Best Time to See Cottonmouths in Texas
April, May and September is the best time to see cottonmouths in Texas. Based on 8,104 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when cottonmouths are most active across the year in Texas.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Northern Cottonmouth · kirk gardner CC BY
Northern Cottonmouth · Mila Turov CC BY
Northern Cottonmouth · Joshua Liverman CC BY
8,104 verified observations of cottonmouths in Texas, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When cottonmouths are recorded in Texas
Peak month
April
1,272 records (15.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 93 | 1.1% |
| February | 135 | 1.7% |
| March | 587 | 7.2% |
| Aprilpeak | 1,272 | 15.7% |
| Maypeak | 1,223 | 15.1% |
| June | 1,029 | 12.7% |
| July | 756 | 9.3% |
| August | 748 | 9.2% |
| Septemberpeak | 1,126 | 13.9% |
| October | 706 | 8.7% |
| November | 306 | 3.8% |
| December | 123 | 1.5% |
Cottonmouths you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Northern Cottonmouth | 8,103 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Texas
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when cottonmouths are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for cottonmouths sit around 56 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 60°F | 39°F | 0.9" |
| Feb | 60°F | 38°F | 1" |
| Mar | 71°F | 49°F | 1.7" |
| Aprbest time | 78°F | 56°F | 1.6" |
| Maybest time | 85°F | 64°F | 5.1" |
| Jun | 93°F | 72°F | 1.7" |
| Jul | 96°F | 75°F | 0.9" |
| Aug | 96°F | 75°F | 1.2" |
| Sepbest time | 89°F | 69°F | 1.7" |
| Oct | 80°F | 58°F | 2" |
| Nov | 67°F | 48°F | 1.1" |
| Dec | 64°F | 44°F | 1.2" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Texas. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of cottonmouths in Texas peak in April, when 1,272 of the year's 8,104 verified observations are logged — about 15.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and September.
The quietest stretch is January, December and February, when cottonmouths are hardest to find — January sees just 93 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The cottonmouths you are most likely to encounter in Texas are Northern Cottonmouth — 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 cottonmouths in Texas
- Amistad National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Big Bend National Park — National Park
- Big Thicket National Preserve — National Preserve
- Chamizal National Memorial — National Memorial
- Fort Davis National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park — National Park
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see cottonmouths in Texas?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and September, based on 8,104 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are cottonmouths hardest to see in Texas?+
January is the quietest month for cottonmouths in Texas, with only 93 verified records.
Are cottonmouths active year-round in Texas?+
Cottonmouths are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Texas, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More wildlife in Texas