Best Time to See Hummingbirds in Tennessee
September, August and July is the best time to see hummingbirds in Tennessee. Based on 2,180 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds 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.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Public domain CC0
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Melissa McMasters CC BY
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Melissa McMasters CC BY
2,180 verified observations of hummingbirds in Tennessee, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in Tennessee
Peak month
September
577 records (26.5% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 0.3% |
| February | 3 | 0.1% |
| March | 5 | 0.2% |
| April | 188 | 8.6% |
| May | 267 | 12.2% |
| June | 186 | 8.5% |
| Julypeak | 326 | 15% |
| Augustpeak | 544 | 25% |
| Septemberpeak | 577 | 26.5% |
| October | 58 | 2.7% |
| November | 13 | 0.6% |
| December | 7 | 0.3% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 2,129 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 15 |
| Calliope Hummingbird | 7 |
| Black-chinned Hummingbird | 6 |
| Broad-billed Hummingbird | 2 |
| Allen's Hummingbird | 2 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Tennessee
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 64 to 87 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 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" |
| Julbest time | 87°F | 70°F | 7.4" |
| Augbest time | 86°F | 69°F | 8.3" |
| Sepbest time | 82°F | 64°F | 3.2" |
| Oct | 72°F | 53°F | 4.8" |
| Nov | 59°F | 41°F | 2.9" |
| Dec | 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 hummingbirds in Tennessee:
Sightings of hummingbirds in Tennessee peak in September, when 577 of the year's 2,180 verified observations are logged — about 26.5% of the annual total. Activity stays high through September, August and July.
The quietest stretch is February, when hummingbirds are hardest to find — February sees just 3 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 Tennessee are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Calliope 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 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 hummingbirds in Tennessee?+
September is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through September, August and July, based on 2,180 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in Tennessee?+
February is the quietest month for hummingbirds in Tennessee, with only 3 verified records.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in Tennessee?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Tennessee, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in September.
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in Tennessee