Monsoons in USA: 10 Destinations to Visit for Rain Lovers
Monsoons in the USA provide a unique experience for rain lovers, transforming landscapes into vibrant and lush paradises. Here are ten destinations perfect for those who revel in the rain, complete with travel tips, costs, and timing recommendations.
1. Arizona’s Sonoran Desert
How to Go: Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport or Tucson International Airport. Rent a car to explore the region.
When to Go: June to September, with July and August being the peak months.
Cost: Flights from major US cities range from $200-$400. Car rentals average $30-$60 per day. Accommodation ranges from $80-$200 per night. Details: Experience the vibrant desert flora and fauna at Saguaro National Park or hike the scenic trails of Sabino Canyon. For more information, visit the: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
2. New Mexico’s High Desert
How to Go: Fly into Albuquerque International Sunport or Santa Fe Regional Airport. Rent a car to explore the area.
When to Go: Late June to early September, with July and August offering the most rainfall.
Cost: Flights range from $250-$450. Car rentals average $30-$60 per day. Accommodation ranges from $100-$250 per night.
Details: Visit the Santa Fe Plaza or explore the ancient ruins at Bandelier National Monument. For more information, visit the: New Mexico True
3. Florida’s Everglades
How to Go: Fly into Miami International Airport or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Take a guided tour or rent a car to explore the Everglades.
When to Go: May to October, with the heaviest rains in June through September.
Cost: Flights range from $150-$300. Car rentals average $25-$50 per day. Guided tours range from $40-$100 per person. Accommodation ranges from $100-$250 per night.
Details: Explore the Everglades National Park by airboat or kayak. Visit the Everglades National Park website for more details.
4. Hawaii’s Big Island
How to Go: Fly into Hilo International Airport or Kona International Airport.
When to Go: The rainy season is from November to March, but Hilo receives substantial rainfall year-round.
Cost: Flights range from $400-$800. Car rentals average $40-$70 per day. Accommodation ranges from $150-$300 per night.
Details: Don’t miss Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls. For more information, visit: Go Hawaii.
5. Washington’s Olympic Peninsula
How to Go: Fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and drive or take a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula.
When to Go: October to March for the wettest months.
Cost: Flights range from $200-$400. Car rentals average $30-$60 per day. Accommodation ranges from $100-$250 per night.
Details: Explore the Hoh Rain Forest and Quinault Rain Forest in Olympic National Park. Check out the Olympic National Park website for more information.
6. Oregon’s Coast
How to Go: Fly into Portland International Airport and drive to the coast.
When to Go: October to May, with the heaviest rains in November through January.
Cost: Flights range from $200-$400. Car rentals average $30-$60 per day. Accommodation ranges from $100-$250 per night.
Details: Visit Cannon Beach, Astoria, and the dramatic cliffs of Cape Perpetua. For more travel tips, see: Travel Oregon.
7. Louisiana’s Bayous
How to Go: Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
When to Go: June to November, with peak rainfall in August and September.
Cost: Flights range from $150-$300. Car rentals average $25-$50 per day. Guided tours range from $40-$100 per person. Accommodation ranges from $100-$250 per night.
Details: Take a swamp tour to see alligators and other wildlife. Visit: Louisiana Travel for more details.
8. California’s Sierra Nevada
How to Go: Fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport or Sacramento International Airport. Rent a car to explore the region.
When to Go: July to September for the summer monsoon season.
Cost: Flights range from $200-$400. Car rentals average $30-$60 per day. Accommodation ranges from $100-$250 per night.
Details: Enjoy the lush alpine meadows and dramatic thunderstorms in Yosemite National Park. Check out the Yosemite National Park website for more information.
9. Colorado’s Rocky Mountains
How to Go: Fly into Denver International Airport and drive to Boulder or Estes Park.
When to Go: Mid-July to mid-September for the monsoon season.
Cost: Flights range from $150-$300. Car rentals average $30-$60 per day. Accommodation ranges from $100-$250 per night.
Details: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park’s numerous trails and scenic viewpoints. Visit: Colorado.com for more travel information.
10. North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains
How to Go: Fly into McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville, Tennessee, or Asheville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
When to Go: June to August for the most rainfall.
Cost: Flights range from $150-$300. Car rentals average $25-$50 per day. Accommodation ranges from $100-$250 per night.
Details: Hike the Appalachian Trail or visit Clingman Dome for panoramic views. For more information, visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park website.
*Tips for Enjoying Monsoons in the USA
Be Prepared: Pack waterproof gear, including rain jackets, boots, and umbrellas.
Stay Safe: Monitor weather forecasts and be aware of potential flash floods in certain areas.
Embrace the Rain: Take advantage of the unique activities and experiences that the monsoon season offers, from hiking in misty forests to exploring rejuvenated wetlands.