Best Time to See Snakes in Missouri
May, April and June is the best time to see snakes in Missouri. Based on 23,492 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when snakes 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 June 28, 2026.
23,492 verified observations of snakes in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
May
5,778 records (24.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 29 | 0.1% |
| February | 106 | 0.5% |
| March | 1,724 | 7.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 4,613 | 19.6% |
| Maypeak | 5,778 | 24.6% |
| Junepeak | 2,991 | 12.7% |
| July | 1,806 | 7.7% |
| August | 1,992 | 8.5% |
| September | 2,182 | 9.3% |
| October | 1,642 | 7% |
| November | 531 | 2.3% |
| December | 98 | 0.4% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Western Ratsnake | 2,469 |
| Common Watersnake | 2,348 |
| Prairie Lizard | 2,317 |
| DeKay's Brownsnake | 2,065 |
| Common Garter Snake | 1,787 |
| Common Five-lined Skink | 1,738 |
| Ring-necked Snake | 1,334 |
| North American Racer | 740 |
Sightings of snakes in Missouri peak in May, when 5,778 of the year's 23,492 verified observations are logged — about 24.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and June.
The quietest stretch is January, when snakes are hardest to find — January sees just 29 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The snakes you are most likely to encounter in Missouri are Western Ratsnake, Common Watersnake and Prairie Lizard — 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 snakes 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
Plan your snake trip in Missouri
Start with live tours near George Washington Carver National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near George Washington Carver National Monument
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main snake viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near George Washington Carver National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best snake viewing area in Missouri.
Viator
Broader backupBook a snake tour in Missouri
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see snakes in Missouri?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and June, based on 23,492 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in Missouri?+
January is the quietest month for snakes in Missouri, with only 29 verified records.
Are snakes active year-round in Missouri?+
Snakes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see snakes
More wildlife in Missouri