Snakes in Idaho in September

Yes, September is a good month to see snakes in Idaho. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 1,199 of the 11,537 sightings logged across the year (10.4%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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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 2, 2026.

Wandering Garter Snake photographed in IdahoRegal Ringneck Snake photographed in IdahoNorthern Desert Nightsnake photographed in Idaho
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Good month for snakes in Idaho

10.4%

of yearly sightings

1,199

records in September

#5

busiest month of 12

11,537

verified records a year

August 11.6%, September 10.4%, October 3.8%. Busiest month is May at 24.5%.

Best months: May, June, JulyPeak season right now

11,537 verified observations of snakes in Idaho, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When snakes are recorded in Idaho

Peak month

May

2,832 records (24.5% of the year)

Quietest month

January

2 records

MonthObservationsShare
January20%
February170.1%
March2342%
April1,15510%
Maypeak2,83224.5%
Junepeak2,78224.1%
Julypeak1,49112.9%
August1,33911.6%
September1,19910.4%
October4383.8%
November390.3%
December90.1%

Snakes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake2,283
Gopher Snake2,016
Western Fence Lizard1,638
Common Side-blotched Lizard984
Common Sagebrush Lizard793
Western Rattlesnake729
Common Garter Snake569
North American Racer531

In Idaho, September carries 10.4% of the year's snakes sightings, about 2.1 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is easing off from August (11.6%) into September, and it heads toward October (3.8%) after. The busiest month is May (24.5%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.

The snakes most often recorded in Idaho are Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Gopher Snake and Western Fence Lizard. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.

Which snakes you are most likely to see

  • Western Terrestrial Garter Snake2,283 records
  • Gopher Snake2,016 records
  • Western Fence Lizard1,638 records
  • Common Side-blotched Lizard984 records
  • Common Sagebrush Lizard793 records
  • Western Rattlesnake729 records
Plan your tripCity Of Rocks National Reserve

Plan your snake trip in Idaho

Start with live tours near City Of Rocks National Reserve, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

Can you see snakes in Idaho in September?+

Yes. September accounts for 1,199 of the 11,537 verified snakes sightings logged in Idaho across the year, which is 10.4% of the annual total.

Is September a good time to see snakes in Idaho?+

September is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though May and June is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.

What month is best for snakes in Idaho?+

May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, June and July, based on 11,537 verified observations.

Which snakes are you most likely to see in Idaho?+

The most-recorded species in Idaho are Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Gopher Snake and Western Fence Lizard, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.