Best Time to See Snakes in North Dakota
June, July and May is the best time to see snakes in North Dakota. Based on 919 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when snakes are most active across the year in North Dakota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
919 verified observations of snakes in North Dakota, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in North Dakota
Peak month
June
248 records (27% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 4 | 0.4% |
| April | 22 | 2.4% |
| Maypeak | 162 | 17.6% |
| Junepeak | 248 | 27% |
| Julypeak | 212 | 23.1% |
| August | 136 | 14.8% |
| September | 109 | 11.9% |
| October | 23 | 2.5% |
| November | 3 | 0.3% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Plains Garter Snake | 219 |
| Gopher Snake | 199 |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | 95 |
| North American Racer | 77 |
| Greater Short-horned Lizard | 76 |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | 75 |
| Smooth Greensnake | 67 |
| Red-bellied Snake | 39 |
Sightings of snakes in North Dakota peak in June, when 248 of the year's 919 verified observations are logged — about 27% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, July and May.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, when snakes 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 snakes you are most likely to encounter in North Dakota are Plains Garter Snake, Gopher Snake and Prairie Rattlesnake — 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 snakes in North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park — National Park
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Plan your snake trip in North Dakota
Start with live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main snake viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best snake viewing area in North Dakota.
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Broader backupBook a snake tour in North Dakota
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see snakes in North Dakota?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, July and May, based on 919 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in North Dakota?+
January is the quietest month for snakes in North Dakota, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are snakes active year-round in North Dakota?+
Snakes are recorded in 9 of 12 months in North Dakota, concentrated around June and July.
More places to see snakes
More wildlife in North Dakota