Best Time to See Snakes in Utah
May, June and September is the best time to see snakes in Utah. Based on 43,387 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.
43,387 verified observations of snakes in Utah, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in Utah
Peak month
May
10,745 records (24.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 57 | 0.1% |
| February | 254 | 0.6% |
| March | 1,740 | 4% |
| April | 5,066 | 11.7% |
| Maypeak | 10,745 | 24.8% |
| Junepeak | 8,311 | 19.2% |
| July | 4,877 | 11.2% |
| August | 4,134 | 9.5% |
| Septemberpeak | 5,454 | 12.6% |
| October | 2,308 | 5.3% |
| November | 378 | 0.9% |
| December | 63 | 0.1% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Side-blotched Lizard | 7,872 |
| Plateau Fence Lizard | 4,267 |
| Gopher Snake | 3,626 |
| Common Sagebrush Lizard | 3,512 |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | 3,502 |
| Western Whiptail | 3,199 |
| Western Rattlesnake | 2,588 |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | 2,344 |
Sightings of snakes in Utah peak in May, when 10,745 of the year's 43,387 verified observations are logged — about 24.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and September.
The quietest stretch is January and December, when snakes are hardest to find — January sees just 57 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 Common Side-blotched Lizard, Plateau Fence Lizard and Gopher Snake — 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
Plan your snake trip in Utah
Start with live tours near Bryce Canyon National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Bryce Canyon National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main snake viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Bryce Canyon National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best snake viewing area in Utah.
Viator
Broader backupBook a snake tour in Utah
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
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 September, based on 43,387 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in Utah?+
January is the quietest month for snakes in Utah, with only 57 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.
More places to see snakes
More wildlife in Utah