Snakes in New Hampshire in September

Yes, September is a good month to see snakes in New Hampshire. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 549 of the 4,672 sightings logged across the year (11.8%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Eastern Hognose Snake photographed in New HampshireBrown Anole photographed in New HampshireNorthern Black Racer photographed in New Hampshire
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Good month for snakes in New Hampshire

11.8%

of yearly sightings

549

records in September

#5

busiest month of 12

4,672

verified records a year

August 12.8%, September 11.8%, October 7.9%. Busiest month is May at 21.6%.

Best months: May, June, JulyPeak season right now

4,672 verified observations of snakes in New Hampshire, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When snakes are recorded in New Hampshire

Peak month

May

1,008 records (21.6% of the year)

Quietest month

January

1 records

MonthObservationsShare
January10%
February30.1%
March300.6%
April4188.9%
Maypeak1,00821.6%
Junepeak96720.7%
Julypeak68914.7%
August59612.8%
September54911.8%
October3717.9%
November370.8%
December30.1%

Snakes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Common Garter Snake2,685
Common Watersnake828
Eastern Milksnake453
Red-bellied Snake209
Common Ribbon Snake163
DeKay's Brownsnake139
Ring-necked Snake85
Smooth Greensnake50

In New Hampshire, September carries 11.8% of the year's snakes sightings, about 3.5 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity holds steady between August and September, and it heads toward October (7.9%) after. The busiest month is May (21.6%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.

The snakes most often recorded in New Hampshire are Common Garter Snake, Common Watersnake and Eastern Milksnake. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.

Which snakes you are most likely to see

  • Common Garter Snake2,685 records
  • Common Watersnake828 records
  • Eastern Milksnake453 records
  • Red-bellied Snake209 records
  • Common Ribbon Snake163 records
  • DeKay's Brownsnake139 records
Plan your tripAppalachian National Scenic Trail

Plan your snake trip in New Hampshire

Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

Can you see snakes in New Hampshire in September?+

Yes. September accounts for 549 of the 4,672 verified snakes sightings logged in New Hampshire across the year, which is 11.8% of the annual total.

Is September a good time to see snakes in New Hampshire?+

September is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though May and June is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.

What month is best for snakes in New Hampshire?+

May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, June and July, based on 4,672 verified observations.

Which snakes are you most likely to see in New Hampshire?+

The most-recorded species in New Hampshire are Common Garter Snake, Common Watersnake and Eastern Milksnake, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.