Best Time to See Centipedes in Tennessee
April, May and June is the best time to see centipedes in Tennessee. Based on 2,631 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when centipedes are most active across the year in Tennessee.
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
2,631 verified observations of centipedes in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When centipedes are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
April
365 records (13.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 70 | 2.7% |
| February | 147 | 5.6% |
| March | 281 | 10.7% |
| Aprilpeak | 365 | 13.9% |
| Maypeak | 323 | 12.3% |
| Junepeak | 311 | 11.8% |
| July | 216 | 8.2% |
| August | 164 | 6.2% |
| September | 248 | 9.4% |
| October | 245 | 9.3% |
| November | 168 | 6.4% |
| December | 93 | 3.5% |
Centipedes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| House Centipede | 540 |
| Eastern Bark Centipede | 481 |
| Eastern Red Centipede | 280 |
| Japanese House Centipede | 254 |
| Brown Centipede | 70 |
| Big-leg Centipede | 64 |
| Blue Belly Centipede | 18 |
| Diamondback Soil Centipede | 15 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Tennessee
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 48 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 49°F | 33°F | 6" |
| Feb | 54°F | 36°F | 7.3" |
| Mar | 62°F | 42°F | 7.5" |
| Aprbest time | 68°F | 48°F | 4.7" |
| Maybest time | 77°F | 58°F | 5.3" |
| Junbest time | 84°F | 65°F | 6.2" |
| Jul | 87°F | 70°F | 7.4" |
| Aug | 86°F | 69°F | 8.3" |
| Sep | 82°F | 64°F | 3.2" |
| Oct | 72°F | 53°F | 4.8" |
| Nov | 59°F | 41°F | 2.9" |
| Dec | 54°F | 38°F | 5.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Tennessee. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of centipedes in Tennessee peak in April, when 365 of the year's 2,631 verified observations are logged — about 13.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and June.
The quietest stretch is January and December, when centipedes are hardest to find — January sees just 70 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 Tennessee are House Centipede, Eastern Bark Centipede and Eastern Red 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 Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — National Park
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Obed Wild & Scenic River — Wild & Scenic River
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see centipedes in Tennessee?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and June, based on 2,631 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are centipedes hardest to see in Tennessee?+
January is the quietest month for centipedes in Tennessee, with only 70 verified records.
Are centipedes active year-round in Tennessee?+
Centipedes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Tennessee, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Tennessee