Best Time to See Hummingbirds in New York
August, September and May is the best time to see hummingbirds in New York. Based on 2,588 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in New York.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
2,588 verified observations of hummingbirds in New York, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in New York
Peak month
August
622 records (24% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5 | 0.2% |
| February | 26 | 1% |
| March | 13 | 0.5% |
| April | 16 | 0.6% |
| Maypeak | 510 | 19.7% |
| June | 331 | 12.8% |
| July | 394 | 15.2% |
| Augustpeak | 622 | 24% |
| Septemberpeak | 526 | 20.3% |
| October | 68 | 2.6% |
| November | 66 | 2.6% |
| December | 11 | 0.4% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 2,442 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 59 |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 43 |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 11 |
| Broad-billed Hummingbird | 10 |
| Allen's Hummingbird | 8 |
Sightings of hummingbirds in New York peak in August, when 622 of the year's 2,588 verified observations are logged — about 24% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and May.
The quietest stretch is January, when hummingbirds are hardest to find — January sees just 5 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 York are Ruby-throated 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 New York
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Chesapeake Bay
- Fire Island National Seashore — National Seashore
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- National Parks of New York Harbor
Plan your hummingbird trip in New York
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 New York.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in New York
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 New York?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and May, based on 2,588 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in New York?+
January is the quietest month for hummingbirds in New York, with only 5 verified records.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in New York?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 12 of 12 months in New York, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.
More places to see hummingbirds