Best Time to See Hummingbirds in South Carolina
September, August and July is the best time to see hummingbirds in South Carolina. Based on 2,976 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in South Carolina.
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 · Public domain CC0
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Public domain CC0
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Public domain CC0
2,976 verified observations of hummingbirds in South Carolina, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in South Carolina
Peak month
September
859 records (28.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9 | 0.3% |
| February | 6 | 0.2% |
| March | 19 | 0.6% |
| April | 183 | 6.1% |
| May | 255 | 8.6% |
| June | 232 | 7.8% |
| Julypeak | 528 | 17.7% |
| Augustpeak | 607 | 20.4% |
| Septemberpeak | 859 | 28.9% |
| October | 260 | 8.7% |
| November | 11 | 0.4% |
| December | 7 | 0.2% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 2,949 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 13 |
| Buff-bellied Hummingbird | 1 |
| Allen's Hummingbird | 1 |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in South Carolina
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when hummingbirds are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for hummingbirds sit around 67 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 41°F | 4.6" |
| Feb | 63°F | 44°F | 4" |
| Mar | 69°F | 49°F | 4" |
| Apr | 76°F | 54°F | 4.5" |
| May | 83°F | 63°F | 3.4" |
| Jun | 88°F | 69°F | 4.2" |
| Julbest time | 92°F | 74°F | 5.2" |
| Augbest time | 90°F | 73°F | 4.9" |
| Sepbest time | 85°F | 67°F | 4.1" |
| Oct | 77°F | 58°F | 2.3" |
| Nov | 66°F | 47°F | 2.7" |
| Dec | 60°F | 43°F | 4.5" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for South Carolina. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on hummingbirds in South Carolina:
Sightings of hummingbirds in South Carolina peak in September, when 859 of the year's 2,976 verified observations are logged — about 28.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, August and July.
The quietest stretch is February, December and January, when hummingbirds are hardest to find — February sees just 6 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 South Carolina are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Buff-bellied 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 South Carolina
- Charles Pinckney National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Ninety Six National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Congaree National Park — National Park
- Cowpens National Battlefield — National Battlefield
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hummingbirds in South Carolina?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, August and July, based on 2,976 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in South Carolina?+
February is the quietest month for hummingbirds in South Carolina, with only 6 verified records.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in South Carolina?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 12 of 12 months in South Carolina, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in South Carolina