How Long do Burmese Pythons Get (and How Long it Takes Them to Grow)?

Burmese pythons are one of the largest snake species in the world, and their potential size is something anyone considering one as a pet needs to fully understand. These beautiful snakes grow fast, grow big, and require a serious commitment in terms of space, food, and handling experience.

Average Adult Size

Adult Burmese pythons typically reach 12 to 18 feet in length, with females being significantly larger than males. Males usually stay between 8 and 14 feet, while females commonly reach 14 to 18 feet. Exceptional females can exceed 19 feet, and the largest verified Burmese pythons have measured over 18.5 feet and weighed over 400 pounds.

Even on the smaller end, a 12 foot Burmese python is an enormous animal. At this size, the snake can weigh 80 to 150 pounds, making it heavy, powerful, and potentially dangerous to handle alone.

How Fast Do Burmese Pythons Grow

Burmese pythons are one of the fastest growing snake species in the world, and their growth rate catches many new owners off guard. Hatchlings are about 18 to 24 inches long and can reach 6 to 8 feet within their first year with regular feeding. By the end of year two, a well fed Burmese python can easily be 8 to 12 feet long.

Growth continues rapidly through the first 3 to 4 years, then gradually slows but never completely stops. A Burmese python will continue adding length and mass throughout its entire life, meaning a 20 year old snake will be noticeably larger than one that is 5 years old.

This rapid growth rate is one of the biggest challenges of keeping Burmese pythons. Many people buy a cute 2 foot baby without realizing that within a year, they will need significantly larger housing and will be dealing with a snake that weighs as much as a large dog.

Dwarf Burmese Pythons

There is a naturally occurring dwarf form of the Burmese python that stays considerably smaller than the standard form. Dwarf Burmese pythons typically reach 6 to 8 feet as adults, making them much more manageable for captive keeping. However, true dwarf Burmese pythons are relatively rare in the pet trade, and some animals marketed as “dwarfs” may actually be normal sized animals that simply have not reached their full potential yet.

If you are specifically looking for a smaller Burmese python, buy from a reputable breeder who can verify the lineage of their dwarf animals and show you the adult size of the parents.

Housing Requirements

The enclosure needs of a Burmese python change dramatically as it grows. A hatchling can start in a standard 20 gallon tank, but by 6 months you will likely need a 4 foot long enclosure. An adult Burmese python of 12 to 18 feet needs a custom built enclosure that is at least 8 feet long by 4 feet wide, and many keepers dedicate entire rooms to their snake.

This is one of the main reasons many Burmese pythons are surrendered to rescues. Owners who bought a small baby find themselves with a 10 to 15 foot snake that they cannot properly house within just a couple of years.

Lifespan and Long Term Commitment

Burmese pythons can live 20 to 30 years in captivity with proper care. Combined with their massive size and specific care requirements, this makes them one of the biggest commitments in the reptile hobby. Before getting a Burmese python, honestly assess whether you can provide adequate housing, food, and handling for the next two to three decades.

For those interested in large pythons but wanting something more manageable, consider species like dwarf reticulated pythons or carpet pythons, which offer impressive size without the extreme proportions of a full grown Burmese python.