Best Time to See Centipedes in Wisconsin
April, May and June is the best time to see centipedes in Wisconsin. Based on 1,352 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when centipedes are most active across the year in Wisconsin.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Strigamia bothriopus · Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA
Common Desert Centipede · Public domain CC0
Common Desert Centipede · Evrytte Carlson CC BY
1,352 verified observations of centipedes in Wisconsin, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When centipedes are recorded in Wisconsin
Peak month
April
323 records (23.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13 | 1% |
| February | 19 | 1.4% |
| March | 80 | 5.9% |
| Aprilpeak | 323 | 23.9% |
| Maypeak | 236 | 17.5% |
| Junepeak | 150 | 11.1% |
| July | 114 | 8.4% |
| August | 97 | 7.2% |
| September | 126 | 9.3% |
| October | 115 | 8.5% |
| November | 63 | 4.7% |
| December | 16 | 1.2% |
Centipedes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| House Centipede | 427 |
| Brown Centipede | 293 |
| Diamondback Soil Centipede | 44 |
| Common Schendyla | 14 |
| Lamyctes | 10 |
| Garden Lithobius | 6 |
| Common Cryptops | 4 |
| Strigamia bothriopus | 4 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Wisconsin
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when centipedes are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for centipedes sit around 32 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25°F | 10°F | 1.4" |
| Feb | 25°F | 7°F | 2" |
| Mar | 40°F | 21°F | 2.7" |
| Aprbest time | 52°F | 32°F | 3.9" |
| Maybest time | 65°F | 45°F | 3.4" |
| Junbest time | 77°F | 57°F | 3.8" |
| Jul | 80°F | 61°F | 3.5" |
| Aug | 77°F | 60°F | 3.5" |
| Sep | 70°F | 53°F | 3" |
| Oct | 55°F | 40°F | 3.3" |
| Nov | 41°F | 27°F | 2.4" |
| Dec | 32°F | 17°F | 1.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Wisconsin. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
Sightings of centipedes in Wisconsin peak in April, when 323 of the year's 1,352 verified observations are logged — about 23.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, May and June.
The quietest stretch is January, December and February, when centipedes are hardest to find — January sees just 13 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The centipedes you are most likely to encounter in Wisconsin are House Centipede, Brown Centipede and Diamondback Soil Centipede — 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 centipedes in Wisconsin
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — National Lakeshore
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see centipedes in Wisconsin?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, May and June, based on 1,352 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are centipedes hardest to see in Wisconsin?+
January is the quietest month for centipedes in Wisconsin, with only 13 verified records.
Are centipedes active year-round in Wisconsin?+
Centipedes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Wisconsin, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.