Best Time to See Centipedes in Missouri
April, May and October is the best time to see centipedes in Missouri. Based on 1,877 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when centipedes are most active across the year in Missouri.
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
1,877 verified observations of centipedes in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When centipedes are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
April
301 records (16% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 36 | 1.9% |
| February | 51 | 2.7% |
| March | 193 | 10.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 301 | 16% |
| Maypeak | 260 | 13.9% |
| June | 202 | 10.8% |
| July | 141 | 7.5% |
| August | 126 | 6.7% |
| September | 180 | 9.6% |
| Octoberpeak | 209 | 11.1% |
| November | 135 | 7.2% |
| December | 43 | 2.3% |
Centipedes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| House Centipede | 520 |
| Japanese House Centipede | 262 |
| Eastern Red Centipede | 97 |
| Brown Centipede | 85 |
| Eastern Bark Centipede | 33 |
| Theatops spinicaudus | 25 |
| Diamondback Soil Centipede | 21 |
| Big-leg Centipede | 13 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Missouri
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 45 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 27°F | 3" |
| Feb | 45°F | 25°F | 3.2" |
| Mar | 57°F | 37°F | 5.6" |
| Aprbest time | 67°F | 45°F | 4.7" |
| Maybest time | 74°F | 56°F | 5.9" |
| Jun | 86°F | 65°F | 4.3" |
| Jul | 90°F | 70°F | 4.2" |
| Aug | 88°F | 69°F | 5.1" |
| Sep | 84°F | 63°F | 2.2" |
| Octbest time | 68°F | 49°F | 5" |
| Nov | 57°F | 38°F | 2.1" |
| Dec | 50°F | 32°F | 2.1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Missouri. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of centipedes in Missouri peak in April, when 301 of the year's 1,877 verified observations are logged — about 16% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and October.
The quietest stretch is January, December and February, when centipedes are hardest to find — January sees just 36 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 Missouri are House Centipede, Japanese House Centipede and Eastern Red 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 Missouri
- George Washington Carver National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways — National Scenic Riverways
- Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Wilson's Creek National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see centipedes in Missouri?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and October, based on 1,877 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are centipedes hardest to see in Missouri?+
January is the quietest month for centipedes in Missouri, with only 36 verified records.
Are centipedes active year-round in Missouri?+
Centipedes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see centipedes
More wildlife in Missouri