When you’re visiting the USA – a country so vast that it straddles six time zones – deciding when to go isn’t easy. You need to factor in numerous variables, including weather conditions, wildlife viewing opportunities, and seasonal events to find your perfect travel window. Do you fancy skiing, sunbathing, or exploring big cities? Maybe a music festival or cultural event has caught your eye. Whatever time of year you want to travel, America has something for you.
Click through the gallery to discover the best time to visit every US state, from Alabama to Wyoming…
Fall is a prime time to visit Alabama with its culture-packed cities, outdoor activities, and sporting events. The weather is generally good, with fewer crowds than in summer. It can be uncomfortably hot and humid from mid-June to mid-August. But in shoulder season – such as May and September – you’re still treated to balmy temperatures, ideal for exploring civil rights history in Montgomery or relaxing on the Emerald Coast. September is also football season, so you can experience a game at one of the country’s largest college stadiums, such as Bryant-Denny in Tuscaloosa.
Alaska is epic – in its size, wildlife, and glaciers. The best time to visit this vast state – which has a coastline longer than that of the rest of the US mainland combined – is arguably summer (May to September). July offers warm, dry days. It’s also the best month for viewing brown bears, while on the coast, humpback whales and orcas are out in full force. If you visit in winter, March is optimal, with longer days, great snow, and annual events such as the ice art contest, Ice Alaska.
Heading to Arizona? Then you’ll definitely want to avoid the scorching summer temperatures that easily shoot above 100°F in July and August. Instead, plump for spring or fall, when the skies are still blue and temperatures are more comfortable (highs of around 70°F in March). Another major draw of avoiding peak season? The Grand Canyon has fewer crowds than in summer, though note that while the South Rim is open year-round, the less crowded North Rim is only open from May to October.
With super-hot and humid summers, spring and fall are the best time of year to visit Arkansas, weather-wise. Spring can be a bit rainy, priming the wildflowers that burst into bloom in May. By early October, the state is shaking off the summer heat and the winter frosts are usually still at bay until the end of November. The fall colors are also something to behold, making a road trip through the Boston Mountains even more magical. And for football fans, you’ve got Saturday Razorbacks games to enjoy.
California is around 800 miles (1,287km) long – and its northern and southern regions have drastically different climates (it gets much warmer in the south). So before deciding when to visit, consider where you’re going. Generally, April’s an ideal time. In the northern city of San Francisco, the summer fog isn’t as prevalent and you can even enjoy spring skiing up the road in Tahoe. Down south, the beaches and theme parks are warming up, while music and art lovers can head to the Coachella Festival in Palm Springs, held every April.
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Colorado is all about skiing. And you’re more likely to be treated to soft, powdery snow if you head there in mid-winter. December can be riotously expensive with Christmas price hikes, but after the Yuletide and New Year celebrations are finished, the crowds thin out and the powder is (usually) just as good. If snowy adventures aren’t your thing, June to August is the ideal time for outdoor activities in the Rockies, from hiking and mountain biking to fly-fishing and birdwatching.
Early fall is a magical time to visit Connecticut. There’s a dying bite of summer in the air and the snow has not yet arrived. What makes September extra special is the fall foliage – New England is one of the best leaf-peeping regions, so expect trees bursting with color. For outdoor lovers, the pleasant climate is ideal for canoeing and kayaking. September is also when harvest festivals are starting to kick off, celebrating everything from pumpkins and apples to music and oysters.
With its lush vineyards, elegant mansions and Atlantic beaches, Delaware has a lot going for it. The coast is at its best in summer, but to avoid the biggest crowds, head there before school’s out. June plays host to great annual festivals, like the Ladybug Music Festival (celebrating women in music) and the Clifford Brown Jazz Festival, both held in Wilmington. In New Castle, Separation Day celebrates Delaware’s separation from the state of Pennsylvania, with music and parades. June is also when the lavish, French-style gardens of the Du Pont mansions are blooming.
