Hummingbirds in Massachusetts in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see hummingbirds in Massachusetts. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 489 of the 1,886 sightings logged across the year (25.9%), 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 July 2, 2026.
Peak month for hummingbirds in Massachusetts
25.9%
of yearly sightings
489
records in May
#2
busiest month of 12
1,886
verified records a year
April 3%, May 25.9%, June 13%. Busiest month is August at 28%.
1,886 verified observations of hummingbirds in Massachusetts, recorded across 11 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in Massachusetts
Peak month
August
528 records (28% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 3 | 0.2% |
| March | 1 | 0.1% |
| April | 56 | 3% |
| Maypeak | 489 | 25.9% |
| June | 246 | 13% |
| Julypeak | 332 | 17.6% |
| Augustpeak | 528 | 28% |
| September | 186 | 9.9% |
| October | 20 | 1.1% |
| November | 10 | 0.5% |
| December | 15 | 0.8% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 1,833 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 35 |
| Broad-billed Hummingbird | 1 |
| Allen's Hummingbird | 1 |
In Massachusetts, May carries 25.9% of the year's hummingbirds sightings, about 17.6 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 11 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (3%) into May, and it heads toward June (13%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The hummingbirds most often recorded in Massachusetts are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Broad-billed 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 Hummingbird1,833 records
- Rufous Hummingbird35 records
- Broad-billed Hummingbird1 records
- Allen's Hummingbird1 records
Plan your hummingbird trip in Massachusetts
Start with live tours near Appalachian National Scenic Trail, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Appalachian National Scenic 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 Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in Massachusetts.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 489 of the 1,886 verified hummingbirds sightings logged in Massachusetts across the year, which is 25.9% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see hummingbirds in Massachusetts?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of August, May and July.
What month is best for hummingbirds in Massachusetts?+
August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, May and July, based on 1,886 verified observations.
Which hummingbirds are you most likely to see in Massachusetts?+
The most-recorded species in Massachusetts are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Broad-billed Hummingbird, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See hummingbirds in Massachusetts in other months
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in Massachusetts