Best Time to See Centipedes in Massachusetts
April, May and October is the best time to see centipedes in Massachusetts. Based on 3,450 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when centipedes are most active across the year in Massachusetts.
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
3,450 verified observations of centipedes in Massachusetts, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When centipedes are recorded in Massachusetts
Peak month
April
796 records (23.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 40 | 1.2% |
| February | 51 | 1.5% |
| March | 289 | 8.4% |
| Aprilpeak | 796 | 23.1% |
| Maypeak | 509 | 14.8% |
| June | 275 | 8% |
| July | 263 | 7.6% |
| August | 232 | 6.7% |
| September | 313 | 9.1% |
| Octoberpeak | 403 | 11.7% |
| November | 202 | 5.9% |
| December | 77 | 2.2% |
Centipedes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| House Centipede | 1,341 |
| Brown Centipede | 462 |
| Diamondback Soil Centipede | 45 |
| Common Cryptops | 37 |
| White-Striped Centipede | 20 |
| Eastern Red Centipede | 16 |
| Garden Lithobius | 12 |
| Common Schendyla | 9 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Massachusetts
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 38 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 37°F | 22°F | 3.8" |
| Feb | 39°F | 22°F | 3.4" |
| Mar | 48°F | 28°F | 3.6" |
| Aprbest time | 57°F | 38°F | 4.6" |
| Maybest time | 68°F | 47°F | 3.4" |
| Jun | 78°F | 58°F | 3.6" |
| Jul | 83°F | 65°F | 5.4" |
| Aug | 82°F | 64°F | 3.5" |
| Sep | 73°F | 56°F | 5.3" |
| Octbest time | 62°F | 47°F | 5.3" |
| Nov | 50°F | 34°F | 3.1" |
| Dec | 42°F | 27°F | 5.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Massachusetts. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of centipedes in Massachusetts peak in April, when 796 of the year's 3,450 verified observations are logged — about 23.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and October.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when centipedes are hardest to find — January sees just 40 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 Massachusetts are House Centipede, Brown Centipede and Diamondback Soil 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 Massachusetts
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Cape Cod National Seashore — National Seashore
- Adams National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Boston African American National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see centipedes in Massachusetts?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and October, based on 3,450 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are centipedes hardest to see in Massachusetts?+
January is the quietest month for centipedes in Massachusetts, with only 40 verified records.
Are centipedes active year-round in Massachusetts?+
Centipedes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Massachusetts, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.