Best Time to See Centipedes in Hawaii
March, May and July is the best time to see centipedes in Hawaii. Based on 1,639 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when centipedes are most active across the year in Hawaii.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.

Strigamia bothriopus · Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA

Common Desert Centipede · Public domain CC0

Common Desert Centipede · Evrytte Carlson CC BY
1,639 verified observations of centipedes in Hawaii, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When centipedes are recorded in Hawaii
Peak month
March
212 records (12.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 116 | 7.1% |
| February | 113 | 6.9% |
| Marchpeak | 212 | 12.9% |
| April | 139 | 8.5% |
| Maypeak | 188 | 11.5% |
| June | 142 | 8.7% |
| Julypeak | 171 | 10.4% |
| August | 133 | 8.1% |
| September | 96 | 5.9% |
| October | 90 | 5.5% |
| November | 95 | 5.8% |
| December | 144 | 8.8% |
Centipedes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Pacific Giant Centipede | 1,144 |
| Red-headed Centipede | 171 |
| Blue Keeled Centipede | 140 |
| Minor Blueleg Centipede | 12 |
| Bothropolys | 4 |
| Oryidae | 3 |
| House Centipede | 1 |
| Compost Centipedes | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Hawaii
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when centipedes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for centipedes sit around 57 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 69°F | 57°F | 8.6" |
| Feb | 68°F | 56°F | 15.6" |
| Marbest time | 70°F | 57°F | 11.5" |
| Apr | 71°F | 58°F | 15.1" |
| Maybest time | 72°F | 59°F | 17.2" |
| Jun | 74°F | 61°F | 18.8" |
| Julbest time | 76°F | 62°F | 18.1" |
| Aug | 76°F | 62°F | 16" |
| Sep | 76°F | 62°F | 19.4" |
| Oct | 75°F | 62°F | 11.3" |
| Nov | 73°F | 60°F | 10" |
| Dec | 71°F | 58°F | 13.7" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Hawaii. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of centipedes in Hawaii peak in March, when 212 of the year's 1,639 verified observations are logged — about 12.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through March, May and July.
The quietest stretch is October, November and September, when centipedes are hardest to find — October sees just 90 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The centipedes you are most likely to encounter in Hawaii are Pacific Giant Centipede, Red-headed Centipede and Blue Keeled Centipede — 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 centipedes in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park — National Park
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Haleakalā National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see centipedes in Hawaii?+
March is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through March, May and July, based on 1,639 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are centipedes hardest to see in Hawaii?+
October is the quietest month for centipedes in Hawaii, with only 90 verified records.
Are centipedes active year-round in Hawaii?+
Centipedes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Hawaii, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in March.