Best Time to See Tarantulas in Missouri

May, October and September is the best time to see tarantulas in Missouri. Based on 175 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when tarantulas 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.

Desert Tarantula photographed in Missouri

Desert Tarantula · 115527224325819725585 CC BY

Texas Brown Tarantula photographed in Missouri

Texas Brown Tarantula · Chris Stahl CC BY

Steindachner's Ebony Tarantula photographed in Missouri

Steindachner's Ebony Tarantula · Millie Basden CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: May, October, SeptemberPeak season right now

175 verified observations of tarantulas in Missouri, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When tarantulas are recorded in Missouri

Peak month

May

50 records (28.6% of the year)

Quietest month

December

No verified records

MonthObservationsShare
January10.6%
February10.6%
March116.3%
April1810.3%
Maypeak5028.6%
June2112%
July95.1%
August95.1%
Septemberpeak2514.3%
Octoberpeak2715.4%
November31.7%
December00%

Tarantulas you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Texas Brown Tarantula175

Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo

Typical weather in Missouri

Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when tarantulas are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for tarantulas sit around 49 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Jan43°F27°F3"
Feb45°F25°F3.2"
Mar57°F37°F5.6"
Apr67°F45°F4.7"
Maybest time74°F56°F5.9"
Jun86°F65°F4.3"
Jul90°F70°F4.2"
Aug88°F69°F5.1"
Sepbest time84°F63°F2.2"
Octbest time68°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.

More on tarantulas in Missouri:

Sightings of tarantulas in Missouri peak in May, when 50 of the year's 175 verified observations are logged — about 28.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, October and September.

The quietest stretch is December, January and February, when tarantulas are hardest to find — no verified records exist for December. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.

The tarantulas you are most likely to encounter in Missouri are Texas Brown Tarantula — 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 tarantulas 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 tarantulas in Missouri?+

May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, October and September, based on 175 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are tarantulas hardest to see in Missouri?+

December is the quietest month for tarantulas in Missouri, with no verified records on iNaturalist.

Are tarantulas active year-round in Missouri?+

Tarantulas are recorded in 11 of 12 months in Missouri, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.