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When is the best time to visit United States of America?

Travel advisory

The info on this page is based on historical averages and might not reflect current conditions. Check with local authorities for the latest travel advice.

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The best time to travel domestically in the US is either during spring (late March to late May) or autumn (late September to late October). Since these are the shoulder seasons before and after summer, these months have milder temperatures as well as fewer visitors in the most popular destinations.

From east to west, the US measures 1,665 miles across – and in that range, there are five climate regions. So, the best time to travel domestically in the US really does depend on what specific location you have in mind. If you’re not particular about when you're traveling, then spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant times to travel domestically.

Lasting from mid-March to late May, spring brings warm temperatures and beautiful natural scenery to the national parks, forests, and wetlands of southern states like California, Florida, and Nevada. The northern states and cities take some time to catch up – but when they do, New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago make for popular city getaways. Similarly, fall guarantees pleasant weather and beautiful autumnal landscapes in many parts of the country. So for lovers of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping, these shoulder seasons are the perfect time to make the trip.

Monthly weather and travel tips for United States of America

After the excitement of Christmas, things are much quieter across the country in January. The northern states in particular can feel bleak with short days and heavy snowfall affecting many regions. So you’ll need to bring your thickest winter coat to stay toasty in cities like Boston and New York, as well as Philadelphia, which hosts its annual Mummers Parade on New Year's Day. Instead of avoiding the snow, embrace it at ski resorts like Park City, Utah and Aspen, Colorado – both famous for their powder skiing and the latter for the Winter X Games competition held at the end of the month.

By contrast, southern states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas are much warmer with average highs of 60–65°F. Southern California also attracts its fair share of sun seekers in January, mainly to the beaches of Orange County and laid-back San Diego, or the desert landscapes of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Death Valley. But Hawaii is the place to go if you really want to escape the winter blues, with temperatures fixed in the low to mid 70s every day.

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In February, the days are cold and dark across many of the northern states. However, it’s a great time to enjoy cozy mountain resorts and take advantage of discount prices at major destinations like Chicago and Washington D.C. You could time your trip with President's Day or the Superbowl if you don't mind the crowds. Alternatively, head into the wilderness of Wyoming and Montana for wolf-watching safaris and dog-sledding adventures – but be sure to bring your warmest clothes.

In the southwest, travelers flock to the Grand Canyon to see it covered in snow, or further east to New Orleans. There, locals and visitors alike will be gearing up for the legendary parades and masquerade balls of Mardi Gras at the end of the month. It’s much warmer down there during February, so make sure you pack lighter clothing and a colorful costume if you're planning to visit then.

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With the first buds of spring, many Americans—especially those in the south—start thinking about festivals and holidays again. States like Georgia, Tennessee, and California start to warm up around this time, and it’s usually during March when many young travelers descend on Florida for spring break. This is the warmest part of the country, with average highs of about 72°F and more beaches than you can think of.

But the change isn’t quite so obvious further north, where continued snowfall keeps the ski season going strong in states like Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming. You’ll need to wear plenty of layers if you’re planning a trip to cities like Boston or New York – two cities who duke it out every year to host the best St. Patrick’s Day parade. At the end of the month, there’s nowhere better than Washington D.C., where hundreds of pink and white cherry blossoms bloom around the capital’s Tidal Basin during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

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In April, the northern states can finally start shaking off the winter chill. Temperatures can climb into the mid-60s and sunny days start rolling in. However, much of the snow is replaced by rain—especially in coastal regions including New England and the Pacific Northwest—so it’s best to come prepared for wet and windy weather.

Down south, it’s road-tripping season. If you’re planning a cross-country drive, April is a great month to see the southern national parks while avoiding the summer crowds. The ones in Utah and Arizona are great options to explore while en route to Las Vegas, Nevada. Sin City isn’t too hot this time of year, and hosts its annual Great Vegas Festival of Beer at the beginning of the month. Other major events taking place in April include California’s Coachella Music Festival, Miami’s Wine and Food Festival, New Orleans’ Jazz & Heritage Festival, and The Boston Marathon. Other holidays this month include Easter Sunday and Earth Day (April 22), which are are celebrated nationwide.

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April showers bring May flowers – or so the saying goes. By now, most of the country will be in full bloom. With daily highs of 64–73°F, it’s also warm enough to explore northern cities like New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. without worrying about the cold – though you might want to take a light waterproof jacket just in case.