The Tidal Basin in DC is a magical place in springtime thanks to the spectacular blooming of its sakura trees. These trees were given to the American people by Japan in 1912 as a symbol of friendship. Now, they’re the centerpiece of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place over several weeks each spring. Though it’s notoriously difficult to pin down the exact dates they will bloom, between mid-March and mid-April is usually your safest bet. April also has some of the best weather for sightseeing, before the hot and humid summer arrives.
Winter – roughly November to April – offers the best weather in Florida’s subtropical south, with hurricane season (June to November) usually safely over for another year. December is Florida’s driest month, and although Christmas and New Year bring bigger crowds, it’s also a magical time to hit Orlando’s theme parks, with events and parades all month long. The rest of the state is also in a festive spirit, with interactive lights twinkling everywhere. Try the classic holiday lights display in St Augustine or quirky drive-through lights like those at Daytona Beach.
Nothing beats spring in Georgia. This is when temperatures are warm, flowers are in bloom, and you can avoid the summer crowds. A March trip is perfectly timed for special horticultural events, from the International Cherry Blossom Festival to the nation’s largest daffodil display at Gibbs Gardens. Spring is also perfect for outdoor activities – whether that’s hiking, camping, or meandering through botanical gardens. And for golf fans – or even those happy simply to soak up the buzzy atmosphere that comes with a sporting weekend – there’s the Masters in Augusta.
There’s never a bad time to visit Hawaii. Summer brings the best weather (but highest prices), while shoulder season (January to May and August to November) are generally quieter although prone to more rainfall. Try October for size. This month brings a number of brilliant annual festivals, including the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival on the islands of Hawaii, Maui and Oʻahu – where Michelin-starred chefs and sommeliers showcase the best local ingredients. It’s also a wonderful time of year to discover Hawaii’s highlights, from climbing volcanoes to surfing.
As the winter snow starts to melt away, Idaho’s waterfalls and whitewater rapids flow with renewed vigor. This is a great time to visit the state, with its awesome outdoor activity offerings, from hiking to whitewater rafting. Head there in March, and you’ll not only beat the summer crowds, but will also be treated to Treefort Music Fest, with its offshoot festivals focusing on everything from comedy to yoga and food. Head up to Sun Valley, and you can still find enough snow for spring skiing.
To check out Illinois’ brilliant festivals and baseball scene, you really need to head here in summer. In Chicago, (pictured) early summer heralds the start of weekly street festivals, including the Fourth of July fireworks at Navy Pier, and the spectacular dragon procession at Chinatown Summer Fair. July’s consistent sunshine makes the Windy City’s bitter winters a distant memory. Yes, it can feel a little crowded when school’s out and families descend upon the city’s beaches and museums, but embrace the buzz and you’ll find a fun atmosphere and activities aplenty.
Fall is generally considered the best time to visit Indiana. You’ve got low humidity, regular sunny days and pleasant temperatures. With so much rural space, it’s no wonder there are more than 600 festivals dedicated to the harvest, mostly in September. Oktoberfest usually runs at the end of the month and pays homage to German brews, bratwurst, and more. Indy’s outdoor activities are also best experienced when it’s not too hot – so get your fill of everything from climbing sand dunes in the northwest to canoeing rivers down south.
For a real party atmosphere and the chance to join the country’s oldest and largest agricultural exposition, head to Iowa in August. This is when the Iowa State Fair happens – an annual calendar highlight for Iowans. Expect big-name country acts, thrill parks, livestock shows, contests, and 200 food stands. Deep-fried bacon brisket mac-n-cheese, anyone? Summer sunshine also makes the state’s must-see attractions stand out even more, from the sparkling gold dome of the State Capitol (pictured), to the rolling farmland and shimmering Missouri River.
