Best Time to See Snakes in Utah
May, June and July is the best time to see snakes in Utah. Based on 14,122 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when snakes 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 June 28, 2026.
Regal Ringneck Snake · Public domain CC0
Midget Faded Rattlesnake · Aaron Allen CC BY
California King Snake · Public domain CC0
14,122 verified observations of snakes in Utah, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in Utah
Peak month
May
3,684 records (26.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10 | 0.1% |
| February | 84 | 0.6% |
| March | 386 | 2.7% |
| April | 1,429 | 10.1% |
| Maypeak | 3,684 | 26.1% |
| Junepeak | 2,900 | 20.5% |
| Julypeak | 1,861 | 13.2% |
| August | 1,399 | 9.9% |
| September | 1,492 | 10.6% |
| October | 723 | 5.1% |
| November | 131 | 0.9% |
| December | 23 | 0.2% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | 3,668 |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | 3,558 |
| Western Rattlesnake | 2,618 |
| North American Racer | 879 |
| Striped Whipsnake | 582 |
| Northern Rubber Boa | 456 |
| Common Garter Snake | 402 |
| California King Snake | 267 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Utah
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when snakes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for snakes 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.
More on snakes in Utah:
Sightings of snakes in Utah peak in May, when 3,684 of the year's 14,122 verified observations are logged — about 26.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and July.
The quietest stretch is January, when snakes are hardest to find — January sees just 10 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The snakes you are most likely to encounter in Utah are Gopher Snake, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake and Western Rattlesnake — 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 snakes in Utah
- Bryce Canyon National Park — National Park
- Capitol Reef National Park — National Park
- Cedar Breaks National Monument — National Monument
- Dinosaur National Monument — National Monument
- Zion National Park — National Park
- Arches National Park — National Park
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see snakes in Utah?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and July, based on 14,122 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in Utah?+
January is the quietest month for snakes in Utah, with only 10 verified records.
Are snakes active year-round in Utah?+
Snakes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Utah, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.