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.

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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 photographed in Hawaii

Strigamia bothriopus · Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA

Common Desert Centipede photographed in Hawaii

Common Desert Centipede · Public domain CC0

Common Desert Centipede photographed in Hawaii

Common Desert Centipede · Evrytte Carlson CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: March, May, JulyPeak season right now

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)

Quietest month

October

90 records

MonthObservationsShare
January1167.1%
February1136.9%
Marchpeak21212.9%
April1398.5%
Maypeak18811.5%
June1428.7%
Julypeak17110.4%
August1338.1%
September965.9%
October905.5%
November955.8%
December1448.8%

Centipedes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Pacific Giant Centipede1,144
Red-headed Centipede171
Blue Keeled Centipede140
Minor Blueleg Centipede12
Bothropolys4
Oryidae3
House Centipede1
Compost Centipedes1

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.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Jan69°F57°F8.6"
Feb68°F56°F15.6"
Marbest time70°F57°F11.5"
Apr71°F58°F15.1"
Maybest time72°F59°F17.2"
Jun74°F61°F18.8"
Julbest time76°F62°F18.1"
Aug76°F62°F16"
Sep76°F62°F19.4"
Oct75°F62°F11.3"
Nov73°F60°F10"
Dec71°F58°F13.7"

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 TrailNational Historic Trail
  • Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National ParkNational Park
  • Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic SiteNational Historic Site
  • Haleakalā National ParkNational 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.