Best Time to See Rattlesnakes in Utah
May, June and July is the best time to see rattlesnakes in Utah. Based on 2,927 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when rattlesnakes are most active across the year in Utah.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 21, 2026.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake · Scott Allen Davis CC BY
Panamint Rattlesnake · Matt Berger CC BY
Red Diamond Rattlesnake · Amy Huie CC BY
2,927 verified observations of rattlesnakes in Utah, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When rattlesnakes are recorded in Utah
Peak month
May
733 records (25% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 0.1% |
| February | 1 | 0% |
| March | 23 | 0.8% |
| April | 255 | 8.7% |
| Maypeak | 733 | 25% |
| Junepeak | 574 | 19.6% |
| Julypeak | 517 | 17.7% |
| August | 329 | 11.2% |
| September | 321 | 11% |
| October | 150 | 5.1% |
| November | 19 | 0.6% |
| December | 3 | 0.1% |
Rattlesnakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Western Rattlesnake | 2,632 |
| Mojave Rattlesnake | 93 |
| Sidewinder | 82 |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | 73 |
| Southwestern Speckled Rattlesnake | 41 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Utah
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when rattlesnakes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for rattlesnakes sit around 42 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33°F | 19°F | 1.5" |
| Feb | 35°F | 20°F | 1.5" |
| Mar | 43°F | 27°F | 2.8" |
| Apr | 55°F | 33°F | 1.6" |
| Maybest time | 66°F | 42°F | 1.3" |
| Junbest time | 79°F | 53°F | 0.7" |
| Julbest time | 89°F | 62°F | 0.3" |
| Aug | 87°F | 61°F | 0.3" |
| Sep | 78°F | 52°F | 0.6" |
| Oct | 62°F | 38°F | 1.1" |
| Nov | 48°F | 28°F | 1.3" |
| Dec | 36°F | 20°F | 2.6" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Utah. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of rattlesnakes in Utah peak in May, when 733 of the year's 2,927 verified observations are logged — about 25% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and July.
The quietest stretch is February, when rattlesnakes are hardest to find — February sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The rattlesnakes you are most likely to encounter in Utah are Western Rattlesnake, Mojave Rattlesnake and Sidewinder — 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see rattlesnakes in Utah?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and July, based on 2,927 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are rattlesnakes hardest to see in Utah?+
February is the quietest month for rattlesnakes in Utah, with only 1 verified records.
Are rattlesnakes active year-round in Utah?+
Rattlesnakes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Utah, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More wildlife in Utah