Best Time to See Black Widows in Minnesota
September, June and July is the best time to see black widows in Minnesota. Based on 11 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when black widows are most active across the year in Minnesota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.

Northern Black Widow · Joseph McPhail CC BY

Western Black Widow · Rebecca Ray CC BY

Western Black Widow · Michael Eisen CC BY
11 verified observations of black widows in Minnesota, recorded across 6 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When black widows are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
September
4 records (36.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| May | 0 | 0% |
| Junepeak | 3 | 27.3% |
| Julypeak | 1 | 9.1% |
| August | 0 | 0% |
| Septemberpeak | 4 | 36.4% |
| October | 1 | 9.1% |
| November | 1 | 9.1% |
| December | 1 | 9.1% |
Black Widows you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Northern Black Widow | 4 |
| Southern Black Widow | 2 |
| Western Black Widow | 2 |
| Brown Widow | 2 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Minnesota
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when black widows are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for black widows sit around 54 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°F | 5°F | 1" |
| Feb | 20°F | 2°F | 1" |
| Mar | 37°F | 19°F | 1.9" |
| Apr | 48°F | 30°F | 2.9" |
| May | 64°F | 44°F | 2.6" |
| Junbest time | 77°F | 58°F | 2.6" |
| Julbest time | 79°F | 62°F | 4.6" |
| Aug | 77°F | 61°F | 3.8" |
| Sepbest time | 70°F | 54°F | 3.6" |
| Oct | 53°F | 40°F | 2.7" |
| Nov | 38°F | 25°F | 1.8" |
| Dec | 27°F | 14°F | 2.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Minnesota. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of black widows in Minnesota peak in September, when 4 of the year's 11 verified observations are logged — about 36.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, June and July.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when black widows are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The black widows you are most likely to encounter in Minnesota are Northern Black Widow, Southern Black Widow and Western Black Widow — 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 black widows in Minnesota
- Grand Portage National Monument — National Monument
- Mississippi National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Pipestone National Monument — National Monument
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
- Voyageurs National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see black widows in Minnesota?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, June and July, based on 11 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are black widows hardest to see in Minnesota?+
January is the quietest month for black widows in Minnesota, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are black widows active year-round in Minnesota?+
Black widows are recorded in 6 of 12 months in Minnesota, concentrated around September and June.
More places to see black widows
More wildlife in Minnesota