Best Time to See Centipedes in Montana
May, April and June is the best time to see centipedes in Montana. Based on 176 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when centipedes 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.
Strigamia bothriopus · Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA
Common Desert Centipede · Public domain CC0
Common Desert Centipede · Evrytte Carlson CC BY
176 verified observations of centipedes in Montana, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When centipedes are recorded in Montana
Peak month
May
38 records (21.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 1 | 0.6% |
| March | 5 | 2.8% |
| Aprilpeak | 33 | 18.8% |
| Maypeak | 38 | 21.6% |
| Junepeak | 33 | 18.8% |
| July | 24 | 13.6% |
| August | 17 | 9.7% |
| September | 7 | 4% |
| October | 14 | 8% |
| November | 2 | 1.1% |
| December | 2 | 1.1% |
Centipedes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Brown Centipede | 32 |
| Common Desert Centipede | 8 |
| Lamyctes | 3 |
| Garden Lithobius | 3 |
| Cave Centipedes | 2 |
| House Centipede | 1 |
| Bothropolys | 1 |
| Strigamia bothriopus | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when centipedes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for centipedes sit around 24 to 65 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" |
| Aprbest time | 40°F | 24°F | 2.3" |
| Maybest time | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Junbest time | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Jul | 75°F | 55°F | 2" |
| Aug | 74°F | 54°F | 1.7" |
| Sep | 65°F | 46°F | 2.1" |
| Oct | 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 centipedes in Montana peak in May, when 38 of the year's 176 verified observations are logged — about 21.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and June.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when centipedes are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The centipedes you are most likely to encounter in Montana are Brown Centipede, Common Desert Centipede and Lamyctes — 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 centipedes 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 centipedes in Montana?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and June, based on 176 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are centipedes hardest to see in Montana?+
January is the quietest month for centipedes in Montana, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are centipedes active year-round in Montana?+
Centipedes are recorded in 11 of 12 months in Montana, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Montana