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, consider what you’d like to do on your trip.
Do you want to hike some of the country’s tallest peaks? Attend 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.
Thanks to school schedules and warmer weather, summer is generally regarded as the high season, while crowds taper off in the colder months (with the exception of the holiday season in mid- to late December). Spring and fall make up the shoulder seasons, but some parts of the country experience high-season crowds during this time due to spring superblooms and stunning fall colors.
Things slow down in the winter, but traveling during this time yields some unexpected benefits: comfortable temperatures in notoriously hot places, smaller crowds in cities, and countless winter sports and activities, from skiing to snowshoeing to ice fishing.
May to July is the Best Time for Perfect Weather
While ideal weather windows vary across the country, this period typically sees most regions shake off their winter chill and embrace vibrant spring blooms. Eastern states burst into color with nature-centric events, while the south lights up with fireflies, and wildflowers blanket the rolling California hills. Patio season is in full swing in cities, and outdoor concerts begin to reappear after their winter hiatus.
This is also when cultural events kick into high gear, and national parks begin to welcome some of their biggest crowds.
October to November is the Best Time for Leaf Peeping
The US takes on an amber hue in late fall, creating a cozy, crisp atmosphere perfect for enjoying warm apple cider. The deciduous forests of the northern Midwest, New England, and Appalachia showcase fiery maple trees and golden ginkgos, while western states like Colorado stun with shimmering yellow aspens.
Some of the most popular fall foliage destinations experience high-season crowds during this time; however, you can still catch beautiful fall colors in less trafficked areas across the country, often with lower prices.
November to March is the Best Time for Budget Travelers
As fall comes to a close, crowds ease up, and most places settle into a low-key atmosphere as they prepare for winter. This is an excellent opportunity for a trip to your bucket list destinations, as hotel prices dip and crowds for big attractions diminish. Colder (and possibly wet) weather also creates a prime environment to enjoy some of the country’s best museums.
However, be mindful that mid-December through the New Year is an exception to budget-friendly travel. During this time, places buzz with Christmas activity, driving prices up and making availability scarce.
January to March is the Best Time to Hit the Slopes
Ski season technically starts in December, but the slopes really become vibrant in the months following the holidays. By February, most places, especially out west, have a good base of snow established, while fresh powder continues to fall. The length of ski season varies each year based on temperature changes and snowfall, but some lifts may remain open until May.
March to June is Best for Spring Colors and Hiking
Flowers bloom everywhere! The bluebonnets in Texas, rhododendrons of Tennessee and North Carolina, and poppies of California create a colorful tapestry as the warm weather shakes the country from its winter slumber.
This is also the best time to explore the ancient mountains of the eastern US. Spring rains and warm sunshine contribute to an explosion of life: mushrooms, wildflowers, and blooming trees cover the ridges and hollows from Georgia to Maine. Creeks are full, and waterfalls are spectacular.
June to August is Best for Festivals and Outdoor Activities
It’s summer! This means higher temperatures and larger crowds, but also a multitude of activities available. Music festival enthusiasts will find themselves inundated with options across the country: notable festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza attract tens of thousands, alongside numerous smaller regional gatherings.
This is also the peak time to hit the trails as most roads are cleared of snow, facilitating easier transportation through higher elevations. The mountainsides bloom, wildlife is active, and camping opportunities abound. Remember, though, that the parks will be busy.
Furthermore, it’s prime time to experience many bodies of water across the US. You can grab a kayak and float down slow-moving rivers or tackle lively whitewater rapids in areas like West Virginia or Wyoming.
Other Seasons to Know About
In addition to the standard four seasons, there are a few weather-related periods to keep in mind that could impact your travel depending on your destination.
Hurricane Season (June to November)
This season runs from June to November, with peak activity occurring in August and September. These storms predominantly affect the Gulf Coast, but some storms also impact the east coast. Always stay informed about weather conditions if traveling during this period.
Fire Season (July to October)
Fire season occurs largely in drought-affected areas of the western US, with peak months in July and August. Always check fire conditions before embarking on summer outdoor adventures.
Tornado Season (March to June)
Tornado season spans the Great Plains, the Midwest, and the Southeast from March to early June. Consult weather forecasts before outdoor excursions to avoid severe weather potential.
