Best Time to See Hummingbirds in North Dakota
August, May and September is the best time to see hummingbirds in North Dakota. Based on 50 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in North Dakota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
50 verified observations of hummingbirds in North Dakota, recorded across 6 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in North Dakota
Peak month
August
19 records (38% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 0 | 0% |
| Maypeak | 13 | 26% |
| June | 6 | 12% |
| July | 3 | 6% |
| Augustpeak | 19 | 38% |
| Septemberpeak | 7 | 14% |
| October | 2 | 4% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 43 |
| Anna's Hummingbird | 2 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 2 |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 2 |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 1 |
Sightings of hummingbirds in North Dakota peak in August, when 19 of the year's 50 verified observations are logged — about 38% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, May and September.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when hummingbirds are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hummingbirds you are most likely to encounter in North Dakota are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Anna's Hummingbird and Rufous 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 North Dakota
- Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park — National Park
- Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Arrowwood NWR (general)
Plan your hummingbird trip in North Dakota
Start with live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hummingbird viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in North Dakota.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in North Dakota
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 North Dakota?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, May and September, based on 50 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in North Dakota?+
January is the quietest month for hummingbirds in North Dakota, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in North Dakota?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 6 of 12 months in North Dakota, concentrated around August and May.
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in North Dakota