Best Time to See Snakes in Missouri
May, April and June is the best time to see snakes in Missouri. Based on 16,632 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.
Timber Rattlesnake · Bob Nieman CC BY
Western Ratsnake · Stephanie Dolrenry CC BY-SA
Western Ratsnake · Public domain CC0
16,632 verified observations of snakes in Missouri, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in Missouri
Peak month
May
3,936 records (23.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24 | 0.1% |
| February | 80 | 0.5% |
| March | 1,276 | 7.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 3,376 | 20.3% |
| Maypeak | 3,936 | 23.7% |
| Junepeak | 2,065 | 12.4% |
| July | 1,191 | 7.2% |
| August | 1,215 | 7.3% |
| September | 1,612 | 9.7% |
| October | 1,304 | 7.8% |
| November | 469 | 2.8% |
| December | 84 | 0.5% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Western Ratsnake | 2,471 |
| Common Watersnake | 2,352 |
| DeKay's Brownsnake | 2,083 |
| Common Garter Snake | 1,792 |
| Ring-necked Snake | 1,350 |
| Eastern Copperhead | 744 |
| North American Racer | 725 |
| Speckled Kingsnake | 485 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Missouri
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when snakes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for snakes 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.
More on snakes in Missouri:
Sightings of snakes in Missouri peak in May, when 3,936 of the year's 16,632 verified observations are logged — about 23.7% 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 24 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 DeKay's Brownsnake — 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
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 16,632 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in Missouri?+
January is the quietest month for snakes in Missouri, with only 24 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