These peak conditions make May a prime time to experience the country’s natural wonders too. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and Utah’s many national parks are especially great to visit this time of year since the wildlife comes out of hibernation, while California’s Death Valley is in peak condition for amazing views of the Milky Way. The month’s big event is Cinco de Mayo, so try to enjoy the festivities wherever you may be. Then say hello to summer, as you ring in Memorial Day on the last Monday of the month.

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The beginning of June is arguably the sweet spot for domestic travel in the US. For a week or two, the weather is warm and sunny almost everywhere you go, and there aren't too many tourists around yet. It’s a great time to visit national parks such as California’s Yosemite, when the waterfalls are at their most spectacular as the high-altitude snow causes rushing meltwater. Festival season is also in full swing, with major events including Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (Manchester, Tennessee) and the legendary San Francisco Pride parade taking place.

Further north, temperatures will be a little cooler but still consistently warm – especially in waterfront cities like Cleveland, Providence, and Atlantic City. There’s no shortage of events either. Take Chicago’s Blues Festival—a free, three-day party celebrating blues and jazz—or New York’s aqua-themed Mermaid Parade on Coney Island. But the main attraction is "Summerfest," held each June in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and currently the biggest domestic music festival.

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Events in United States of America in June

Kamehameha Day

June 11, 2023

West Virginia Day

June 20, 2023

Jefferson Davis' Birthday

June 5, 2023

Emancipation Day

June 19, 2023

Kamehameha Day observed

June 12, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

World Environment Day

June 5, 2023

Corpus Christi

June 8, 2023

World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

June 17, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

Eid al-Adha

June 29, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

American Eagle Day

June 20, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

International Albinism Awareness Day

June 13, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

June 26, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

June 19, 2023

June Solstice

June 21, 2023

International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression

June 4, 2023

Trinity Sunday

June 4, 2023

D-Day

June 6, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

International Day of Yoga

June 21, 2023

Father's Day

June 18, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

International Day of Family Remittances

June 16, 2023

World Day Against Child Labour

June 12, 2023

Juneteenth

June 19, 2023

World Blood Donor Day

June 14, 2023

Bunker Hill Day

June 11, 2023

July is one of the hottest and most crowded months to travel domestically in the US. With schools being out for the summer, American families join tourists at the national parks and beach resorts all over the country – so you’ll need to book your trips well in advance. Temperatures stay comfortably within the high 70s and hit the mid-80s in southwestern cities like Austin, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona. It’s more humid in the east, but occasional thunderstorms help cool things down.

If you want to get away for Fourth of July, one of the less rainy cities is best so you can still enjoy a barbecue with your family and don't miss the fireworks. July is also great for exploring the otherwise rainy Pacific Northwest, when it's mostly sunny even in cities like Seattle and Portland. The former hosts the Bite of Seattle food festival in July, while the latter goes craft beer-crazy at the Oregon Brewers Festival. Other July highlights include Santa Fe’s Folk Art Festival and Taste of Chicago – the largest food festival in the world.

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Events in United States of America in July

Independence Day

July 4, 2023

Pioneer Day

July 24, 2023

Muharram

July 19, 2023

World Hepatitis Day

July 28, 2023

International Day of Friendship

July 30, 2023

Rural Transit Day

July 16, 2023

World Day against Trafficking in Persons

July 30, 2023

Tisha B'Av

July 27, 2023

Nelson Mandela Day

July 18, 2023

National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day

July 27, 2023

World Population Day

July 11, 2023

Bastille Day

July 14, 2023

International Day of Cooperatives

July 1, 2023

World Youth Skills Day

July 15, 2023

Parents' Day

July 23, 2023

Nathan Bedford Forrest Day

July 13, 2023

Expect sweltering heat in August, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below the mid-80s in the south. It’s also very humid in some eastern cities and regions, from which the best escape will be your nearest waterfront. But brace yourself – most beaches are packed with city dwellers and families cramming in one final summer vacation before school restarts. However, that also means lower rates and thinner crowds in otherwise crowded destinations like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

The good news is that the US has thousands of miles of glorious coastline to explore, from the shorelines of New England to the beaches of the Carolinas and Southern California’s Pacific Coast. You could also take the opportunity to explore mountainous national parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton, both in Wyoming. Another option are the national parks in Alaska, with long and mild days during August. Elsewhere, the Iowa State Fair runs in Des Moines for most of the month, while tennis fans rush to see world pros take to the court at New York’s thrilling US Open.

