When you’re visiting the USA, the question “When’s the best time to go?” isn’t a simple one – but we’re here to help. Instead, ask yourself what you’d like to do on your trip. Do you want to hike some of the country’s tallest peaks? Go to music festivals? Soak up the sun on sparkling beaches? Explore big cities?
With its immense geographical and cultural diversity, you’ll undoubtedly find something amazing to do in the US no matter when you arrive.
Things slow down in the winter, but traveling during this time yields some unexpected benefits: comfortable temps in notoriously hot places, smaller crowds in cities, and tons of winter sports and activities, from skiing to snowshoeing to ice fishing.
May to July offers the best weather of the year
Though ideal conditions vary by region, this period generally sees the end of winter’s chill and the onset of spring and early summer’s vibrant bloom. In the East, nature-centric events like the Cherry Blossom Festival bring bursts of color.
The south illuminates with fireflies, while wildflowers blanket the rolling hills of California. Cities enjoy full patio season, and outdoor concerts return after their winter break. Cultural events also hit their stride during this time, and national parks started welcoming some of their largest crowds.
October to November is the prime season for leaf-peeping
The US transforms into a cozy, amber-hued wonderland, perfect for enjoying a glass of warm apple cider. The deciduous forests of the northern Midwest, New England, and Appalachia dazzle with fiery maples and golden ginkgos, while states like Colorado showcase stunning yellow aspens glowing in the autumn sun.
While popular fall foliage destinations such as Vermont and North Carolina may attract high-season crowds, there are plenty of less-trafficked spots nationwide where you can enjoy the fall colors and benefit from lower prices.
November to March is the best time for budget travelers and city breaks
As fall ends, crowds diminish, and most places settle into a quieter pace, preparing for winter. This period is ideal for visiting cities on your bucket list, with lower hotel prices and fewer crowds at major attractions and popular restaurants.
The colder, sometimes wet, weather makes it a great time to explore some of the country’s best museums. One exception to the budget-friendly trend is mid-December through New Year’s.
During this time, the festive Christmas atmosphere and holiday travel cause prices to spike and availability to drop. However, things quickly calmed down again in January.
Other seasons to know about
When it comes to US travel, there are a few weather seasons you should be aware of beyond the standard four, as they could potentially impact your trip depending on your destination.
Hurricane season June to November (Southeast)
Hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak activity happening in August and September. These storms largely affect the Gulf Coast in the southern US (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida), but some storms also make their way up the East Coast to states like South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Hurricanes can also impact inland destinations, causing issues like flooding and tornadoes.
Fire season July to October (Western US)
Fire season occurs in areas regularly affected by drought, so large swaths of the western US are at risk for fire for large parts of the year. July and August are the peak months of fire season, with states like California, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Oregon fielding the brunt of the damage.
Always check on fire conditions before heading on summer outdoor adventures here.
Tornado season runs from March to early June across the Great( Plains, the Midwest, and the southeastern US )
Though tornadoes have a smaller path of destruction compared to hurricanes and fires, they can develop rapidly and with little warning. Always consult a weather forecast before planning outdoor activities to check for potential severe weather.
