Beat the summer heat in the United States

A great American adventure during the summer holidays is a popular choice for travellers, and rightfully so! Travellers often think of iconic destinations like Los Angeles, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon. However, many of these places are throughout the Southwest region, which is incredibly hot during the summer months, and the scorching temperatures make doing outdoor activities difficult or even dangerous.

Therefore, if you are planning on a summer holiday, other regions and destinations offer better opportunities for a pleasant holiday by avoiding the hottest weather.

So, you might be wondering: where exactly should I visit during the summer? Little America has the answer! We extensively visit each destination, and offer verified advice based on our own experiences. Read on to learn more about your variety of options for enjoying a holiday in the United States, without enduring extreme heat.

The Northwest

With its more temperate and cooler climate due to the Pacific Ocean and tall mountains, the Pacific Northwest (sometimes referred to as the PNW) is the ideal summer holiday destination. The northern coast of Oregon is actually largely old-growth rainforest, offering a unique and lush landscape to explore.

Late spring and into summer is also the ideal travel time because winter is much more likely to offer cold and grey weather, and hiking in the parks may be less possible due to the rain and mud. Instead, summer provides a perfect window of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with lower temperatures compared to the rest of the country.

What is there to see in the Pacific Northwest?

Coastal towns like Cannon Beach, with its iconic Haystack Rock, and the San Juan Islands, known for whale watching, provide stunning natural beauty and a variety of recreational activities that are best during warmer weather. And for those more fond of cities and vibrant cultural scenes, Seattle and Portland offer world-class museums, eclectic music festivals, and diverse culinary experiences that reflect both the Northwest's rich history and modern creativity.

Participate in unique activities like walking food tours through downtown Portland, or a guided hiking adventure in Olympic National Park.

Fun fact: On average, Seattle receives 150 days of rain per year, but the summer months are actually usually dry and sunny - perfect for hiking.

The region offers a break from the intense summer heat found in many other parts of the United States. The temperatures are warm but not excessively hot, and the humidity levels are generally lower, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.

The Mountain West

Due to its altitude and diverse landscape, the Mountain West actually has something to offer visitors in every season! However, summer offers ideal hiking and canoeing opportunities in the national parks, and the heat is escapable both in the valleys and higher mountain elevations.

The cooler mountain air makes states like Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana excellent choices for those looking for a refreshing escape compared to the heat of places like the Southwest. Soak up the clear mountain air and expansive skies during both sunset and sunrise.

Fun fact: The temperature in the mountains can change greatly throughout the day. The average high in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in July is about 27°C, but the nights often drop to 4-9°C.

What is there to do in the Mountain West?

The region’s unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure means that there is something for everyone, whether you enjoy leisurely walks, challenging hikes, or water-based activities. Popular national parks such as Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Rocky Mountain National Park provide stunning vistas and endless outdoor recreation.

The Southwest

Are you still dreaming of visiting the American Southwest? The Southwest is one of the USA’s most popular destinations. With the iconic and dramatic landscapes, unique cuisine and extensive outdoor activities, the Southwest is guaranteed to be any nature lover’s paradise.

However, a common mistake is that people often want to visit during the summer months. This is in fact the absolute hottest time of year in the Southwest, and therefore may not actually be the most appealing time to plan a holiday for many travellers.

So when should I visit the Southwest?

Instead of summer, we recommend visiting during spring or autumn, aka the ‘shoulder seasons’, or even during the winter when a lot of the country is too cold for most to visit. The shoulder seasons and cooler months offer fewer crowds, better weather, and cheaper prices, so your holiday budget goes even further.

Did you know that temperatures in the Mojave Desert actually can reach 40 degrees between May and September?

Contact one of our travel specialists today to get started on your own tailor-made holiday to the United States.