Best Time to See Black Widows in West Virginia
September, May and June is the best time to see black widows in West Virginia. Based on 164 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when black widows are most active across the year in West Virginia.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Northern Black Widow · Joseph McPhail CC BY
Western Black Widow · Rebecca Ray CC BY
Western Black Widow · Michael Eisen CC BY
164 verified observations of black widows in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When black widows are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
September
31 records (18.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 1.2% |
| February | 1 | 0.6% |
| March | 2 | 1.2% |
| April | 11 | 6.7% |
| Maypeak | 27 | 16.5% |
| Junepeak | 27 | 16.5% |
| July | 24 | 14.6% |
| August | 24 | 14.6% |
| Septemberpeak | 31 | 18.9% |
| October | 7 | 4.3% |
| November | 5 | 3% |
| December | 3 | 1.8% |
Black Widows you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Northern Black Widow | 85 |
| Southern Black Widow | 59 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in West Virginia
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when black widows are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for black widows sit around 51 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41°F | 26°F | 4.8" |
| Feb | 46°F | 28°F | 5.5" |
| Mar | 54°F | 34°F | 4.5" |
| Apr | 61°F | 41°F | 4.4" |
| Maybest time | 69°F | 51°F | 6.5" |
| Junbest time | 76°F | 59°F | 5.3" |
| Jul | 81°F | 65°F | 5.1" |
| Aug | 78°F | 63°F | 4.9" |
| Sepbest time | 74°F | 57°F | 3.5" |
| Oct | 64°F | 48°F | 4.1" |
| Nov | 52°F | 35°F | 2.9" |
| Dec | 46°F | 31°F | 4.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for West Virginia. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of black widows in West Virginia peak in September, when 31 of the year's 164 verified observations are logged — about 18.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, May and June.
The quietest stretch is February, when black widows are hardest to find — February sees just 1 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The black widows you are most likely to encounter in West Virginia are Northern Black Widow and Southern Black Widow — 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 black widows in West Virginia
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Bluestone National Scenic River — National Scenic River
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Chesapeake Bay
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New River Gorge National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see black widows in West Virginia?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, May and June, based on 164 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are black widows hardest to see in West Virginia?+
February is the quietest month for black widows in West Virginia, with only 1 verified records.
Are black widows active year-round in West Virginia?+
Black widows are recorded in 12 of 12 months in West Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More wildlife in West Virginia