When to Visit United States
Year-round climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit by Travel Style
Beach & Relaxation
June-August for most coastal areas, year-round for Florida and Hawaii. Summer offers warmest water temperatures and longest days for beach activities.
Cultural Exploration
April-May and September-October for comfortable walking weather in cities. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds at museums and attractions.
Adventure & Hiking
May-June and September-October for most regions. Spring and fall provide ideal hiking conditions with moderate temperatures and stunning scenery, especially for fall foliage.
Budget Travel
January-March (excluding holidays) and November for lowest accommodation rates. Winter months offer significant savings, especially in non-ski destinations.
Month-by-Month Climate Guide
January
Winter conditions dominate most of the country with cold temperatures and snow in northern regions. Southern states like Florida, Arizona, and California offer mild, pleasant weather making them popular winter destinations. Ski resorts are in peak season with excellent powder conditions.
February
Continues cold winter weather across most regions with occasional blizzards in the Northeast and Midwest. Desert Southwest enjoys perfect weather with warm days and cool nights. Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day create busy periods in warm-weather destinations.
March
Early spring begins with warming temperatures and longer days, though weather remains unpredictable with possible late snowstorms. Spring break season brings crowds to warm destinations like Florida and California. Cherry blossoms bloom in Washington D.C.
April
Pleasant spring weather emerges across most regions with blooming flowers and mild temperatures. Excellent time for city exploration and outdoor activities. Some northern areas may still experience cool weather and occasional rain showers.
May
One of the best months for travel with comfortable temperatures nationwide and beautiful spring scenery. Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer season. Great for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor festivals before summer heat arrives.
June
Early summer brings warm, pleasant weather perfect for beach vacations and outdoor adventures. Hurricane season begins in coastal areas but activity is typically minimal. School holidays start, increasing family travel and crowds at major attractions.
July
Peak summer with hot temperatures across most of the country, especially in desert regions where it can be extreme. Prime beach season with warmest water temperatures. Independence Day celebrations and summer vacations create the busiest tourist period of the year.
August
Hottest month in many regions with high humidity in the Southeast and intense heat in the Southwest. Hurricane activity increases along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. Despite the heat, summer activities remain popular with families before school resumes.
September
Early fall brings relief from summer heat with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. Excellent month for travel with fewer crowds as schools resume. Hurricane season peaks but northern regions enjoy beautiful weather and early fall colors.
October
Peak fall foliage season in northern states creates spectacular scenery and popular leaf-peeping tourism. Comfortable temperatures make it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. Hurricane season winds down while pleasant weather continues in most regions.
November
Late fall with cooling temperatures and the end of hurricane season. Thanksgiving week creates heavy travel but otherwise moderate crowds. Northern regions may see first snow while southern areas enjoy mild, comfortable weather perfect for outdoor activities.
December
Winter begins with cold weather spreading across northern regions and snow in mountainous areas. Holiday season brings festive atmospheres to cities and busy travel periods. Southern destinations become attractive as northern areas turn cold and snowy.