Best Time to See Hummingbirds in Minnesota
May, September and August is the best time to see hummingbirds in Minnesota. Based on 2,028 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in Minnesota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
2,028 verified observations of hummingbirds in Minnesota, recorded across 10 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in Minnesota
Peak month
May
584 records (28.8% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 1 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 1 | 0% |
| Maypeak | 584 | 28.8% |
| June | 266 | 13.1% |
| July | 271 | 13.4% |
| Augustpeak | 414 | 20.4% |
| Septemberpeak | 461 | 22.7% |
| October | 14 | 0.7% |
| November | 15 | 0.7% |
| December | 1 | 0% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 1,977 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 18 |
| Anna's Hummingbird | 15 |
Sightings of hummingbirds in Minnesota peak in May, when 584 of the year's 2,028 verified observations are logged — about 28.8% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, September and August.
The quietest stretch is January, March and February, when hummingbirds are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hummingbirds you are most likely to encounter in Minnesota are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Anna'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 Minnesota
- Grand Portage National Monument — National Monument
- Mississippi National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Pipestone National Monument — National Monument
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
- Voyageurs National Park — National Park
Plan your hummingbird trip in Minnesota
Start with live tours near Grand Portage National Monument, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Grand Portage National Monument
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hummingbird viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Grand Portage National Monument
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in Minnesota.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in Minnesota
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 Minnesota?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, September and August, based on 2,028 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in Minnesota?+
January is the quietest month for hummingbirds in Minnesota, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in Minnesota?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 10 of 12 months in Minnesota, concentrated around May and September.
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in Minnesota