Best Time to See Hummingbirds in California
April, March and May is the best time to see hummingbirds in California. Based on 132,678 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in California.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
132,678 verified observations of hummingbirds in California, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in California
Peak month
April
21,658 records (16.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11,128 | 8.4% |
| February | 12,811 | 9.7% |
| Marchpeak | 16,213 | 12.2% |
| Aprilpeak | 21,658 | 16.3% |
| Maypeak | 14,938 | 11.3% |
| June | 8,833 | 6.7% |
| July | 8,073 | 6.1% |
| August | 8,002 | 6% |
| September | 8,294 | 6.3% |
| October | 7,533 | 5.7% |
| November | 7,039 | 5.3% |
| December | 8,156 | 6.1% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Anna's Hummingbird | 77,567 |
| Allen's Hummingbird | 23,692 |
| Costa's Hummingbird | 10,630 |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 4,099 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 2,514 |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 661 |
| Broad-billed Hummingbird | 156 |
| Anna's × Costa's Hummingbird | 38 |
Sightings of hummingbirds in California peak in April, when 21,658 of the year's 132,678 verified observations are logged — about 16.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through April, March and May.
The quietest stretch is November, October and August, when hummingbirds are hardest to find — November sees just 7,039 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hummingbirds you are most likely to encounter in California are Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird and Costa's Hummingbird — 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 hummingbirds in California
- Alcatraz Island
- Cabrillo National Monument — National Monument
- Channel Islands National Park — National Park
- Death Valley National Park — National Park
- Devils Postpile National Monument — National Monument
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
Plan your hummingbird trip in California
Start with live tours near Alcatraz Island, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Alcatraz Island
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hummingbird viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Alcatraz Island
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in California.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in California
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 hummingbirds in California?+
April is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through April, March and May, based on 132,678 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in California?+
November is the quietest month for hummingbirds in California, with only 7,039 verified records.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in California?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 12 of 12 months in California, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in April.
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in California