Best Time to See Hummingbirds in Wisconsin
May, August and September is the best time to see hummingbirds in Wisconsin. Based on 1,574 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hummingbirds are most active across the year in Wisconsin.
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 · A. Johann CC BY
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Mason Holum CC BY
Ruby-throated Hummingbird · Mitch Van Dyke CC BY
1,574 verified observations of hummingbirds in Wisconsin, recorded across 10 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hummingbirds are recorded in Wisconsin
Peak month
May
435 records (27.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 0% |
| February | 0 | 0% |
| March | 1 | 0.1% |
| April | 5 | 0.3% |
| Maypeak | 435 | 27.6% |
| June | 245 | 15.6% |
| July | 227 | 14.4% |
| Augustpeak | 345 | 21.9% |
| Septemberpeak | 269 | 17.1% |
| October | 25 | 1.6% |
| November | 16 | 1% |
| December | 6 | 0.4% |
Hummingbirds you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | 1,527 |
| Rufous Hummingbird | 23 |
| Anna's Hummingbird | 8 |
| Allen's Hummingbird | 5 |
| Green-breasted Mango | 2 |
| Mexican Violetear | 1 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Wisconsin
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 45 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25°F | 10°F | 1.4" |
| Feb | 25°F | 7°F | 2" |
| Mar | 40°F | 21°F | 2.7" |
| Apr | 52°F | 32°F | 3.9" |
| Maybest time | 65°F | 45°F | 3.4" |
| Jun | 77°F | 57°F | 3.8" |
| Jul | 80°F | 61°F | 3.5" |
| Augbest time | 77°F | 60°F | 3.5" |
| Sepbest time | 70°F | 53°F | 3" |
| Oct | 55°F | 40°F | 3.3" |
| Nov | 41°F | 27°F | 2.4" |
| Dec | 32°F | 17°F | 1.9" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Wisconsin. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on hummingbirds in Wisconsin:
Sightings of hummingbirds in Wisconsin peak in May, when 435 of the year's 1,574 verified observations are logged — about 27.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, August and September.
The quietest stretch is January, February and March, when hummingbirds are hardest to find — no verified records exist for January. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hummingbirds you are most likely to encounter in Wisconsin are Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Rufous Hummingbird and Anna's 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 Wisconsin
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore — National Lakeshore
- Ice Age National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- North Country National Scenic Trail — National Scenic Trail
- Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway — National Scenic Riverway
- Horicon NWR (general) (please use more precise locations)
- Manitowoc Lakefront
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hummingbirds in Wisconsin?+
May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, August and September, based on 1,574 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hummingbirds hardest to see in Wisconsin?+
January is the quietest month for hummingbirds in Wisconsin, with no verified records on iNaturalist.
Are hummingbirds active year-round in Wisconsin?+
Hummingbirds are recorded in 10 of 12 months in Wisconsin, concentrated around May and August.
More places to see hummingbirds
More wildlife in Wisconsin