When to Visit the USA

The northern states of the US tend to experience very cold winters with frequent snowfall and short days. Whist it is not recommended to visit regional and remote areas during January and February, a city break to New York or Boston can be rewarding where there are fewer tourists and affordable hotel prices. Both cities boast excellent indoor attractions to keep you warm including museums, art galleries and viewing platforms. Southern USA on the other hand is more pleasant during the winter months with most states experiencing warmer temperatures and sunny days. January and February is an excellent time to visit Florida. Smaller visitor numbers, warm weather and low humidity create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures and park hopping.

The cold winter in the north starts to ease during the early spring months. Whilst the southern states continue to warm up, deserts, national parks and mountains remain cold. Fairbanks in Alaska is one of the best places to see the northern lights in the US and March is the best month to try and catch this colourful phenomenon as green and purple lights dance in the sky. Furthermore, it is peak ski season in Colorado and Utah with good snow and pleasant temperatures. April is a great time to travel to the east coast cities of New York, Boston and Washington D.C. where you will find lower hotel prices, less busy attractions and beautiful spring tulips, cherry blossom and daffodils adorning the city’s parks and landmarks.

May and June are two of the best months to visit the USA. In general, the early summer months bring excellent weather throughout the country with clear sunny days and pleasant temperatures. May and June are great times of the year for a road trip down the Californian coast as well as travelling further inland to Yosemite to explore the hiking trails and rushing waterfalls, or Lake Tahoe where conditions will be perfect for swimming and kayaking in the crystal-clear water. May and June are also some of the best months to tour the national parks of Arizona and Utah where wildflowers come into bloom in the valleys and desert plains. Temperatures will also be pleasant for walking and sightseeing as the trails begin to reopen after winter.

The whole of the US heats up in the summer months of July and August and whilst the southwest coast attracts a dry heat, the east coast states become very humid where Florida and the Deep South see frequent thunderstorms and heavy rains. The summer is often a popular time for a Pacific Northwest road trip through Oregon and Washington. The warm temperatures and clear sunny days create perfect conditions for outdoor exploration, water-based activities and hiking through the lush wilderness. July and August are also great months to visit Alaska where cool-but-pleasant temperatures can be expected as well as lovely long days. July is often the best month to experience Alaska’s diverse wildlife including bears and whales.

As the summer crowds start to disperse and the weather cools down from the high heat of the summer, the early autumnal months are one of the best times to visit the USA. September and October are perfect for exploring the contrasting landscapes of New England as a plethora of leaves turn from green to crimson and gold, creating a breathtaking display of colours. The Deep South is also a fantastic destination during the autumn with pleasant temperatures, sunny skies and dramatic fall foliage, especially in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a great time of year to explore the region’s music cities and great outdoors as well as visit one of foodie festivals at this time of year such as the Kentucky Bourbon Festival or Alabama’s Taste of the Bayou.  

November marks the start of the winter in the USA’s northern states where rainfall and even snow can be expected. It is not unusual for the north eastern coast to experience severe storms throughout the winter. Florida remains warm throughout however, and southern areas of California such as Palm Springs and LA can be great to visit at this time of year. November is also home to the national celebration of Thanksgiving which then leads up to the festive Christmas period. This is an excellent and exciting time for a New York city break. Skate across Central Park’s ice rink with its beautiful backdrop and admire the glittering lights and extravagant decorations that adorn Fifth Avenue with a Hot Toddy in hand.