Best Time to See Snakes in Vermont
May, June and September is the best time to see snakes in Vermont. Based on 7,167 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when snakes are most active across the year in Vermont.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
7,167 verified observations of snakes in Vermont, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in Vermont
Peak month
May
1,513 records (21.1% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8 | 0.1% |
| February | 2 | 0% |
| March | 44 | 0.6% |
| April | 950 | 13.3% |
| Maypeak | 1,513 | 21.1% |
| Junepeak | 1,275 | 17.8% |
| July | 890 | 12.4% |
| August | 827 | 11.5% |
| Septemberpeak | 951 | 13.3% |
| October | 639 | 8.9% |
| November | 59 | 0.8% |
| December | 9 | 0.1% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Garter Snake | 4,552 |
| Eastern Milksnake | 706 |
| Common Watersnake | 473 |
| Red-bellied Snake | 465 |
| DeKay's Brownsnake | 356 |
| Ring-necked Snake | 222 |
| Eastern Ratsnake | 155 |
| Smooth Greensnake | 64 |
Sightings of snakes in Vermont peak in May, when 1,513 of the year's 7,167 verified observations are logged — about 21.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and September.
The quietest stretch is February, when snakes are hardest to find — February sees just 2 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 Vermont are Common Garter Snake, Eastern Milksnake and Common Watersnake — 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 Vermont
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best snake viewing in Vermont.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see snakes in Vermont?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and September, based on 7,167 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in Vermont?+
February is the quietest month for snakes in Vermont, with only 2 verified records.
Are snakes active year-round in Vermont?+
Snakes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Vermont, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see snakes
More wildlife in Vermont