Best Time to See Snakes in West Virginia
May, June and August is the best time to see snakes in West Virginia. Based on 6,720 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when snakes 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 June 28, 2026.
6,720 verified observations of snakes in West Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in West Virginia
Peak month
May
1,544 records (23% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | 0.1% |
| February | 7 | 0.1% |
| March | 170 | 2.5% |
| April | 773 | 11.5% |
| Maypeak | 1,544 | 23% |
| Junepeak | 1,432 | 21.3% |
| July | 798 | 11.9% |
| Augustpeak | 814 | 12.1% |
| September | 767 | 11.4% |
| October | 342 | 5.1% |
| November | 52 | 0.8% |
| December | 12 | 0.2% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Garter Snake | 1,358 |
| Gray Ratsnake | 982 |
| Common Watersnake | 678 |
| Ring-necked Snake | 537 |
| Common Five-lined Skink | 492 |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | 413 |
| Eastern Milksnake | 396 |
| Timber Rattlesnake | 281 |
Sightings of snakes in West Virginia peak in May, when 1,544 of the year's 6,720 verified observations are logged — about 23% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and August.
The quietest stretch is February and January, when snakes are hardest to find — February sees just 7 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 West Virginia are Common Garter Snake, Gray Ratsnake 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 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
Plan your snake trip in West Virginia
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main snake viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best snake viewing area in West Virginia.
Viator
Broader backupBook a snake tour in West Virginia
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see snakes in West Virginia?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and August, based on 6,720 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in West Virginia?+
February is the quietest month for snakes in West Virginia, with only 7 verified records.
Are snakes active year-round in West Virginia?+
Snakes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in West Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.
More places to see snakes
More wildlife in West Virginia