Hummingbirds in South Dakota in September
Yes, September is a good month to see hummingbirds in South Dakota. It is the 5th busiest month of the year, with 16 of the 133 sightings logged across the year (12%), 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.
Good month for hummingbirds in South Dakota
12%
of yearly sightings
16
records in September
#5
busiest month of 12
133
verified records a year
August 35.3%, September 12%, October 2.3%. Busiest month is August at 35.3%.
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 |
In South Dakota, September carries 12% of the year's hummingbirds sightings, about 3.7 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 5th busiest of the twelve months, out of 7 months with recorded activity.
Activity is easing off from August (35.3%) into September, and it heads toward October (2.3%) after. The busiest month is August (35.3%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The hummingbirds most often recorded in South Dakota are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird and Rufous 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 Hummingbird86 records
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird24 records
- Rufous Hummingbird9 records
- Black-chinned Hummingbird4 records
- Calliope Hummingbird4 records
- Anna's Hummingbird2 records
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.
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Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in South Dakota.
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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
Can you see hummingbirds in South Dakota in September?+
Yes. September accounts for 16 of the 133 verified hummingbirds sightings logged in South Dakota across the year, which is 12% of the annual total.
Is September a good time to see hummingbirds in South Dakota?+
September is the 5th busiest month. It is workable, though August and June is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for hummingbirds in South Dakota?+
August is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through August, June and July, based on 133 verified observations.
Which hummingbirds are you most likely to see in South Dakota?+
The most-recorded species in South Dakota are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Broad-tailed Hummingbird and Rufous Hummingbird, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See hummingbirds in South Dakota in other months
More wildlife in South Dakota