They typically start “coming out” in early spring, but the exact timing depends on where you live.

Quick Scoop

  • In the southern U.S. (Gulf Coast, Texas, Louisiana), migrating hummingbirds—often the first male ruby‑throats—can show up from late February through early–mid March.
  • Across much of the eastern U.S., hummingbirds begin appearing at flowers and feeders from March into May as they move north.
  • In more northern states and southern Canada, first arrivals are usually in April or early May, with some regions not seeing them until mid‑May.
  • Along parts of the Pacific Coast and in Central/South America, some species are present year‑round and don’t fully “disappear” for winter.

Simple rule of thumb

  • Put your feeder out 1–2 weeks before the first hummingbirds usually arrive in your region (for many areas, that means by early March in the Southeast, and by late April in the Northeast).
  • Once they “come out” in spring, expect regular activity at feeders and flowering plants from roughly March through May, with many areas enjoying them all summer long.

If you tell me your state or region, I can narrow this down to a more specific window for when hummingbirds are likely to show up at your place.

TL;DR: Hummingbirds “come out” in late winter to early spring—late February to March in the South, and April to early May farther north, with local climate shifting the dates a bit each year.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.