When is the best time to visit the USA?

Unique national parks, iconic cities, natural wonders, and miles of coastline.

These are just a few things you can experience in this diverse country.

But when is the best time to visit the USA?

In this blog post, you’ll find our guide to the weather and seasons at our destinations in the USA.

Climate & weather in the USA

The USA, the fourth largest country in the world, spans multiple climate zones.

Depending on where you are in the country, you might experience classic seasonal changes, extreme temperature variations, and tropical areas with sunshine most of the year. Weather conditions and temperatures also vary depending on whether you’re along the coast, in central USA, or in low- or high-altitude areas, such as mountain regions.

Far from the coast, there can be significant and sometimes extreme differences in temperatures, for example, between summer and winter, whereas coastal areas experience smaller variations due to the sea’s influence on the temperatures.

USA’s seasons – When should you visit?

Overall, the USA follows the seasons we know in Europe.

• Spring: March to May.
• Summer: June to August.
• Autumn: September to November.
• Winter: December to February.

Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of the weather in each season.

Check out our practical info section for weather statistics for specific cities.

Spring in the USA: flowers and pleasant temperatures

Spring in the USA brings nature to life – beautiful flowers colour the landscapes, and the trees are in full bloom. Along California’s coast, wildflowers blanket the landscapes, cherry blossoms turn New York’s parks pink and white, and azaleas unfold in Florida’s warm spring sunshine.

Temperatures gradually rise as spring progresses, approaching summer. In northeast USA, such as New York, spring starts cool (even cold in some areas) but slowly warms up. In the western USA, in states like California, the spring months are typically mild and warm, while the southwestern and southeastern states like Arizona and Florida enjoy warm days, which are more pleasant than the summer, and slightly cooler nights. Spring is a great time to visit these regions, before the summer heat sets in.

For many Americans, spring heralds the famous spring break, typically occurring between March and April. During this period, you’ll find more lively beaches and attractions, attracting numerous visitors – which can lead to notable price increases.

Spring in the USA is an excellent time to explore the country’s many national parks, and in many locations, the weather is warm enough for a beach holiday, such as in Miami on the east coast or Los Angeles and Las Vegas in the west. However, be aware that mountain regions like Sierra Nevada may still have snow well into spring.

3 advantages of travelling in spring

• Pleasant temperatures in many parts of the country.
• Beautiful, blossoming landscapes across the USA.
• Ideal conditions for outdoor activities, such as visiting national parks and hiking.

3 disadvantages of travelling in spring

• Spring break can result in higher prices and more visitors.
• Cool temperatures in the northeastern states early in the season.
• Unpredictable weather with rain showers in some regions.

Summer in the USA: long days and warm temperatures

Summer in the USA is sunny, warm, and brimming with experiences. The long days are perfect for exploring cities, beaches, and national parks.

In northeastern states, such as Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, summer brings warm, sunny days – ideal for experiencing city life, going on a road trip, or enjoying coastal beaches. Further south, particularly in Florida, the temperature and humidity rise, creating a tropical warmth that’s perfect for cooling off by the sea. From June to October, Florida is in hurricane season. Though there’s a risk of tropical storms, most summer days are hot and sunny, often interrupted by only brief afternoon showers.

In the western part of the USA, particularly in Nevada, Arizona, and parts of California, temperatures can become extremely high, especially in desert areas like Death Valley. Along California’s coasts, the weather is milder and more pleasant with cooler breezes and sunny summer days.

On the 4th of July, Americans celebrate Independence Day with firework displays and parades all over the country, with The Star-Spangled Banner, the USA’s flag, flying high. If you’re in the USA on this day, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Summer is an ideal time for a beach holiday, perhaps at the beautiful beaches in California or Florida, or to explore iconic cities like New York City and Boston. During the summer months, Americans themselves are on summer holiday, so popular attractions can be busier than during the rest of the year.

3 advantages of travelling to the USA in summer

• Summer weather in most of the country, ideal for beach trips and outdoor activities.
• Opportunity to partake in the grand celebrations of America’s Independence Day.
• Longer days provide more time to explore nature and cities.

3 disadvantages of travelling to the USA in summer

• Very hot and intense temperatures in southern and western states.
• Hurricane season in southeastern states, including Florida.
• High travel prices and more visitors due to summer holidays.

Autumn in the USA – golden landscapes and cosy traditions

Autumn in the USA is a magical time when landscapes shift to red, orange, and golden hues. Temperatures gradually drop, and the air becomes crisper as nature changes its colours.

