Best Time to See Black Widows in New Jersey
September, May and June is the best time to see black widows in New Jersey. Based on 687 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when black widows are most active across the year in New Jersey.
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
687 verified observations of black widows in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When black widows are recorded in New Jersey
Peak month
September
119 records (17.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 0.4% |
| February | 3 | 0.4% |
| March | 15 | 2.2% |
| April | 36 | 5.2% |
| Maypeak | 104 | 15.1% |
| Junepeak | 99 | 14.4% |
| July | 85 | 12.4% |
| August | 93 | 13.5% |
| Septemberpeak | 119 | 17.3% |
| October | 92 | 13.4% |
| November | 31 | 4.5% |
| December | 7 | 1% |
Black Widows you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Southern Black Widow | 328 |
| Northern Black Widow | 262 |
| Brown Widow | 4 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in New Jersey
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 53 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 43°F | 28°F | 3.4" |
| Feb | 45°F | 29°F | 3.5" |
| Mar | 54°F | 35°F | 4.3" |
| Apr | 63°F | 44°F | 4.6" |
| Maybest time | 72°F | 53°F | 4.1" |
| Junbest time | 82°F | 63°F | 4.1" |
| Jul | 88°F | 70°F | 5.2" |
| Aug | 85°F | 69°F | 4.3" |
| Sepbest time | 78°F | 61°F | 4.4" |
| Oct | 68°F | 52°F | 4.7" |
| Nov | 55°F | 39°F | 3" |
| Dec | 46°F | 32°F | 4.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New Jersey. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of black widows in New Jersey peak in September, when 119 of the year's 687 verified observations are logged — about 17.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, May and June.
The quietest stretch is January and February, when black widows are hardest to find — January sees just 3 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 New Jersey are Southern Black Widow, Northern Black Widow and Brown 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 New Jersey
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Great Egg Harbor River
- Morristown National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument — Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument
- Gateway National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see black widows in New Jersey?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, May and June, based on 687 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are black widows hardest to see in New Jersey?+
January is the quietest month for black widows in New Jersey, with only 3 verified records.
Are black widows active year-round in New Jersey?+
Black widows are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.