Best Time to See Hummingbirds in Virginia

August, September and July is the best time to see hummingbirds in Virginia. Based on 2,973 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in Virginia.

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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 photographed in Virginia

Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Public domain CC0

Ruby-throated Hummingbird photographed in Virginia

Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Brian Gratwicke CC BY

Ruby-throated Hummingbird photographed in Virginia

Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Anne Parker CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Best months: August, September, JulyPeak season right now

2,973 verified observations of hummingbirds in Virginia, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When hummingbirds are recorded in Virginia

Peak month

August

831 records (28% of the year)

Quietest month

February

2 records

MonthObservationsShare
January160.5%
February20.1%
March70.2%
April2478.3%
May35311.9%
June36212.2%
Julypeak51117.2%
Augustpeak83128%
Septemberpeak52017.5%
October762.6%
November230.8%
December250.8%

Hummingbirds you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Ruby-throated Hummingbird2,879
Rufous Hummingbird35
Calliope Hummingbird8
Anna's Hummingbird6
Allen's Hummingbird4
Black-chinned Hummingbird4
Buff-bellied Hummingbird3

Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo

Typical weather in Virginia

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 62 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.

MonthAvg highAvg lowRain
Jan47°F30°F3.2"
Feb52°F33°F4"
Mar60°F39°F3"
Apr70°F46°F3.9"
May77°F56°F3.5"
Jun86°F64°F3.1"
Julbest time92°F70°F3.2"
Augbest time88°F68°F3.8"
Sepbest time82°F62°F2.9"
Oct71°F52°F3.6"
Nov59°F39°F3.1"
Dec52°F34°F4"

Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Virginia. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.

More on hummingbirds in Virginia:

Sightings of hummingbirds in Virginia peak in August, when 831 of the year's 2,973 verified observations are logged — about 28% of the annual total. Activity stays high through August, September and July.

The quietest stretch is February, when hummingbirds are hardest to find — February sees just 2 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 Virginia 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 Virginia

  • Appalachian National Scenic TrailNational Scenic Trail
  • Appomattox Court House National Historical ParkNational Historical Park
  • Assateague Island National SeashoreNational Seashore
  • Blue Ridge ParkwayParkway
  • Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic TrailNational Historic Trail
  • Chesapeake Bay

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see hummingbirds in Virginia?+

August is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through August, September and July, based on 2,973 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are hummingbirds hardest to see in Virginia?+

February is the quietest month for hummingbirds in Virginia, with only 2 verified records.

Are hummingbirds active year-round in Virginia?+

Hummingbirds are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Virginia, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in August.