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.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · F. LaBry CC BY
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Craig K CC BY
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Daughter Dad CC BY
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 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Minnesota
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when hummingbirds are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for hummingbirds sit around 44 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°F | 5°F | 1" |
| Feb | 20°F | 2°F | 1" |
| Mar | 37°F | 19°F | 1.9" |
| Apr | 48°F | 30°F | 2.9" |
| Maybest time | 64°F | 44°F | 2.6" |
| Jun | 77°F | 58°F | 2.6" |
| Jul | 79°F | 62°F | 4.6" |
| Augbest time | 77°F | 61°F | 3.8" |
| Sepbest time | 70°F | 54°F | 3.6" |
| Oct | 53°F | 40°F | 2.7" |
| Nov | 38°F | 25°F | 1.8" |
| Dec | 27°F | 14°F | 2.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Minnesota. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on hummingbirds in Minnesota:
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
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