Hummingbirds in Kentucky in May
Yes, May is a good month to see hummingbirds in Kentucky. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 77 of the 665 sightings logged across the year (11.6%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Good month for hummingbirds in Kentucky
11.6%
of yearly sightings
77
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
665
verified records a year
April 8%, May 11.6%, June 9.5%. Busiest month is August at 29.8%.
665 verified observations of hummingbirds in Kentucky, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in Kentucky
Peak month
August
198 records (29.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1 | 0.2% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0.2% |
| April | 53 | 8% |
| May | 77 | 11.6% |
| June | 63 | 9.5% |
| Julypeak | 121 | 18.2% |
| Augustpeak | 198 | 29.8% |
| Septemberpeak | 124 | 18.6% |
| October | 17 | 2.6% |
| November | 6 | 0.9% |
| December | 4 | 0.6% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 643 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 5 |
| Anna's Hummingbird | 4 |
| Allen's Hummingbird | 4 |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 1 |
In Kentucky, May carries 11.6% of the year's hummingbirds sightings, about 3.3 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 11 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (8%) into May, and it heads toward June (9.5%) after. The busiest month is August (29.8%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The hummingbirds most often recorded in Kentucky are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Anna's Hummingbird. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which hummingbirds you are most likely to see
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird643 records
- Rufous Hummingbird5 records
- Anna's Hummingbird4 records
- Allen's Hummingbird4 records
- Black-chinned Hummingbird1 records
Plan your hummingbird trip in Kentucky
Start with live tours near Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hummingbird viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in Kentucky.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in Kentucky
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
Can you see hummingbirds in Kentucky in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 77 of the 665 verified hummingbirds sightings logged in Kentucky across the year, which is 11.6% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see hummingbirds in Kentucky?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though August and September is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for hummingbirds in Kentucky?+
August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, September and July, based on 665 verified observations.
Which hummingbirds are you most likely to see in Kentucky?+
The most-recorded species in Kentucky are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Anna's Hummingbird, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See hummingbirds in Kentucky in other months
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in Kentucky