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Events in United States of America in August

Hawaii Statehood Day

August 18, 2023

Victory Day

August 14, 2023

Bennington Battle Day

August 16, 2023

Lyndon Baines Johnson Day

August 27, 2023

Assumption of Mary

August 15, 2023

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

August 23, 2023

International Day of the World's Indigenous People

August 9, 2023

Purple Heart Day

August 7, 2023

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

August 30, 2023

Colorado Day

August 1, 2023

Senior Citizens Day

August 21, 2023

International Youth Day

August 12, 2023

International Overdose Awareness Day

August 31, 2023

Women's Equality Day

August 26, 2023

Coast Guard Birthday

August 4, 2023

National Aviation Day

August 19, 2023

World Humanitarian Day

August 19, 2023

International Day against Nuclear Tests

August 29, 2023

September brings calm and cooler temperatures to much of the country, with only the hottest cities in the south featuring daytime temperatures above 86°F. Don't forget that September also marks the start of hurricane season in Florida, so it’s probably best to avoid it then. 9/11 is also in September, which is observed with the Tribute in Light at Ground Zero in New York City.

You'll find festivals all over the country in September. It kicks off with Labor Day, with New York’s Electric Zoo music festival and the Detroit Jazz Festival being two of the most popular ones. California’s wine harvest also occurs in September, while beer and bratwurst lovers celebrate the arrival of Oktoberfest to cities such as Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. But the ultimate party is none other than Burning Man – a 9-day jamboree of electro music, stunning artwork, and community spirit in the middle of Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.

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Events in United States of America in September

Labor Day

September 4, 2023

Yom Kippur

September 25, 2023

Rosh Hashana

September 16, 2023

International Programmers' Day

September 13, 2023

International Celebrate Bisexuality Day

September 23, 2023

Yom Kippur

September 25, 2023

The Prophet's Birthday

September 27, 2023

California Admission Day

September 9, 2023

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

September 16, 2023

Emancipation Day

September 22, 2023

World Sexual Health Day

September 4, 2023

International Literacy Day

September 8, 2023

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

September 15, 2023

International Day for South-South Cooperation

September 12, 2023

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day observed

September 18, 2023

Patriot Day

September 11, 2023

Still's Disease Awareness Day

September 17, 2023

World Tourism Day

September 27, 2023

International Day of Charity

September 5, 2023

World Maritime Day

September 28, 2023

First Day of Sukkot

September 30, 2023

International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons

September 26, 2023

Carl Garner Federal Lands Cleanup Day

September 9, 2023

World Suicide Prevention Day

September 10, 2023

International Day of Democracy

September 15, 2023

World Heart Day

September 29, 2023

World Rabies Day

September 28, 2023

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

September 17, 2023

National Grandparents Day

September 10, 2023

International Day of Peace

September 21, 2023

Gold Star Mother's Day

September 24, 2023

Air Force Birthday

September 18, 2023

September Equinox

September 23, 2023

Native American Day

September 22, 2023

Temperatures drop in style in October, as golden-red tones wash over the trees across the northern states. It's not too cold though, so you can comfortably explore the forests of New England and look for the viewpoints to admire the kaleidoscopic canopies. Other autumn leaf hotspots include the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee, as well as Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

The southern states cool down but are still a bit warm, so now would be a good time to experience the dazzling lights and sights of Las Vegas. Further south, Fantasy Fest—Key West's answer to Mardi Gras—brings tens of thousands to the subtropical enclave in the ten days before Halloween. And Halloween itself is a big deal no matter where you celebrate it, with Halloween-themed parades taking place in New York, New York, Los Angeles, California, and Salem, Massachusetts.

