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.

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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 photographed in Missouri

Western Forest Scorpion · Seth CC BY

Black Hairy Scorpion photographed in Missouri

Black Hairy Scorpion · Public domain CC0

Southern Devil Scorpion photographed in Missouri

Southern Devil Scorpion · Alan Rockefeller CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: May, June, April

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)

Quietest month

February

1 records

MonthObservationsShare
January20.5%
February10.2%
March306.9%
Aprilpeak6715.5%
Maypeak8920.6%
Junepeak8118.7%
July399%
August388.8%
September358.1%
October399%
November112.5%
December10.2%

Scorpions you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Striped Bark Scorpion428

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.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Jan43°F27°F3"
Feb45°F25°F3.2"
Mar57°F37°F5.6"
Aprbest time67°F45°F4.7"
Maybest time74°F56°F5.9"
Junbest time86°F65°F4.3"
Jul90°F70°F4.2"
Aug88°F69°F5.1"
Sep84°F63°F2.2"
Oct68°F49°F5"
Nov57°F38°F2.1"
Dec50°F32°F2.1"

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 MonumentNational Monument
  • Lewis & Clark National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail
  • Ozark National Scenic RiverwaysNational Scenic Riverways
  • Ulysses S Grant National Historic SiteNational Historic Site
  • Wilson's Creek National BattlefieldNational Battlefield
  • Butterfield Overland National Historic TrailNational 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.