Best Time to See Scorpions in Missouri
May, June and April is the best time to see scorpions in Missouri. Based on 433 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when scorpions 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.

Western Forest Scorpion · Seth CC BY

Black Hairy Scorpion · Public domain CC0

Southern Devil Scorpion · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
433 verified observations of scorpions in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When scorpions are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
May
89 records (20.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 0.5% |
| February | 1 | 0.2% |
| March | 30 | 6.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 67 | 15.5% |
| Maypeak | 89 | 20.6% |
| Junepeak | 81 | 18.7% |
| July | 39 | 9% |
| August | 38 | 8.8% |
| September | 35 | 8.1% |
| October | 39 | 9% |
| November | 11 | 2.5% |
| December | 1 | 0.2% |
Scorpions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Striped Bark Scorpion | 428 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Missouri
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when scorpions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for scorpions sit around 45 to 86 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" |
| Junbest time | 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" |
| Oct | 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 scorpions in Missouri peak in May, when 89 of the year's 433 verified observations are logged — about 20.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and April.
The quietest stretch is February and December, when scorpions are hardest to find — February sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The scorpions you are most likely to encounter in Missouri are Striped Bark Scorpion — 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 scorpions 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 scorpions in Missouri?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and April, based on 433 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are scorpions hardest to see in Missouri?+
February is the quietest month for scorpions in Missouri, with only 1 verified records.
Are scorpions active year-round in Missouri?+
Scorpions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Missouri