Best Time to See Snakes in Vermont
May, June and April is the best time to see snakes in Vermont. Based on 7,192 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.
Common Garter Snake · Helen Linda CC BY
Common Garter Snake · Tom Norton CC BY
Ring-necked Snake · Tom Norton CC BY
7,192 verified observations of snakes in Vermont, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in Vermont
Peak month
May
1,501 records (20.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8 | 0.1% |
| February | 2 | 0% |
| March | 44 | 0.6% |
| Aprilpeak | 947 | 13.2% |
| Maypeak | 1,501 | 20.9% |
| Junepeak | 1,291 | 18% |
| July | 930 | 12.9% |
| August | 818 | 11.4% |
| September | 944 | 13.1% |
| 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 | 4,590 |
| Eastern Milksnake | 716 |
| Common Watersnake | 479 |
| Red-bellied Snake | 468 |
| DeKay's Brownsnake | 359 |
| Ring-necked Snake | 224 |
| Central Ratsnake | 193 |
| Smooth Greensnake | 66 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Vermont
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 32 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 27°F | 10°F | 3.3" |
| Feb | 29°F | 10°F | 3" |
| Mar | 39°F | 20°F | 2.8" |
| Aprbest time | 50°F | 32°F | 4.3" |
| Maybest time | 63°F | 43°F | 3.3" |
| Junbest time | 72°F | 53°F | 4" |
| Jul | 77°F | 60°F | 6.2" |
| Aug | 75°F | 58°F | 4.1" |
| Sep | 68°F | 51°F | 3.4" |
| Oct | 57°F | 41°F | 5.1" |
| Nov | 42°F | 26°F | 3.3" |
| Dec | 34°F | 20°F | 4.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Vermont. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on snakes in Vermont:
Sightings of snakes in Vermont peak in May, when 1,501 of the year's 7,192 verified observations are logged — about 20.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and April.
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
Gear to see them
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 April, based on 7,192 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