The United States is a vast country with a wide variety of climates, time zones and beautiful landscapes. Depending on the state and city you choose, the United States can have pleasant weather all year round.
Summer is considered the peak season and is the best time to visit the United States. The off-season is spring and fall, although some areas experience high season crowds during this time due to spring flowers in the west and autumn foliage in the east. Winter is the off-season for travel to the United States. Nevertheless, traveling to the United States around Christmas and New Year’s Eve offers a unique experience.
American Seasons
1) Winter (December to February)
Winter brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the first snowfall in many northern regions. Tourist numbers and prices are significantly reduced compared to other seasons. Heavy snow and short hours of daylight during the frigid winter months limit access to many areas in northern U.S. states. With good temperatures and plenty of sunshine, winter is a great time to travel to the south. It is also less crowded and less expensive. Days are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sailing, but nights can be chilly, especially in the desert. Highs in some areas can range from -1°C to 24°C.
Popular Events
- New Year’s Eve in Times Square is one of the most famous New Year’s Eve celebrations in the world, featuring the famous ball drop.
- Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime winter experience with a trip to Park City, Utah, home of the legendary Sundance Film Festival, one of the top places to visit in the USA in January. Featuring indie films, the festival attracts celebrities and filmmakers.
- Celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is widely celebrated across the country.
- Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, as evidenced by the fact that every home is beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Destinations
The best places to visit in the USA in December are the places that travelers should consider.
- Enjoy a Broadway show, ice skating in Central Park, or New York’s holiday lights.
- Visit Aspen, Colorado, a top ski and snowboard destination with luxury resorts and après-ski events.
- Experience the breathtaking winter scenery of Yellowstone National Park and enjoy wildlife viewing and snowshoeing.
2) Spring (March to May)
Spring arrives in March in most parts of the northern United States. As winter trees turn green, sunny days reveal wildlife and picturesque grasslands. With mild temperatures perfect for exploring and outdoor activities, now is the perfect time to explore the region. The Northeast also celebrates the arrival of spring in April, bringing rain to some areas. Most of the southern United States is warm and dry, making it comfortable for exploring. Highs range from 15-25°C depending on the location. One of the best spring break vacation destinations in the US is Miami Beach, Florida.
Popular Events
- Enjoy a festival of cherry blossoms in full bloom, complete with parades, musical performances and cultural gatherings.
- A gathering place for artists and innovators, the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival takes place in Austin and features interactive media, music, film and more.
- The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, held over two weeks in April in California, is known for its creative installations and diverse musical lineup.
- The St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th is a celebration of all things Irish. Join us as we celebrate the river and city green and Guinness is served in every bar in Chicago.
- The Boston Marathon takes place in April.
- On Easter Sunday, a major national holiday, families participate in Easter egg hunts.
- Mardi Gras is a colorful celebration of culture and tradition that usually takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana in March, featuring parades, live music and colorful costumes.
Destinations
- Visit Washington DC’s museums and national monuments.
- Enjoy the spectacular views and vibrant spring flowers of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.
- Explore Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California.
3) Summer (June to August)
Summer in the US is peak travel season. Traveling to the North of the US in June is a great idea as it’s not as crowded as summer and the days are sunny and pleasant. The region’s great cities make the most of the weather with lively activities, providing outdoor cafes and restaurants, parks and gardens, lakeside walks and bike paths. The Rocky Mountains are at their most spectacular and the national parks are lush and green.
June in the southern states brings with it gorgeous, warm weather that invites you to spend time outdoors. Perfect for biking, hiking, fishing and sailing. Take a boat ride on Lake Michigan, hike to Montana Glacier National Park or see Yellowstone geysers erupt. Depending on the region, average high temperatures range from 21°C to 40°C.
Popular Events
- Celebrate American Independence Day (July 4th) with fireworks, parades and celebrations across the country.
- Pop culture fans can’t miss San Diego Comic-Con International, with its discussions, exhibits, celebrity appearances and more.
- The Black Rock Desert is home to the annual Burning Man Nevada event, which emphasizes self-expression, community, arts and independence.
- For those who enjoy tennis, the US Open Tennis Championships, held in New York in August and September, is the ideal event.
Destinations
- New York is one of the best places to visit in the USA in June, with summer festivals, outdoor concerts, rooftop bars and more.
- In summer, Yellowstone National Park, which straddles Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, is home to geysers, hot springs and a variety of wildlife.
- The Pacific Northwest (Portland and Seattle) offers comfortable temperatures, beautiful scenery, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
4) Autumn (September to November)
Fall is the first sign of leaves changing color in the northern United States. In many areas, the weather is still pleasant with sunny, bright days. This time of year, storms become more frequent in the southeastern states due to hurricane season, bringing strong winds and rain. September is when the summer crowds start to thin out and prices start to drop. The Hawaiian Islands are beautiful, with many warm, sunny days and fewer tourists. In the United States, fall is considered the harvest season and is the best time of the year.
Typical maximum temperatures vary from 17 to 29 degrees Celsius, depending on the region.
Popular Events
- Attend the International Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico in early October and see hundreds of hot air balloons soar into the sky.
- In Salem, Massachusetts, the historic nearby House of the Seven Gables will host pumpkin painting and a special exhibit as part of Halloween on October 31st.
- Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the United States with traditional parades in many American cities to show gratitude for the harvest and the previous year. The two parades held in New York and Detroit are the largest and most popular. A popular holiday tradition, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade features giant balloons, floats and performers.
Destinations
- Take in the stunning autumn colors on a scenic drive or hike in New England (Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine).
- The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina or Virginia offers one of the most beautiful drives in the United States, especially when the leaves are at their most beautiful in the fall.
- Fall is harvest season in Napa Valley wine country, bringing with it breathtaking scenery, wine tastings and vineyard tours.
Visa and Travel Tips
Before you begin your trip to the United States, make sure you have the necessary US visa. Dubai residents can apply for a US tourist visa from Dubai at the US Consulate in Dubai. Follow the application steps and make sure you have all the required documents.
Conclusion
To make the most of the ideal time to visit the USA, fly into one of the major U.S. international airports, such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), for easy access to a variety of destinations and year-round attractions.