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Events in United States of America in October

Columbus Day

October 9, 2023

Halloween

October 31, 2023

Columbus Day

October 9, 2023

Alaska Day

October 18, 2023

Nevada Day

October 27, 2023

Sweetest Day

October 21, 2023

World Cities Day

October 31, 2023

Child Health Day

October 2, 2023

World Habitat Day

October 2, 2023

World Teachers' Day

October 5, 2023

World Development Information Day

October 24, 2023

Shmini Atzeret

October 7, 2023

Sweetest Day

October 21, 2023

Leif Erikson Day

October 9, 2023

International Day of Rural Women

October 15, 2023

Native Americans' Day

October 9, 2023

Sweetest Day

October 21, 2023

Indigenous People's Day

October 9, 2023

Tourist numbers drop off sharply in November, as winter takes hold. Cold winds blow through many of the northern states, bringing plenty of rain and even snowfall to some. Down in Florida, the end of hurricane season triggers the start of a warm but drier period that makes it ideal for visiting the theme parks of Orlando. So what you pack really does depend on which region you visit, since the northern and southern climates are very different this time of year.

November also features Veterans Day on November 11, and Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of the month. Wake up early to catch the Macy’s Day Parade in New York, or stay up late to take advantage of the many Black Friday doorbusters around the country.

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Events in United States of America in November

Veterans Day

November 11, 2023

Thanksgiving Day

November 23, 2023

Veterans Day observed

November 10, 2023

Acadian Day

November 24, 2023

Day After Thanksgiving

November 24, 2023

American Indian Heritage Day

November 24, 2023

Day After Thanksgiving

November 24, 2023

Family Day

November 24, 2023

Day After Thanksgiving

November 24, 2023

Presidents' Day

November 24, 2023

Day After Thanksgiving

November 24, 2023

Lincoln's Birthday/Lincoln's Day

November 24, 2023

Day After Thanksgiving

November 24, 2023

Election Day

November 7, 2023

State Holiday

November 24, 2023

Day After Thanksgiving

November 24, 2023

Election Day

November 7, 2023

World Science Day for Peace and Development

November 10, 2023

World Toilet Day

November 19, 2023

All Saints' Day

November 1, 2023

International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

November 2, 2023

World Diabetes Day

November 14, 2023

Universal Children's Day

November 20, 2023

World Vegan Day

November 1, 2023

International Day for Tolerance

November 16, 2023

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

November 25, 2023

Cyber Monday

November 27, 2023

World Pneumonia Day

November 12, 2023

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

November 19, 2023

International Men's Day

November 19, 2023

World Television Day

November 21, 2023

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

November 29, 2023

Election Day

November 7, 2023

World Philosophy Day

November 16, 2023

All Souls' Day

November 2, 2023

Black Friday

November 24, 2023

December is a busy month across the country. Not only do the streets of major cities become filled with Christmas shoppers, but it’s also the month that ski season kicks off in the Rockies. Resorts in Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Utah are busy with winter sports lovers, determined to make the most of the fresh snowfall. Meanwhile, cities across the east and midwest are illuminated with incredible holiday displays—including European-style markets and ice-skating rinks—leading up to Christmas. You’ll need to bundle up if you're visiting the north in December – and it’s best to book your stays well in advance in order to avoid the highest rates.

Elsewhere, southern destinations like Miami and San Diego are still warm enough so that you can walk around in a t-shirt. Close out the year with a bang—literally—by watching fireworks on New Year's Eve, or the Times Square ball drop if you're determined enough to brave the crowds. December is also the best time of year to see the Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the northern lights, throughout Alaska.

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Events in United States of America in December

New Year's Eve

December 31, 2023

Christmas Day

December 25, 2023

New Year's Eve

December 31, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

Christmas Eve observed

December 25, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

Christmas Eve observed

December 25, 2023

Day After Christmas Day

December 26, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

Christmas Eve observed

December 25, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

Christmas Eve observed

December 25, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

Day After Christmas Day

December 26, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

Christmas Eve observed

December 25, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

Day After Christmas Day

December 26, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

Christmas Eve observed

December 25, 2023

Day After Christmas Day

December 26, 2023

Christmas Eve observed

December 25, 2023

International Civil Aviation Day

December 7, 2023

International Anti-Corruption Day

December 9, 2023

Rosa Parks Day

December 1, 2023

Wright Brothers Day

December 17, 2023

Kwanzaa (first day)

December 26, 2023

World Genocide Commemoration Day

December 9, 2023

Last Day of Chanukah

December 15, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

December 2, 2023

St Nicholas Day

December 6, 2023

Chanukah/Hanukkah (first day)

December 8, 2023

Bill of Rights Day

December 15, 2023

First Sunday of Advent

December 3, 2023

December Solstice

December 21, 2023

Rosa Parks Day

December 1, 2023

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

December 7, 2023

World Soil Day

December 5, 2023

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development

December 5, 2023

Pan American Aviation Day

December 17, 2023

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 12, 2023

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

December 3, 2023

Weather and temperature in United States of America

Knowing the best time to visit domestically in the US depends on what you’re looking for in a trip. If weather is your main concern, remember that the US contains five distinct climate regions that vary significantly at any given time of the year. However, you'll generally find the best weather around spring and autumn across most of these regions.