There’s much more to Kansas than Dorothy, yellow brick roads, and tornadoes strong enough to destroy whole towns. Sure, you may want to avoid prime tornado season (usually March through August), but there’s another reason why you may want to pay a visit here after summer subsides. For one, fall festivals are getting underway. Highlights include Arkalalah in Arkansas City, with its family-friendly fun run, parade of lights, and dodgeball tournament. Early fall is also peak bloom for open-to-public sunflower fields, plus pumpkin picking and Halloween events throughout the state.
Bourbon, bluegrass, and bridles are synonymous with Kentucky – and while the first two can be experienced all year round, the world-famous Kentucky Derby strikes only once a year. The first Saturday in May is when Derby Day takes place, the finale to the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival. Seats are usually sold out months in advance, while infield tickets are available on the day – and though you won’t get a great view of the world-famous horse race, you’ll at least hear the thundering hooves.
Louisiana is the best place to experience the ultimate street party – Mardi Gras. Held in mid-February or early March, this festival marks the traditional start of Lent. Sure, it’s a big deal in many US states, but it’s a prime calendar event in Louisiana, and especially New Orleans, drawing big crowds. Festivities range from colorful parades and street parties to masked balls. The French Quarter, around Frenchman and Bourbon streets, is where the downtown party centers. The weather in late February is also comfortable, with temperatures around 55-62°F.
Each season in Maine has its own charm – winter is prime for snow sports, fall for leaf peeping and spring for witnessing lush vegetation beginning to bloom. But summer arguably beats them all. This is when the weather is best to relax on the beaches and islands just off the shore, or to explore Acadia National Park. The latter also just happens to be where the sun shines first in the States – hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain (pictured), and watch the nation’s first sunrise.
Maryland is a microcosm of America, possessing all the best bits of the country. You have the white sand beaches in the east, the Appalachian Mountains in the west and everything in between. One of its most legendary products are the scrumptious blue crabs and sweet rockfish of Chesapeake Bay. The state has its own crab and oyster trail, and festivals dedicated to the stuff, like the Maryland Seafood Festival, held in September. Fall is also when the weather and water is still warm, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities.
Massachusetts is a year-round destination, so deciding when to go really depends on what you want to do. If you’re after state parks bursting into bloom, pick spring. Boston (pictured) and the snow sports destinations of the western and central regions thrive in winter, while summer is packed with fun events (if you can stand the humidity). But fall is our pick. Come September, the state is leaf-peeping heaven, with brilliant autumnal colors. Baseball fans can also catch a Boston Red Sox game before the season ends.
October is a prime time to visit Michigan. Although June through August is undeniably a beautiful time of year, with kids on school holidays, it can feel a little chaotic. But October has the best of the fall weather, minus the summer crowds. Another perk to visiting after summer is that the state’s lakes are still warm enough to swim in, having spent all summer heating up, so it could be a final chance to dip before winter sets in.
Summer is when Minnesota really shines. And no wonder – the state has an impressive 11,842 lakes, all best explored when the weather’s fine. Outdoorsy types can canoe in Boundary Waters (pictured), while revelers can enjoy taking a boat out on one of Minnesota’s party lakes. August is also when the massive Minnesota State Fair arrives – 12 days of live entertainment, fairground events, livestock shows, and food and drink. The rest of the month is crammed with outdoor events, from music festivals to classic car shows.
Mississippi’s sweltering summer heat is long gone by November, and hurricane season is also coming to an end. While the rest of the country cools down, temperatures here are still pleasant, often highs of 67°F in capital Jackson (pictured) for example. Many of the state’s attractions, like the Mississippi Blues Trail and Freedom Trail, can be explored at any time of year, while everything from accommodation to state parks are less crowded compared to busier October.
Missouri is all about outdoor adventure, live music and barbecues – and there’s no denying that summer is the best time to do these. The rugged Ozark Mountains wilderness (pictured) offers hiking, biking, lake parties, and canoeing down crystal-clear rivers – so much better with the sun shining. Kansas City has more than 100 barbecue restaurants, as well as festivals dedicated to the cuisine. Both the Great Lenexa Barbeque Battle and Q BBQ Fest Kansas City happen in June – the perfect excuse to get your fill.
