Best Time to See Centipedes in Minnesota
April, May and September is the best time to see centipedes in Minnesota. Based on 1,442 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when centipedes 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.
Strigamia bothriopus · Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA
Common Desert Centipede · Public domain CC0
Common Desert Centipede · Evrytte Carlson CC BY
1,442 verified observations of centipedes in Minnesota, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When centipedes are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
April
344 records (23.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7 | 0.5% |
| February | 18 | 1.2% |
| March | 69 | 4.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 344 | 23.9% |
| Maypeak | 282 | 19.6% |
| June | 138 | 9.6% |
| July | 118 | 8.2% |
| August | 84 | 5.8% |
| Septemberpeak | 167 | 11.6% |
| October | 137 | 9.5% |
| November | 61 | 4.2% |
| December | 17 | 1.2% |
Centipedes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| House Centipede | 470 |
| Brown Centipede | 316 |
| Diamondback Soil Centipede | 19 |
| Common Schendyla | 13 |
| Boreal Yellow-headed Soil Centipede | 5 |
| Bothropolys | 4 |
| Garden Lithobius | 3 |
| Japanese House Centipede | 3 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Minnesota
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 30 to 70 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" |
| Aprbest time | 48°F | 30°F | 2.9" |
| Maybest time | 64°F | 44°F | 2.6" |
| Jun | 77°F | 58°F | 2.6" |
| Jul | 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 centipedes in Minnesota peak in April, when 344 of the year's 1,442 verified observations are logged — about 23.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and September.
The quietest stretch is January, when centipedes are hardest to find — January sees just 7 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 Minnesota 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 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 centipedes in Minnesota?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and September, based on 1,442 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are centipedes hardest to see in Minnesota?+
January is the quietest month for centipedes in Minnesota, with only 7 verified records.
Are centipedes active year-round in Minnesota?+
Centipedes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Minnesota, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Minnesota