Best Time to See Snakes in Arkansas
April, May and June is the best time to see snakes in Arkansas. Based on 27,013 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when snakes 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 June 28, 2026.
27,013 verified observations of snakes in Arkansas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in Arkansas
Peak month
April
6,014 records (22.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 126 | 0.5% |
| February | 408 | 1.5% |
| March | 2,826 | 10.5% |
| Aprilpeak | 6,014 | 22.3% |
| Maypeak | 5,757 | 21.3% |
| Junepeak | 3,125 | 11.6% |
| July | 1,877 | 6.9% |
| August | 1,806 | 6.7% |
| September | 2,292 | 8.5% |
| October | 1,859 | 6.9% |
| November | 772 | 2.9% |
| December | 151 | 0.6% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Prairie Lizard | 2,729 |
| Western Ratsnake | 1,817 |
| Common Five-lined Skink | 1,542 |
| Ring-necked Snake | 1,497 |
| Northern Cottonmouth | 1,323 |
| DeKay's Brownsnake | 1,298 |
| Common Watersnake | 1,162 |
| Speckled Kingsnake | 1,153 |
Sightings of snakes in Arkansas peak in April, when 6,014 of the year's 27,013 verified observations are logged — about 22.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and June.
The quietest stretch is January and December, when snakes are hardest to find — January sees just 126 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The snakes you are most likely to encounter in Arkansas are Prairie Lizard, Western Ratsnake and Common Five-lined Skink — 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 snakes 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
Plan your snake trip in Arkansas
Start with live tours near Arkansas Post National Memorial, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Arkansas Post National Memorial
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main snake viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Arkansas Post National Memorial
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best snake viewing area in Arkansas.
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Broader backupBook a snake tour in Arkansas
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see snakes in Arkansas?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and June, based on 27,013 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in Arkansas?+
January is the quietest month for snakes in Arkansas, with only 126 verified records.
Are snakes active year-round in Arkansas?+
Snakes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Arkansas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.