Snakes in Kentucky in August

Yes, August is a good month to see snakes in Kentucky. It is the 6th busiest month of the year, with 1,324 of the 14,633 sightings logged across the year (9%), 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 June 28, 2026.

Scarlet Kingsnake photographed in KentuckyTimber Rattlesnake photographed in KentuckyLittle Brown Skink photographed in Kentucky
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Good month for snakes in Kentucky

9%

of yearly sightings

1,324

records in August

#6

busiest month of 12

14,633

verified records a year

July 9.1%, August 9%, September 10%. Busiest month is May at 24.6%.

Best months: May, April, June

14,633 verified observations of snakes in Kentucky, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When snakes are recorded in Kentucky

Peak month

May

3,606 records (24.6% of the year)

Quietest month

January

28 records

MonthObservationsShare
January280.2%
February720.5%
March8005.5%
Aprilpeak2,69318.4%
Maypeak3,60624.6%
Junepeak2,24015.3%
July1,3329.1%
August1,3249%
September1,46610%
October8355.7%
November2051.4%
December320.2%

Snakes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Gray Ratsnake1,972
Common Garter Snake1,633
Common Five-lined Skink1,481
Eastern Fence Lizard1,183
Common Watersnake1,100
Eastern Copperhead968
Ring-necked Snake743
North American Racer689

In Kentucky, August carries 9% of the year's snakes sightings, about 0.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 6th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity holds steady between July and August, and it heads toward September (10%) after. The busiest month is May (24.6%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.

The snakes most often recorded in Kentucky are Gray Ratsnake, Common Garter Snake and Common Five-lined Skink. Those counts are annual totals rather than a August split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in August itself.

Which snakes you are most likely to see

  • Gray Ratsnake1,972 records
  • Common Garter Snake1,633 records
  • Common Five-lined Skink1,481 records
  • Eastern Fence Lizard1,183 records
  • Common Watersnake1,100 records
  • Eastern Copperhead968 records
Plan your tripAbraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Plan your snake trip in Kentucky

Start with live tours near Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, 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 Kentucky in August?+

Yes. August accounts for 1,324 of the 14,633 verified snakes sightings logged in Kentucky across the year, which is 9% of the annual total.

Is August a good time to see snakes in Kentucky?+

August is the 6th busiest month. It is workable, though May and April is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.

What month is best for snakes in Kentucky?+

May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, April and June, based on 14,633 verified observations.

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

The most-recorded species in Kentucky are Gray Ratsnake, Common Garter Snake and Common Five-lined Skink, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.