Best Time to See Centipedes in Oregon
April, May and March is the best time to see centipedes in Oregon. Based on 2,363 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when centipedes are most active across the year in Oregon.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Strigamia bothriopus · Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA
Common Desert Centipede · Public domain CC0
Common Desert Centipede · Evrytte Carlson CC BY
2,363 verified observations of centipedes in Oregon, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When centipedes are recorded in Oregon
Peak month
April
375 records (15.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 113 | 4.8% |
| February | 155 | 6.6% |
| Marchpeak | 286 | 12.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 375 | 15.9% |
| Maypeak | 320 | 13.5% |
| June | 201 | 8.5% |
| July | 148 | 6.3% |
| August | 96 | 4.1% |
| September | 181 | 7.7% |
| October | 231 | 9.8% |
| November | 176 | 7.4% |
| December | 81 | 3.4% |
Centipedes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| House Centipede | 498 |
| Brown Centipede | 205 |
| Thorn-tailed Bark Centipede | 194 |
| Common Cryptops | 56 |
| Bothropolys | 37 |
| Common Desert Centipede | 24 |
| Japanese House Centipede | 16 |
| Garden Lithobius | 15 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Oregon
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when centipedes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for centipedes sit around 25 to 61 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 39°F | 26°F | 2" |
| Feb | 38°F | 22°F | 2.4" |
| Marbest time | 43°F | 25°F | 1.9" |
| Aprbest time | 52°F | 32°F | 2.2" |
| Maybest time | 61°F | 40°F | 2" |
| Jun | 71°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Jul | 83°F | 56°F | 0.1" |
| Aug | 81°F | 56°F | 0.4" |
| Sep | 71°F | 47°F | 1.2" |
| Oct | 58°F | 37°F | 1.2" |
| Nov | 45°F | 28°F | 2.3" |
| Dec | 37°F | 25°F | 2.4" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Oregon. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of centipedes in Oregon peak in April, when 375 of the year's 2,363 verified observations are logged — about 15.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and March.
The quietest stretch is December, August and January, when centipedes are hardest to find — December sees just 81 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The centipedes you are most likely to encounter in Oregon are House Centipede, Brown Centipede and Thorn-tailed Bark Centipede — 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 centipedes in Oregon
- Crater Lake National Park — National Park
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve — National Monument & Preserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see centipedes in Oregon?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and March, based on 2,363 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are centipedes hardest to see in Oregon?+
December is the quietest month for centipedes in Oregon, with only 81 verified records.
Are centipedes active year-round in Oregon?+
Centipedes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Oregon, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Oregon