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.
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 |
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
Plan your hummingbird trip in Wisconsin
Start with live tours near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main hummingbird viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best hummingbird viewing area in Wisconsin.
Viator
Broader backupBook a hummingbird tour in Wisconsin
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
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