In northeastern states, such as New York and Massachusetts, autumn is particularly spectacular. Cities like New York City and Boston are full of beautiful autumn trees, and harvest markets fill the streets with pumpkins, apples, and hot drinks. Mornings are cool, nights turn cold, but the days are often pleasantly mild.

In eastern USA, you might experience the famed Indian Summer – a short-lived period in autumn when summery temperatures return. Sunny days and mild evenings create an unexpected contrast to the otherwise cooler months.

In the western USA, including California, Nevada, and Utah, temperatures drop significantly in autumn. While California offers dry and mild weather, the desert areas in Nevada and Utah remain warm, but more comfortable than in the intense summer months.

In Florida, Virginia, and Arizona, in the southern USA, temperatures remain high throughout the autumn months. The hurricane season in Florida lasts until the end of October but rarely affects travellers. Autumn in Florida still offers warm, sunny days – perfect for beach visits if you wish to extend your summer.

Autumn in the USA is brimming with traditions. On October 31st, Halloween transforms towns and neighbourhoods into enchanting scenes filled with carved pumpkins and fancy-dress parties, while cafés and shops are bursting with the season’s flavour sensation: pumpkin! No autumn tour of the USA is complete without a pumpkin spice latte.

In November, Americans come together for Thanksgiving, as the aroma of turkey, pumpkin pie, and spices wafts through homes. Many places host grand parades, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming – a perfect time to experience the USA’s tradition-rich autumn.

Autumn is ideal for those dreaming of exploring the USA’s cities or national parks in more pleasant temperatures than in the summer – or for those wanting to indulge in the magical autumn ambience of the iconic cities.

3 advantages of touring the USA in autumn

• Stunning autumn landscapes with colourful trees and falling leaves, especially in the northeastern USA.
• Comfortable, mild temperatures in many regions.
• The chance to experience unique American traditions, like Halloween and Thanksgiving.

3 disadvantages of touring the USA in autumn

• Unpredictable weather, especially in mountainous areas and northern states.
• Continued hurricane season in Florida until November.
• Shorter days limit outdoor activities.

Winter in the USA – snow-covered mountains and sunny beaches

Winter in the USA offers everything from snow-covered landscapes to warm sunny days. December, January, and February are the coldest months, but the weather varies greatly depending on where in the country you are.

States that experience very hot summers, such as Arizona, Nevada, and Florida, typically have mild, warm winters, whereas the northeastern part of the country or high-altitude areas with mountains will experience very cold temperatures and the possibility of snow.

If you’re going on a road trip in the USA during the winter months, particularly in mountainous areas, some mountain passes may be closed due to snow, necessitating a change of route. For example, the route from the Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite National Park might require you to travel south of the Sierra Nevada instead.

In the northeastern USA, for example, in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania, winter often brings cold weather and the possibility of snow, whereas further south, in Florida, you will find warm and mild weather.

In the western USA, including Nevada, Utah, and California, winter varies depending on your location. Mountainous regions can experience heavy snow and chilly temperatures, while in places like Los Angeles, it can still be warm enough for a beach outing in the winter months.

Christmas and New Year’s are celebrated in grand style in the USA, and depending on the state you visit, you can enjoy everything from Christmas lights and snowy landscapes in New York to sunny days in Los Angeles.

3 advantages of touring the USA in winter

• The opportunity to experience beautiful snowy landscapes in the northeast and mountain regions.
• Warm temperatures in southern states like Florida.
• Festive atmospheres with Christmas and New Year celebrations throughout the country.

3 disadvantages of touring the USA in winter

• Very cold temperatures in the northeastern USA and mountain regions.
• The risk of snow and ice affecting transport.
• Higher travel prices and more visitors during Christmas time.

So, when is the best time to visit the USA?

The best time to visit depends entirely on what you want to experience. You can tour the USA year-round and return home with fantastic memories.

Most people tour the USA between June and August, when summer is at its peak, and Europeans are on summer holidays. Spring and autumn can be excellent times, as you generally experience mild temperatures and good weather for exploring the USA’s beautiful landscapes and exciting cities. Winter is ideal if you want to escape the European cold with a tour to the warm, western USA or Florida, or if you dream of experiencing American Christmas magic in some of the northeastern cities.

The USA is a fantastic destination all year round. Contact our travel specialists – we’ll help you find the perfect time to tour.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller