The best month to visit the USA depends on the climate conditions, activities, and what specific location you have in mind. However, the period of spring (late March to late May) or autumn (late September to late October) are naturally the most enjoyable times to visit the USA. From mid-March to late May, spring brings warm temperatures and attractive natural views to the national parks, forests, and wetlands of California, Florida, and Nevada.
Likewise, late September to late October assures lovely temperatures and fascinating autumnal topography in many parts of the country. Therefore, if you’re a lover of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping, this is the ideal time to make that trip. Read on as we analyze the best month to visit the USA.
Month-by-Month Travel Tips For The USA
January
Christmas activities and excitement are over, it’s always quiet and calm across the USA in January. Particularly, the northern states can feel gloomy with short days and serious snowfall affecting many regions. So you’ll need to take your thickest winter coat to keep warm in cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia.
Avoiding the snow shouldn’t be a thought, but rather you should embrace it at ski resorts like Park City, Utah, and Aspen, Colorado. They are notable for their powder skiing and the latter for the Winter X Games contest held at the end of the month. Meanwhile, southern states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas are much warmer with average temps of 15–18°C.
February
In February, the days are cold and dark across most of the northern states. However, it’s a wonderful time to enjoy relaxing mountain resorts and benefit from the discount prices in Chicago and Washington D.C. Alternatively, you can journey to the Grand Canyon to see its snow-dusted winter gem.
March
With spring in site, most South Americans can begin to think of carnivals and holidays once again. However, states like Georgia, Tennessee, and California are warming nicely, while massive groups of young Americans descend on Florida to spend their spring break. This is the warmest part of the country, with average temps of about 22°C and more beaches as well.
Even though the change isn’t entirely obvious in Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming, where continued snowfall keeps the ski season going. Towards the end of the month, hundreds of pink and white cherry blossoms bloom around the capital’s Tidal Basin in Washington D.C.
April
In April, the northern states can eventually start to shake off the winter chill and sunny days start rolling in. However, much of the snow is replaced by rain, particularly in coastal areas including New England and the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, it’s best to come in preparation for wet and windy weather.
May
By now, most of the USA will be covered in great patches of green and rich wildflowers in full bloom. With daily highs of 18–23°C, it’s also warm enough to tour northern metropolises like New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Furthermore, these intense conditions make May an excellent time to encounter the country’s natural astonishment too.
However, many national parks turn into geological wonderlands, especially as the wildlife comes out of hibernation. The month’s big event is Cinco de Mayo, a festival of Mexican culture with live music, dance, and family-friendly activities across the country.
June
Early June is arguably the most charming time on the US calendar. For roughly two weeks, the weather is warm and sunny almost everywhere you go, and tourists are gradually increasing. It’s however a fantastic time to visit national parks like California’s Yosemite, when the waterfalls are at their most breathtaking as the high-altitude snow pushes rushing melt-water
Further north, temperatures will be a little fresher but still always warm, especially in waterfront cities like Cleveland, Providence, and Atlantic City. There’s no shortage of events with the USA’s largest music festival (Summerfest) taking the lead.
July
July is one of the hottest and most bursting months to visit the USA. With schools breaking up for summer, American families converge with tourists in the national parks and beach resorts in the country. Therefore, you’ll need to make bookings well in advance.
The temperatures remain comfortably within the high twenties and hit the mid-thirties in southwestern cities like Austin, Texas, and Phoenix. It’s more damp in the east, but irregular thunderstorms help to alleviate the heat. Meanwhile, taking place all over the country is America’s Independence Day celebrated with parades, parties, fireworks, and everything red, white, and blue.
August
Anticipate moist heat in August, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below the mid-thirties in the south. It’s also extremely humid in some eastern cities and areas, from which the best resort will be your nearest waterfront. But brace yourself because most beaches are filled with city residents and families cramming in a summer holiday before school reopens.
However, you could take the chance to tour mountainous national parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton, both in Wyoming. Likewise, those in Alaska, enjoy long and mild days during August. Elsewhere, the Iowa State Fair runs in the state capital Des Moines for most of the month, while tennis fans clamber to see world pros take to the court at New York’s thrilling US Open.
September
September brings about tranquil and cooler temperatures to much of the US, with only the hottest cities in the south recording daytime temperatures above 30°C. Keep in mind that September denotes the start of hurricane season in Florida, therefore, it’s best to avoid it. However, New York’s Electric Zoo Music Festival and the Detroit Jazz Festival are two special festivals.
Other significant days in September include Patriot Day, which marks the events of 9/11, and Constitution Day on 17 September. California’s wine harvest also happens in September, while beer and bratwurst lovers jubilate with the arrival of Oktoberfest to cities such as Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. But the greatest party is the Burning Man, a nine-day gathering of electro music, fascinating artwork, and community spirit in the middle of Nevada’s Desert.
October
Temperatures decline in October, as the transitional season brings enthralling fall colors to the northern states. It’s not too cold though, so you can comfortably enjoy the forests of New England and seek out the best view. However, the southern states cool down but still stick to warm temperatures.
Therefore, now would be a great time to experience the spectacular lights and sights of Las Vegas. The 31 October holiday is one of the most thrilling events of the year, with Halloween-themed parades taking place in New York and Los Angeles.
November
The number of tourists decreases sharply in November, as winter takes over. Cold winds blow through many of the northern states, bringing an abundance of rain and even snowfall to some. Down in Florida, the end of hurricane season activates the start of a warm but drier period that’s perfect for visiting the theme parks of Orlando.
Therefore, what you pack depends on which region you visit, as the north and south climates vary significantly at this time of year. Thanksgiving however falls on the fourth Thursday of the month. Another celebration in November is the Macy’s Day Parade in New York, famous for its massive floats and marching bands.
December
December is a busy and one of the best months to visit the USA. Not only do the streets of major cities become filled with Christmas customers. It’s also the month that ski season kicks off in the Rockies. Resorts in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Utah bustle with winter sports lovers, bound to make the most of the fresh snowfall.
While cities across the East and Midwest are decorated with fabulous festive displays, including European-style markets and ice-skating rinks. You’ll need to cover up if visiting the north in December, and it’s better to make bookings ahead to avoid the highest rates. Christmas Day is taken as a nationwide holiday, while New Year’s Eve sees incredible fireworks displays all over the country.
New York’s Times Square is a legendary spot, where the ‘time ball’ descends a flagpole during the minute-long countdown to midnight. December is also the best time of year to see the Aurora Borealis, otherwise called the northern lights, throughout Alaska.
Conclusion
Visiting the USA is a fantastic idea because it’s the home of entertainment, and also the perfect family holiday destination. However, the best month to visit the USA will greatly depend on the climate and the location.