Hummingbirds in Tennessee in May
Yes, May is a good month to see hummingbirds in Tennessee. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 267 of the 2,180 sightings logged across the year (12.2%), 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 Tennessee
12.2%
of yearly sightings
267
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
2,180
verified records a year
April 8.6%, May 12.2%, June 8.5%. Busiest month is September at 26.5%.
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 |
In Tennessee, May carries 12.2% of the year's hummingbirds sightings, about 3.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (8.6%) into May, and it heads toward June (8.5%) after. The busiest month is September (26.5%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The hummingbirds most often recorded in Tennessee are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Calliope Hummingbird. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which hummingbirds you are most likely to see
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird2,129 records
- Rufous Hummingbird15 records
- Calliope Hummingbird7 records
- Black-chinned Hummingbird6 records
- Broad-billed Hummingbird2 records
- Allen's Hummingbird2 records
Plan your hummingbird 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 hummingbird viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in Tennessee.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird 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
Can you see hummingbirds in Tennessee in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 267 of the 2,180 verified hummingbirds sightings logged in Tennessee across the year, which is 12.2% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see hummingbirds in Tennessee?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though September and August is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for hummingbirds in Tennessee?+
September is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through September, August and July, based on 2,180 verified observations.
Which hummingbirds are you most likely to see in Tennessee?+
The most-recorded species in Tennessee are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Calliope Hummingbird, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See hummingbirds in Tennessee in other months
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in Tennessee