Hummingbirds in North Carolina in September
Yes, September is one of the best months to see hummingbirds in North Carolina. It is the 2nd busiest month of the year, with 590 of the 3,598 sightings logged across the year (16.4%), 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 North Carolina
16.4%
of yearly sightings
590
records in September
#2
busiest month of 12
3,598
verified records a year
August 25%, September 16.4%, October 2.7%. Busiest month is August at 25%.
3,598 verified observations of hummingbirds in North Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in North Carolina
Peak month
August
899 records (25% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 33 | 0.9% |
| February | 16 | 0.4% |
| March | 15 | 0.4% |
| April | 428 | 11.9% |
| May | 470 | 13.1% |
| June | 394 | 11% |
| Julypeak | 576 | 16% |
| Augustpeak | 899 | 25% |
| Septemberpeak | 590 | 16.4% |
| October | 98 | 2.7% |
| November | 41 | 1.1% |
| December | 38 | 1.1% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 3,467 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 37 |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 11 |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 9 |
| Buff-bellied Hummingbird | 7 |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 7 |
| Broad-billed Hummingbird | 5 |
| Allen's Hummingbird | 4 |
In North Carolina, September carries 16.4% of the year's hummingbirds sightings, about 8.1 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 2nd busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from August (25%) into September, and it heads toward October (2.7%) after. This is right inside the peak window, so September is one of the surest months to plan a trip around.
The hummingbirds most often recorded in North Carolina are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Black-chinned Hummingbird. Those counts are annual totals rather than a September split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in September itself.
Which hummingbirds you are most likely to see
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird3,467 records
- Rufous Hummingbird37 records
- Black-chinned Hummingbird11 records
- Calliope Hummingbird9 records
- Buff-bellied Hummingbird7 records
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird7 records
Plan your hummingbird trip in North Carolina
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 North Carolina.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in North Carolina
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 North Carolina in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 590 of the 3,598 verified hummingbirds sightings logged in North Carolina across the year, which is 16.4% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see hummingbirds in North Carolina?+
September is one of the best months. It ranks 2nd of the year and sits inside the peak window of August, September and July.
What month is best for hummingbirds in North Carolina?+
August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, September and July, based on 3,598 verified observations.
Which hummingbirds are you most likely to see in North Carolina?+
The most-recorded species in North Carolina are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Black-chinned Hummingbird, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See hummingbirds in North Carolina in other months
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in North Carolina