Best Time to See Hummingbirds in Illinois
August, September and May is the best time to see hummingbirds in Illinois. Based on 2,981 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in Illinois.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 30, 2026.
2,981 verified observations of hummingbirds in Illinois, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in Illinois
Peak month
August
791 records (26.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3 | 0.1% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 2 | 0.1% |
| April | 31 | 1% |
| Maypeak | 549 | 18.4% |
| June | 385 | 12.9% |
| July | 485 | 16.3% |
| Augustpeak | 791 | 26.5% |
| Septemberpeak | 659 | 22.1% |
| October | 45 | 1.5% |
| November | 22 | 0.7% |
| December | 9 | 0.3% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 2,911 |
| Broad-billed Hummingbird | 26 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 21 |
| Anna's Hummingbird | 9 |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 5 |
| Mexican Violetear | 4 |
Sightings of hummingbirds in Illinois peak in August, when 791 of the year's 2,981 verified observations are logged — about 26.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and May.
The quietest stretch is February, when hummingbirds are hardest to find — no verified records exist for February. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hummingbirds you are most likely to encounter in Illinois are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Broad-billed Hummingbird and Rufous 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 Illinois
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument — National Monument
- Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- New Philadelphia National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Pullman National Historical Park — National Historical Park
Plan your hummingbird trip in Illinois
Start with live tours near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hummingbird viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in Illinois.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in Illinois
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 Illinois?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and May, based on 2,981 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in Illinois?+
February is the quietest month for hummingbirds in Illinois, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in Illinois?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 11 of 12 months in Illinois, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in Illinois