Best Time to See Scorpions in New Mexico
August, July and June is the best time to see scorpions in New Mexico. Based on 1,144 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when scorpions are most active across the year in New Mexico.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Western Forest Scorpion · Seth CC BY
Black Hairy Scorpion · Public domain CC0
Southern Devil Scorpion · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
1,144 verified observations of scorpions in New Mexico, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When scorpions are recorded in New Mexico
Peak month
August
331 records (28.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 0.4% |
| February | 10 | 0.9% |
| March | 32 | 2.8% |
| April | 85 | 7.4% |
| May | 125 | 10.9% |
| Junepeak | 146 | 12.8% |
| Julypeak | 190 | 16.6% |
| Augustpeak | 331 | 28.9% |
| September | 144 | 12.6% |
| October | 48 | 4.2% |
| November | 22 | 1.9% |
| December | 6 | 0.5% |
Scorpions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Lesser Stripetail Scorpion | 346 |
| Striped Bark Scorpion | 193 |
| Russell's Scorpion | 124 |
| Arizona Bark Scorpion | 76 |
| eastern sand scorpion | 65 |
| Stripe-tailed Scorpion | 39 |
| Diplocentrus peloncillensis | 38 |
| Thick-handed Scorpion | 29 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in New Mexico
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when scorpions are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for scorpions sit around 60 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 44°F | 26°F | 0.6" |
| Feb | 47°F | 26°F | 0.8" |
| Mar | 57°F | 34°F | 1" |
| Apr | 68°F | 42°F | 0.4" |
| May | 76°F | 51°F | 0.5" |
| Junbest time | 84°F | 60°F | 1.1" |
| Julbest time | 87°F | 65°F | 1" |
| Augbest time | 84°F | 63°F | 1.2" |
| Sep | 79°F | 57°F | 0.9" |
| Oct | 67°F | 44°F | 0.9" |
| Nov | 56°F | 35°F | 0.7" |
| Dec | 47°F | 29°F | 0.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for New Mexico. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of scorpions in New Mexico peak in August, when 331 of the year's 1,144 verified observations are logged — about 28.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, July and June.
The quietest stretch is January and December, when scorpions are hardest to find — January sees just 5 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The scorpions you are most likely to encounter in New Mexico are Lesser Stripetail Scorpion, Striped Bark Scorpion and Russell's Scorpion — 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 scorpions in New Mexico
- Bandelier National Monument — National Monument
- Capulin Volcano National Monument — National Monument
- Carlsbad Caverns National Park — National Park
- El Malpais National Monument — National Monument
- El Morro National Monument — National Monument
- Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument — National Monument
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see scorpions in New Mexico?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, July and June, based on 1,144 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are scorpions hardest to see in New Mexico?+
January is the quietest month for scorpions in New Mexico, with only 5 verified records.
Are scorpions active year-round in New Mexico?+
Scorpions are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Mexico, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More wildlife in New Mexico