Montana is incredible to visit all year round – an epic wilderness packed with flowers in spring, sun in summer, changing colors in fall, and snow in winter. But if you’re looking to get away from the crowds, focus on the shoulder seasons of late spring and fall. This is especially key if you’re heading to the state’s big attractions – Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. Another perk to visiting in September? Glacier National Park (pictured) offers free entry on National Public Lands Day (the fourth Saturday in September).
Nebraska gets bitterly cold in winter and uncomfortably hot in summer. But the fall season paints the state in glorious shades of red, orange and vibrant gold – so October is a brilliant time to visit and witness this spectacle. Mid-October is also the best time to check out the weekly farmers’ markets, including in Omaha (pictured), and in Lincoln’s historic Haymarket. Another reason to come in fall is simply to soak up the atmosphere of the Memorial Stadium on Huskers' game days.
Known for its deserts, canyons, and flash casinos, Nevada has an arid climate, giving it the reputation of the driest state in the US. So, it’s best to avoid visiting during the scorching summers – instead, go for the cooler months, between October and April. To avoid rain ruining your trip, pick November – it’s the driest month with around 1mm of rainfall and 30 sunny days. November is traditionally quiet in Sin City, but the debut of the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix mixed things up in 2023 – so avoid that weekend this year and beyond for cheaper hotels and flights.
OK, so it’s true that fall in New Hampshire is legendary. The color changes in the foliage are so spectacular that it attracts hordes of eager leaf peepers from far and wide. If you prefer not to share the state with so many other people, visit during a less obvious time. The Granite State is wonderful to explore during summer, when hiking, camping, canoeing, and road tripping become more accessible. In June, some brilliant festivals arrive, from the week-long Wine Spectacular to the Prescott Park Arts Festival in Portsmouth, pictured.
It might be the Garden State, but you can’t visit New Jersey without stopping by its beach towns (and cities). Atlantic City is its most famous, with surfing, casinos and the historic, five mile-long (8km) Boardwalk. And there’s no beating summertime down here. July is not only prime time for relaxing on the beach and dipping in the sea, but it’s also when some stellar events rock up in the state, from the outdoor crafts show on the Boardwalk at Wildwood to the Tropicana Atlantic City fireworks.
In October, the skies of New Mexico come to life as the largest ballooning event on Earth (and the largest annual international event in the States) takes to the skies. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has been running for more than 50 years – and for ballooning fans, it’s something of a pilgrimage. For everyone else, there are hot air balloon rides by day and illuminated balloons by night that create a magical atmosphere. Another bonus is the weather – New Mexico fall days are sunny, warm, and dry.
Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Big Apple, when the weather is still pleasant but the tourist numbers aren’t quite as high. The weather in winter can be brutal. In October, you also have the added bonus of being able to hop over by train to neighboring New England to experience the region’s fiery fall leaves. It’s also an epic place to spend Halloween. Why not dress up and join the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village (pictured), or get spooked with a tour of the historic Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn?
The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains is not to be missed on a trip to North Carolina. And though each season is splendid in its own way, spring has a special charm. The peaks pop with buttercups by April and in May the pink mountain laurels arrive. As a southern state, North Carolina loves a party. Among its biggest are the Asheville Beer Week, showcasing the mountain city’s brewing scene. Another big annual event, also held in May, is the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race (pictured), where stock cars zoom around the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
North Dakota is at its finest in summer. This is when the fields of grain are lush and green, when the weather is best (think warm days and relatively cool nights for sleeping) and – if you need more on your itinerary – the state fair arrives (in Minot, every July). It’s also a good month for wildlife viewing – head to the Badlands (aka Theodore Roosevelt National Park) where the bison and elk are out grazing in the prairies.
