Best Time to See Hummingbirds in Montana
July, May and June is the best time to see hummingbirds in Montana. Based on 680 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in Montana.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Calliope Hummingbird · Cole Wolf CC BY
Calliope Hummingbird · Sawyer Baran CC BY
Calliope Hummingbird · Cole Wolf CC BY
680 verified observations of hummingbirds in Montana, recorded across 9 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in Montana
Peak month
July
190 records (27.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2 | 0.3% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 21 | 3.1% |
| Maypeak | 184 | 27.1% |
| Junepeak | 150 | 22.1% |
| Julypeak | 190 | 27.9% |
| August | 118 | 17.4% |
| September | 9 | 1.3% |
| October | 4 | 0.6% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 2 | 0.3% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Calliope Hummingbird | 298 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 219 |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 111 |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 22 |
| Anna's Hummingbird | 9 |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 3 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Montana
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 36 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29°F | 17°F | 1" |
| Feb | 22°F | 9°F | 1.5" |
| Mar | 33°F | 18°F | 1.1" |
| Apr | 40°F | 24°F | 2.3" |
| Maybest time | 53°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| Junbest time | 65°F | 47°F | 3.2" |
| Julbest time | 75°F | 55°F | 2" |
| Aug | 74°F | 54°F | 1.7" |
| Sep | 65°F | 46°F | 2.1" |
| Oct | 46°F | 31°F | 2" |
| Nov | 36°F | 23°F | 1" |
| Dec | 30°F | 18°F | 1" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Montana. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on hummingbirds in Montana:
Sightings of hummingbirds in Montana peak in July, when 190 of the year's 680 verified observations are logged — about 27.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, May and June.
The quietest stretch is February, March and November, 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 Montana are Calliope Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Black-chinned 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 Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield — National Battlefield
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Nez Perce National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Yellowstone National Park — National Park
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hummingbirds in Montana?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, May and June, based on 680 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in Montana?+
February is the quietest month for hummingbirds in Montana, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in Montana?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 9 of 12 months in Montana, concentrated around July and May.
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in Montana