Best Time to See Black Widows in Montana
September, August and October is the best time to see black widows in Montana. Based on 122 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when black widows are most active across the year in Montana.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Northern Black Widow · Joseph McPhail CC BY
Western Black Widow · Rebecca Ray CC BY
Western Black Widow · Michael Eisen CC BY
122 verified observations of black widows in Montana, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When black widows are recorded in Montana
Peak month
September
28 records (23% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 3.3% |
| February | 4 | 3.3% |
| March | 3 | 2.5% |
| April | 5 | 4.1% |
| May | 11 | 9% |
| June | 13 | 10.7% |
| July | 9 | 7.4% |
| Augustpeak | 22 | 18% |
| Septemberpeak | 28 | 23% |
| Octoberpeak | 18 | 14.8% |
| November | 4 | 3.3% |
| December | 1 | 0.8% |
Black Widows you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Western Black Widow | 119 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when black widows are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for black widows sit around 31 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°F | 17°F | 1" |
| Feb | 22°F | 9°F | 1.5" |
| Mar | 33°F | 18°F | 1.1" |
| Apr | 40°F | 24°F | 2.3" |
| May | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Jun | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Jul | 75°F | 55°F | 2" |
| Augbest time | 74°F | 54°F | 1.7" |
| Sepbest time | 65°F | 46°F | 2.1" |
| Octbest time | 46°F | 31°F | 2" |
| Nov | 36°F | 23°F | 1" |
| Dec | 30°F | 18°F | 1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Montana. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of black widows in Montana peak in September, when 28 of the year's 122 verified observations are logged — about 23% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, August and October.
The quietest stretch is December, when black widows are hardest to find — December sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The black widows you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Western Black Widow — 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 black widows in Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Yellowstone National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see black widows in Montana?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, August and October, based on 122 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are black widows hardest to see in Montana?+
December is the quietest month for black widows in Montana, with only 1 verified records.
Are black widows active year-round in Montana?+
Black widows are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More wildlife in Montana