Best Time to See Hummingbirds in New Jersey

August, May and September is the best time to see hummingbirds in New Jersey. Based on 1,319 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in New Jersey.

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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 photographed in New JerseyRuby-throated Hummingbird photographed in New JerseyRuby-throated Hummingbird photographed in New Jersey
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.
Best months: August, May, September

1,319 verified observations of hummingbirds in New Jersey, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When hummingbirds are recorded in New Jersey

Peak month

August

366 records (27.7% of the year)

Quietest month

February

4 records

MonthObservationsShare
January80.6%
February40.3%
March60.5%
April665%
Maypeak25819.6%
June1188.9%
July20315.4%
Augustpeak36627.7%
Septemberpeak22417%
October372.8%
November181.4%
December110.8%

Hummingbirds you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Ruby-throated Hummingbird1,266
Rufous Hummingbird25
Black-chinned Hummingbird4
Calliope Hummingbird4
Broad-tailed Hummingbird1

Sightings of hummingbirds in New Jersey peak in August, when 366 of the year's 1,319 verified observations are logged β€” about 27.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, May and September.

The quietest stretch is February and March, when hummingbirds are hardest to find β€” February sees just 4 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.

The hummingbirds you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Black-chinned Hummingbird β€” 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 New Jersey

  • Appalachian National Scenic Trail β€” National Scenic Trail
  • Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area β€” National Recreation Area
  • Great Egg Harbor River
  • Morristown National Historical Park β€” National Historical Park
  • Ellis Island Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument β€” Part of Statue of Liberty National Monument
  • Gateway National Recreation Area β€” National Recreation Area
Plan your tripAppalachian National Scenic Trail

Plan your hummingbird trip in New Jersey

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.

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see hummingbirds in New Jersey?+

August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, May and September, based on 1,319 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are hummingbirds hardest to see in New Jersey?+

February is the quietest month for hummingbirds in New Jersey, with only 4 verified records.

Are hummingbirds active year-round in New Jersey?+

Hummingbirds are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New Jersey, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.