Best Time to See Snakes in Washington
May, June and April is the best time to see snakes in Washington. Based on 18,953 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when snakes are most active across the year in Washington.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
18,953 verified observations of snakes in Washington, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in Washington
Peak month
May
4,148 records (21.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 78 | 0.4% |
| February | 108 | 0.6% |
| March | 952 | 5% |
| Aprilpeak | 2,692 | 14.2% |
| Maypeak | 4,148 | 21.9% |
| Junepeak | 3,244 | 17.1% |
| July | 2,476 | 13.1% |
| August | 2,490 | 13.1% |
| September | 1,648 | 8.7% |
| October | 874 | 4.6% |
| November | 174 | 0.9% |
| December | 69 | 0.4% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Northwestern Garter Snake | 4,823 |
| Common Garter Snake | 4,046 |
| Northern Alligator Lizard | 2,366 |
| Gopher Snake | 1,590 |
| Western Fence Lizard | 1,401 |
| Western Rattlesnake | 924 |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | 910 |
| Northern Rubber Boa | 474 |
Sightings of snakes in Washington peak in May, when 4,148 of the year's 18,953 verified observations are logged — about 21.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and April.
The quietest stretch is December and January, when snakes are hardest to find — December sees just 69 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 Washington are Northwestern Garter Snake, Common Garter Snake and Northern Alligator Lizard — 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 Washington
- Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve — National Historical Reserve
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Mount Rainier National Park — National Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Tours and experiences nearby
Booking.com
Stay near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best snake viewing in Washington.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see snakes in Washington?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and April, based on 18,953 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in Washington?+
December is the quietest month for snakes in Washington, with only 69 verified records.
Are snakes active year-round in Washington?+
Snakes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Washington, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see snakes
More wildlife in Washington