Best Time to See Lone Star Ticks in Tennessee
May, April and June is the best time to see lone star ticks in Tennessee. Based on 630 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when lone star ticks 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.
Lone Star Tick · Jeff Clark CC BY
Lone Star Tick · Katja Schulz CC BY
Lone Star Tick · Public domain CC0
630 verified observations of lone star ticks in Tennessee, recorded across 8 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When lone star ticks are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
May
224 records (35.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 4 | 0.6% |
| March | 51 | 8.1% |
| Aprilpeak | 139 | 22.1% |
| Maypeak | 224 | 35.6% |
| Junepeak | 136 | 21.6% |
| July | 43 | 6.8% |
| August | 19 | 3% |
| September | 14 | 2.2% |
| October | 0 | 0% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Lone Star Ticks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Lone Star Tick | 630 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Tennessee
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when lone star ticks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for lone star ticks 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 lone star ticks in Tennessee peak in May, when 224 of the year's 630 verified observations are logged — about 35.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, April and June.
The quietest stretch is January, October and November, when lone star ticks 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 lone star ticks you are most likely to encounter in Tennessee are Lone Star Tick — 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 lone star ticks 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 lone star ticks in Tennessee?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, April and June, based on 630 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are lone star ticks hardest to see in Tennessee?+
January is the quietest month for lone star ticks in Tennessee, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are lone star ticks active year-round in Tennessee?+
Lone star ticks are recorded in 8 of 12 months in Tennessee, concentrated around May and April.
More places to see lone star ticks
More wildlife in Tennessee