Discover the four seasons of

The United States

Deciding the best time of the year to visit the United States can be quite daunting! With its vast landscapes and territory, where does one even begin? Fear not, you're in luck - thanks to our expert's insider knowledge, we can tell you just when it is best to visit this iconic holiday destination.

Weather in the United States

Welcome to the United States, a wonderful holiday destination at any time of the year! With approximately 9.8 million square kilometres of land, there is always a diverse range of climates to explore. With such a vast landscape and diverse climates, it comes as no surprise that temperatures vary significantly across the country, with hot and dry summers in the Southwest and milder climates in the Pacific Northwest.

But when is the best time to travel to different regions of the United States?

There is no easy answer to this question, as lots of things have to be considered. The USA is the third-largest country on Earth, and the climate varies enormously from region to region. You can take a trip to the USA and even plan to visit certain National Parks all year round. This means that the best season to visit depends entirely on which regions you are looking to visit and what activities you want to do.

If you're looking to learn more about the varying seasons, then read on, we'll tell you just which seasons are the best!

The vibrant red rocks of the Southwest are a unique sight with winter snowfall
Historical lighthouse in Portland
Maine is a great summer destination for water sports and seafood lovers

Spring

At this time of year, the United States is slowly waking up from the winter months and temperatures are already warming up in the Southwest. Travelling in the low season is a good time to take a road trip through the states of Arizona, Utah, California and New Mexico. Hiking in some of the national parks is already possible, but take care, as the grizzly bears are becoming active after their long hibernation. May is a great month to spot humpback whales off California's Monterey Bay, too.

When visiting in the spring, we recommend starting your journey in the south and heading north. From the end of May, the roads in the Rocky Mountains are mostly snow-free and passable. Did you know that in spring in Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon and the Grand Teton National Park, there are not too many tourists yet?

Best destinations in spring

Stunning desert landscape and red rock formations in Arches National Park.
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is the world-famous hub for all things hiking, biking and outdoor adventure.
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Usa skyline downtown phoenix arizona
Discover Arizona
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a history buff, Arizona has something extraordinary to offer.
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Little America San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, California
Located in California's Bay Area, this city is known for its historic trolleys, diverse cuisine, art scene, and many iconic landmarks.
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Aerial view of Lake Powell
Lake Powell, Utah
Lake Powell, situated between Utah and Arizona, is the perfect oasis escape from the surrounding red rock desert.
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Summer

During this period, summer vacation begins for many Americans. The national parks are usually crowded and it can get very hot in the southern parts of the country. For example, in Saguaro National Park in Arizona temperatures can be above 40 degrees Celcius in the summer.

Temperatures are more pleasant inland and along the coast of Washington and Oregon. The nature here is beautiful and it's not so crowded. Acadia National Park in Maine is a stunning area to spend time in during the summer months. The beach in California is also a wonderful place to stay over the summer. The State with the longest summer is Hawaii and here you can enjoy warm temperatures on the beach and in the sea from May to October.

Our favourite summer destinations

A sunset landscape over Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park has a variety of landscapes, including granite-domed mountains, woodlands, lakes, ponds, and ocean shorelines.
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Tecopa California abandoned USA
Discover California
Explore the best highlights, activities, and national parks to see on your next holiday to California.
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Aerial view of Portland with Mount Hood in the background
Portland, Oregon
Enjoy a unique blend of natural beauty, friendly locals, and a thriving cultural scene.
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United states mount rushmore
Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore National Memorial, in South Dakota, is one of America's top and most recognizable tourist attractions.
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Autumn

After the hot summer months, the climate becomes milder again in autumn. This is one of the best and most beautiful periods to travel to the United States. In Yellowstone National Park, you can spot wildlife such as bears, moose, bison, foxes, badgers, birds of prey and many other species. In the Southwestern states of the United States, you can enjoy excellent hiking. This is also a good time to visit the impressive Grand Canyon.

Perhaps you are planning a visit to New England to see the stunning autumn colours of the autumn foliage or over the Thanksgiving holiday? Or a Christmas shopping trip to New York? Or driving through the southern United States via Las Vegas and then continuing to the West Coast USA to explore San Diego and San Francisco?

Our travel specialists will help you plan the holiday of a lifetime, whatever the season. Whatever destinations you have been dreaming of, we can accommodate them into your tailor-made trip that can be adapted month-by-month to your personal wishes.

Our favourite autumn destinations

Stunning desert landscape and red rock formations in Arches National Park.
Arches National Park, Utah
Arches National Park is the world-famous hub for all things hiking, biking and outdoor adventure.
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Usa los angeles street view sunset
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, commonly known as LA, is a sprawling metropolis situated on the stunning southern coast of California.
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La places monument valley
Monument Valley, Arizona
With its iconic towering red sandstone buttes, visiting Monument Valley feels like stepping into a timeless masterpiece.
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US cities Las Vegas ken yam qr8 Ci2tzy R8 unsplash
Las Vegas, Nevada
Visit the world-famous city of entertainment, gambling, sports and music: Las Vegas.
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Winter

This is an ideal time in the United States to visit the national parks in the desert regions of the states of Arizona, California and Utah, because of the mild temperatures.

For skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, this is the time to travel to the northwestern states, because the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains have a thick layer of snow. Off the coast of California, you can spot orcas and grey whales on their migrations throughout these cooler months.

Our favourite winter destinations

Road to Death Valley and Mojave Desert
Death Valley National Park
Discover the uniquely rugged desert landscape in Death Valley National Park, California.
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The Hoover Dam is a feat of engineering and has great views
Discover Nevada
This Southwestern state has something to captivate every traveller, and is home to the otherworldly landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley.
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Michaela i CGB 8u3j ZY unsplash
Sedona
Sedona, Arizona, is known for its red sandstone rock formations, endless outdoor recreation, and thriving art community.
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Red coloured rock formation at Antelope Canyon
Antelope Canyon, Arizona
Adventure seekers and photographers should explore the stunning red rock Antelope Canyon in Arizona
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Depending on what you want to see and experience in the USA, there are different seasons and regions to consider. Would you like to know when is the best time to get to know a particular region of the USA or to experience something special? Contact us and all your questions will be answered by our knowledgeable travel experts. Our travel specialists would be more than happy to discuss the United States climate and seasons in detail, as well as the best time to visit each region based on your specific interests.

USA Colorado Rocky Mountain National Park fall colors

Would you like to find out a little more?

We offer regular online presentations, so you can get to know the USA a little better, obligation free! See if you like what we offer and what we can offer you. You can find our next online presentations here:

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Discover more about the USA

One step closer to your dream trip

More is possible than you may think

You probably already have ideas for your holiday to the United States and Canada. Nature tours through the Rocky Mountains, spotting orcas near the San Juan Islands, or exploring the streets of San Francisco on the iconic cable car?

For the best local tips and advice, visit one of our online presentations. Meet our travel specialists and have all of your questions answered.