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.
Red-shouldered Hawk · Stosh Morency CC BY
Red-shouldered Hawk · Sawyer Baran CC BY
Bald Eagle · Mark Jefferson Lawrence CC BY
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 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Tennessee
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when hawks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for hawks sit around 33 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 49°F | 33°F | 6" |
| Feb | 54°F | 36°F | 7.3" |
| Mar | 62°F | 42°F | 7.5" |
| Apr | 68°F | 48°F | 4.7" |
| May | 77°F | 58°F | 5.3" |
| Jun | 84°F | 65°F | 6.2" |
| Jul | 87°F | 70°F | 7.4" |
| Aug | 86°F | 69°F | 8.3" |
| Sep | 82°F | 64°F | 3.2" |
| Oct | 72°F | 53°F | 4.8" |
| Novbest time | 59°F | 41°F | 2.9" |
| Decbest time | 54°F | 38°F | 5.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Tennessee. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on hawks in Tennessee:
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
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.
More places to see hawks
More wildlife in Tennessee