Snakes in Rhode Island in April

Yes, April is one of the best months to see snakes in Rhode Island. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 285 of the 1,659 sightings logged across the year (17.2%), based on verified iNaturalist records.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.

Eastern Garter Snake photographed in Rhode IslandEastern Hognose Snake photographed in Rhode IslandEastern Hognose Snake photographed in Rhode Island
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.

Peak month for snakes in Rhode Island

17.2%

of yearly sightings

285

records in April

#3

busiest month of 12

1,659

verified records a year

March 3.4%, April 17.2%, May 19.2%. Busiest month is May at 19.2%.

Best months: May, June, April

1,659 verified observations of snakes in Rhode Island, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When snakes are recorded in Rhode Island

Peak month

May

319 records (19.2% of the year)

Quietest month

February

3 records

MonthObservationsShare
January50.3%
February30.2%
March563.4%
Aprilpeak28517.2%
Maypeak31919.2%
Junepeak28617.2%
July1649.9%
August18110.9%
September1639.8%
October1509%
November392.4%
December80.5%

Snakes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Common Garter Snake733
DeKay's Brownsnake230
Common Watersnake197
Eastern Milksnake119
Ring-necked Snake111
North American Racer108
Eastern Hognose Snake43
Smooth Greensnake24

In Rhode Island, April carries 17.2% of the year's snakes sightings, about 8.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.

Activity is rising from March (3.4%) into April, and it heads toward May (19.2%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so April is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.

The snakes most often recorded in Rhode Island are Common Garter Snake, DeKay's Brownsnake and Common Watersnake. Those counts are annual totals rather than a April split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in April itself.

Which snakes you are most likely to see

  • Common Garter Snake733 records
  • DeKay's Brownsnake230 records
  • Common Watersnake197 records
  • Eastern Milksnake119 records
  • Ring-necked Snake111 records
  • North American Racer108 records
Plan your tripBlackstone River Valley National Historical Park

Plan your snake trip in Rhode Island

Start with live tours near Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

Can you see snakes in Rhode Island in April?+

Yes. April accounts for 285 of the 1,659 verified snakes sightings logged in Rhode Island across the year, which is 17.2% of the annual total.

Is April a good time to see snakes in Rhode Island?+

April is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of May, June and April.

What month is best for snakes in Rhode Island?+

May is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through May, June and April, based on 1,659 verified observations.

Which snakes are you most likely to see in Rhode Island?+

The most-recorded species in Rhode Island are Common Garter Snake, DeKay's Brownsnake and Common Watersnake, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.