Best Time to See Scorpions in California
May, April and September is the best time to see scorpions in California. Based on 23,267 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when scorpions 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.
Western Forest Scorpion · Seth CC BY
Black Hairy Scorpion · Public domain CC0
Southern Devil Scorpion · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
23,267 verified observations of scorpions in California, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When scorpions are recorded in California
Peak month
May
3,049 records (13.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 893 | 3.8% |
| February | 1,284 | 5.5% |
| March | 2,086 | 9% |
| Aprilpeak | 2,850 | 12.2% |
| Maypeak | 3,049 | 13.1% |
| June | 2,325 | 10% |
| July | 2,400 | 10.3% |
| August | 2,346 | 10.1% |
| Septemberpeak | 2,560 | 11% |
| October | 1,853 | 8% |
| November | 950 | 4.1% |
| December | 671 | 2.9% |
Scorpions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Western Forest Scorpion | 6,029 |
| California common scorpion | 2,625 |
| Paravaejovis puritanus | 1,647 |
| California Swollenstinger Scorpion | 1,431 |
| Sawfinger Scorpion | 1,230 |
| Dune Scorpion | 1,188 |
| Desert Hairy Scorpion | 1,070 |
| Dune Devil Scorpion | 658 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in California
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when scorpions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for scorpions sit around 40 to 85 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" |
| Aprbest time | 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" |
| Sepbest time | 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 scorpions in California peak in May, when 3,049 of the year's 23,267 verified observations are logged — about 13.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and September.
The quietest stretch is December, January and November, when scorpions are hardest to find — December sees just 671 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The scorpions you are most likely to encounter in California are Western Forest Scorpion, California common scorpion and Paravaejovis puritanus — 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 scorpions 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 scorpions in California?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and September, based on 23,267 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are scorpions hardest to see in California?+
December is the quietest month for scorpions in California, with only 671 verified records.
Are scorpions active year-round in California?+
Scorpions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in California, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in California