Hummingbirds in New York in May
Yes, May is one of the best months to see hummingbirds in New York. It is the 3rd busiest month of the year, with 510 of the 2,588 sightings logged across the year (19.7%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Peak month for hummingbirds in New York
19.7%
of yearly sightings
510
records in May
#3
busiest month of 12
2,588
verified records a year
April 0.6%, May 19.7%, June 12.8%. Busiest month is August at 24%.
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 |
In New York, May carries 19.7% of the year's hummingbirds sightings, about 11.4 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 3rd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (0.6%) into May, and it heads toward June (12.8%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so May is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The hummingbirds most often recorded in New York are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Black-chinned Hummingbird. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which hummingbirds you are most likely to see
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird2,442 records
- Rufous Hummingbird59 records
- Black-chinned Hummingbird43 records
- Calliope Hummingbird11 records
- Broad-billed Hummingbird10 records
- Allen's Hummingbird8 records
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
Can you see hummingbirds in New York in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 510 of the 2,588 verified hummingbirds sightings logged in New York across the year, which is 19.7% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see hummingbirds in New York?+
May is one of the best months. It ranks 3rd of the year and sits inside the peak window of August, September and May.
What month is best for hummingbirds in New York?+
August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, September and May, based on 2,588 verified observations.
Which hummingbirds are you most likely to see in New York?+
The most-recorded species in New York are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Black-chinned Hummingbird, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See hummingbirds in New York in other months
More places to see hummingbirds