Best Time to See Lone Star Ticks in California
May is the best time to see lone star ticks in California. Based on 1 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when lone star ticks are most active across the year in California.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Lone Star Tick · Jeff Clark CC BY
Lone Star Tick · Katja Schulz CC BY
Lone Star Tick · Public domain CC0
1 verified observations of lone star ticks in California, recorded across 1 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When lone star ticks are recorded in California
Peak month
May
1 records (100% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| Maypeak | 1 | 100% |
| June | 0 | 0% |
| July | 0 | 0% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| September | 0 | 0% |
| October | 0 | 0% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Lone Star Ticks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Lone Star Tick | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in California
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when lone star ticks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for lone star ticks sit around 46 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 53°F | 31°F | 5.6" |
| Feb | 53°F | 30°F | 4.4" |
| Mar | 55°F | 33°F | 7.3" |
| Apr | 66°F | 40°F | 1.8" |
| Maybest time | 73°F | 46°F | 1.6" |
| Jun | 84°F | 55°F | 0.2" |
| Jul | 94°F | 62°F | 0" |
| Aug | 93°F | 62°F | 0.3" |
| Sep | 85°F | 57°F | 0.8" |
| Oct | 73°F | 46°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 61°F | 36°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 53°F | 33°F | 7.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for California. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of lone star ticks in California peak in May, when 1 of the year's 1 verified observations are logged — about 100% of the annual total.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when lone star ticks are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The lone star ticks you are most likely to encounter in California are Lone Star Tick — 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 lone star ticks in California
- Alcatraz Island
- Cabrillo National Monument — National Monument
- Channel Islands National Park — National Park
- Death Valley National Park — National Park
- Devils Postpile National Monument — National Monument
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see lone star ticks in California?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, based on 1 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are lone star ticks hardest to see in California?+
January is the quietest month for lone star ticks in California, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are lone star ticks active year-round in California?+
Lone star ticks are recorded in 1 of 12 months in California, concentrated around May.
More places to see lone star ticks
More wildlife in California