25.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and September.
The quietest stretch is January, when fire ants are hardest to find — January sees just 5 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The fire ants you are most likely to encounter in Arkansas are Red Imported Fire Ant — 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 fire ants 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 fire ants in Arkansas?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and September, based on 345 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are fire ants hardest to see in Arkansas?+
January is the quietest month for fire ants in Arkansas, with only 5 verified records.
Are fire ants active year-round in Arkansas?+
Fire ants are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arkansas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Arkansas