Best Time to See Copperheads in West Virginia
July, June and September is the best time to see copperheads in West Virginia. Based on 236 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when copperheads 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.
Eastern Copperhead · Court Harding CC BY
Eastern Copperhead · Mila C. CC BY
Eastern Copperhead · Alan Rockefeller CC BY
236 verified observations of copperheads in West Virginia, recorded across 8 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When copperheads are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
July
57 records (24.2% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0.4% |
| April | 7 | 3% |
| May | 37 | 15.7% |
| Junepeak | 52 | 22% |
| Julypeak | 57 | 24.2% |
| August | 31 | 13.1% |
| Septemberpeak | 42 | 17.8% |
| October | 9 | 3.8% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Copperheads you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Eastern Copperhead | 236 |
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 copperheads are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for copperheads sit around 57 to 81 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" |
| May | 69°F | 51°F | 6.5" |
| Junbest time | 76°F | 59°F | 5.3" |
| Julbest time | 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 copperheads in West Virginia peak in July, when 57 of the year's 236 verified observations are logged — about 24.2% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, June and September.
The quietest stretch is January, February and November, when copperheads are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The copperheads you are most likely to encounter in West Virginia are Eastern Copperhead — 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 copperheads 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 copperheads in West Virginia?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, June and September, based on 236 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are copperheads hardest to see in West Virginia?+
January is the quietest month for copperheads in West Virginia, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are copperheads active year-round in West Virginia?+
Copperheads are recorded in 8 of 12 months in West Virginia, concentrated around July and June.
More wildlife in West Virginia