The Northeast—home to cities such as New York, Boston, and Philadelphia—is usually around 48°F in spring and 52°F in the fall, with frequent showers across the region. In contrast, the sun-kissed cities of the Southwest like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego bask in temperatures of 53–63°F through both shoulder seasons. Further up the West Coast, Portland and Seattle are cooler and wetter. Late spring temperatures are warmer in Midwest hotspots like Chicago and Columbus but can get chilly in autumn, while Southeastern cities like Miami, Orlando, and New Orleans experience average highs of 66–72°F in both seasons.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
New York High 38°F 39°F 47°F 59°F 70°F 78°F 84°F 81°F 76°F 65°F 53°F 48°F
Low 26°F 26°F 34°F 45°F 55°F 64°F 71°F 69°F 63°F 54°F 41°F 38°F
Orlando High 72°F 74°F 78°F 83°F 86°F 89°F 90°F 90°F 88°F 84°F 77°F 76°F
Low 52°F 55°F 58°F 65°F 69°F 73°F 75°F 76°F 74°F 68°F 61°F 59°F
Las Vegas High 60°F 65°F 73°F 79°F 88°F 101°F 102°F 100°F 95°F 82°F 68°F 56°F
Low 40°F 45°F 52°F 58°F 66°F 77°F 81°F 80°F 74°F 61°F 47°F 40°F
Los Angeles High 70°F 69°F 71°F 72°F 74°F 76°F 80°F 83°F 84°F 80°F 74°F 67°F
Low 49°F 51°F 54°F 55°F 59°F 62°F 64°F 66°F 67°F 62°F 55°F 50°F
Miami High 76°F 77°F 78°F 82°F 84°F 86°F 88°F 89°F 87°F 85°F 80°F 78°F
Low 64°F 65°F 67°F 71°F 74°F 77°F 78°F 79°F 78°F 75°F 69°F 68°F
Atlanta High 53°F 55°F 64°F 73°F 80°F 86°F 88°F 86°F 82°F 73°F 61°F 59°F
Low 34°F 36°F 45°F 53°F 61°F 69°F 71°F 70°F 66°F 54°F 42°F 42°F

Weather data provided by Forecast.io

Cost of stay in United States of America

Want to travel smart? Check here for the cost of stays in United States of America for each month.

    0 60 120 180 240
  • $3 Jan
  • $2 Feb
  • $5 Mar
  • $27 Apr
  • $73 May
  • $166 Jun
  • $115 Jul
  • $55 Aug
  • $30 Sep
  • $20 Oct
  • $10 Nov
  • $11 Dec
    0 60 120 180 240
  • $7 Jan
  • $6 Feb
  • $7 Mar
  • $20 Apr
  • $57 May
  • $198 Jun
  • $156 Jul
  • $75 Aug
  • $37 Sep
  • $22 Oct
  • $10 Nov
  • $16 Dec
    0 60 120 180 240
  • $0 Jan
  • $0 Feb
  • $1 Mar
  • $6 Apr
  • $18 May
  • $62 Jun
  • $46 Jul
  • $27 Aug
  • $16 Sep
  • $10 Oct
  • $5 Nov
  • $4 Dec
    0 60 120 180 240
  • $14 Jan
  • $12 Feb
  • $10 Mar
  • $26 Apr
  • $65 May
  • $255 Jun
  • $219 Jul
  • $112 Aug
  • $53 Sep
  • $36 Oct
  • $23 Nov
  • $28 Dec
    0 60 120 180 240
  • $7 Jan
  • $7 Feb
  • $8 Mar
  • $38 Apr
  • $62 May
  • $205 Jun
  • $150 Jul
  • $98 Aug
  • $62 Sep
  • $41 Oct
  • $21 Nov
  • $16 Dec

The best places to visit in United States of America

Check out some of the most popular cities, places to visit, and things to do in United States of America!

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