Best Time to See Hummingbirds in South Dakota
August, June and July is the best time to see hummingbirds in South Dakota. Based on 133 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in South Dakota.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
133 verified observations of hummingbirds in South Dakota, recorded across 7 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in South Dakota
Peak month
August
47 records (35.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 0 | 0% |
| April | 1 | 0.8% |
| May | 17 | 12.8% |
| Junepeak | 27 | 20.3% |
| Julypeak | 22 | 16.5% |
| Augustpeak | 47 | 35.3% |
| September | 16 | 12% |
| October | 3 | 2.3% |
| November | 0 | 0% |
| December | 0 | 0% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 86 |
| Broad-tailed Hummingbird | 24 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 9 |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 4 |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 4 |
| Anna's Hummingbird | 2 |
| Costa's Hummingbird | 1 |
Sightings of hummingbirds in South Dakota peak in August, when 47 of the year's 133 verified observations are logged — about 35.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, June and July.
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 South Dakota are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Broad-tailed 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 South Dakota
- Badlands National Park — National Park
- Jewel Cave National Monument — National Monument
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Missouri National Recreational River — National Recreational River
- Wind Cave National Park — National Park
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site — National Historic Site
Plan your hummingbird trip in South Dakota
Start with live tours near Badlands National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Badlands National Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hummingbird viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Badlands National Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in South Dakota.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in South 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 South Dakota?+
August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, June and July, based on 133 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in South Dakota?+
January is the quietest month for hummingbirds in South Dakota, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in South Dakota?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 7 of 12 months in South Dakota, concentrated around August and June.
More wildlife in South Dakota