Best Time to See Hawks in Tennessee
December, January and November is the best time to see hawks in Tennessee. Based on 12,181 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks are most active across the year in Tennessee.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
12,181 verified observations of hawks in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
December
1,428 records (11.7% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 1,394 | 11.4% |
| February | 1,355 | 11.1% |
| March | 1,148 | 9.4% |
| April | 1,073 | 8.8% |
| May | 887 | 7.3% |
| June | 719 | 5.9% |
| July | 585 | 4.8% |
| August | 707 | 5.8% |
| September | 623 | 5.1% |
| October | 903 | 7.4% |
| Novemberpeak | 1,359 | 11.2% |
| Decemberpeak | 1,428 | 11.7% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | 4,949 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 2,394 |
| Bald Eagle | 1,746 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 1,226 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 500 |
| Mississippi Kite | 469 |
| Northern Harrier | 447 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 122 |
Sightings of hawks in Tennessee peak in December, when 1,428 of the year's 12,181 verified observations are logged — about 11.7% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, January and November.
The quietest stretch is July, September and August, when hawks are hardest to find — July sees just 585 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hawks you are most likely to encounter in Tennessee are Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk and Bald Eagle — 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 hawks in Tennessee
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park — National Park
- Natchez Trace Parkway — Parkway
- Obed Wild & Scenic River — Wild & Scenic River
Plan your hawk trip in Tennessee
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 hawk viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hawk viewing area in Tennessee.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hawk tour in Tennessee
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 hawks in Tennessee?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, January and November, based on 12,181 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in Tennessee?+
July is the quietest month for hawks in Tennessee, with only 585 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in Tennessee?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Tennessee, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.