Best Time to See Scorpions in North Carolina
July, October and June is the best time to see scorpions in North Carolina. Based on 44 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when scorpions are most active across the year in North Carolina.
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
44 verified observations of scorpions in North Carolina, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When scorpions are recorded in North Carolina
Peak month
July
9 records (20.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 2.3% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 2 | 4.5% |
| April | 3 | 6.8% |
| May | 4 | 9.1% |
| Junepeak | 6 | 13.6% |
| Julypeak | 9 | 20.5% |
| August | 3 | 6.8% |
| September | 2 | 4.5% |
| Octoberpeak | 9 | 20.5% |
| November | 2 | 4.5% |
| December | 3 | 6.8% |
Scorpions you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Southern Devil Scorpion | 32 |
| Hentz Striped Scorpion | 5 |
| Striped Bark Scorpion | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in North Carolina
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 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 53°F | 36°F | 5.4" |
| Feb | 58°F | 40°F | 3.9" |
| Mar | 65°F | 45°F | 3.6" |
| Apr | 73°F | 51°F | 4" |
| May | 80°F | 59°F | 3" |
| Junbest time | 85°F | 66°F | 3.8" |
| Julbest time | 90°F | 72°F | 4.1" |
| Aug | 88°F | 70°F | 4.8" |
| Sep | 83°F | 64°F | 3.8" |
| Octbest time | 74°F | 55°F | 2.4" |
| Nov | 62°F | 44°F | 3.5" |
| Dec | 56°F | 39°F | 5.3" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for North Carolina. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of scorpions in North Carolina peak in July, when 9 of the year's 44 verified observations are logged — about 20.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, October and June.
The quietest stretch is February and January, when scorpions are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The scorpions you are most likely to encounter in North Carolina are Southern Devil Scorpion, Hentz Striped Scorpion and Striped Bark 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 North Carolina
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Blue Ridge Parkway — Parkway
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore — National Seashore
- Cape Lookout National Seashore — National Seashore
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — National Park
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see scorpions in North Carolina?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, October and June, based on 44 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are scorpions hardest to see in North Carolina?+
February is the quietest month for scorpions in North Carolina, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are scorpions active year-round in North Carolina?+
Scorpions are recorded in 11 of 12 months in North Carolina, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see scorpions
More wildlife in North Carolina