In May in Ohio, you’re treated to pre-summer warmth while the kids are still at school, making the crowds more manageable. Whether you’re sightseeing big cities such as Cleveland, Columbus (pictured) and Cincinnati, or exploring the state’s rural side by hiking among the wildflowers carpeting Mt Gilead State Park, spring is the ideal time to do it. Another bonus? May is when the popular Appalachian Festival makes its annual appearance on Coney Island, a celebration of Appalachian culture through dancing, music, storytelling, and living history demonstrations.
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Oklahoma is either side of summer, when the climate is temperate and the bitterly cold winter is way off. July is when the largest number of tourists visit, so avoid this peak period to secure cheaper hotel rates. Our suggestion is September. Whether you’re driving Oklahoma’s roughly 400 mile-long (644km) stretch of Route 66, exploring its cowboy heritage in Oklahoma City, or picnicking in the bison-dotted Wichita Mountains (pictured), fall is a scenic time. You also have the enormous State Fair to enjoy when it comes to Oklahoma City in mid-September.
Drawn to the Pacific Northwest? Then June is a great time to visit. Oregon comes into its own in early summer. For instance, Crater Lake National Park is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature and go hiking as winter slowly melts away and before peak summer crowds arrive. The snowmelt also feeds spectacular waterfalls and turns rivers into rafting heaven – Hood River has some of the best. Meanwhile Portland is awash with beer festivals, while Astoria has a three-day Scandinavian Midsummer Festival.
High season in Pennsylvania is June to mid-September, but get here in early spring and you’ll not only beat the summer and fall foliage crowds, but you’ll also benefit from cheaper flights and room rates. Though winter is usually the cheapest time to visit, it can be bitterly cold. In April, however, signs of life are returning – no more so than at Philadelphia’s Japanese-inspired Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. April is the time to get outdoors for hiking, biking, concerts, events, and garden shows.
There’s no two ways about it – Rhode Island is a summer destination. The smallest of the US states, it has around 400 miles (644km) of coastline with beautiful, white-sand beaches that are perfect for swimming and sailing. Seafaring antics come to a head in July with the annual Newport Regatta at the beginning of the month – so either embrace the festivities or swerve them to secure cheaper accommodation rates. Other great events include the Bristol Fourth of July Parade, one of the oldest Independence Day celebrations in the entire country.
To avoid the larger crowds and more expensive hotel rates, skip South Carolina in summer. Instead, try fall. October is a great time to explore the Palmetto State’s wide beaches, stately mansions, and rolling mountains. It’s also a good time for outdoor concerts – for Jerry Garcia fans, JerryFest is held in Columbia. Meanwhile, Oktoberfest in Charleston (pictured) makes for a fun, German-inspired day out, and the MAD Festival celebrates music, art, drama, and dance throughout Kershaw County over nine days.
OK, so South Dakota in summer is a great time to visit – the weather is warm and everything is open. But in early spring, you’ll virtually have Mount Rushmore (which is open every day except for Christmas Day) to yourself. You might even get a private tour of the park, and won’t have to wait in line for the bathrooms or parking. Elsewhere, you can catch the end of the snowmobile trails season in Lead, join St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in Deadwood, or see newborn buffalo calves in Custer State Park.
If you like country music, Tennessee has an obvious appeal. From the blues rhythms of the western Delta and Elvis Presley’s home in Memphis, to the rock and country sounds of Nashville, there’s something for everyone. The month-long international festival, Memphis in May, includes live music, art exhibits, barbecue contests, a half marathon, lectures, and more. Further afield, the Great Smoky Mountains come into their own in spring, with temperatures still cool enough for hiking.
Fall is a great time to visit Texas if you want to swerve the state’s scorching summer. The average temperature in October is a pleasant 66°F – though pack an umbrella if you’re headed to cities like Houston, which tend to experience rain at this time of year. Another reason to snap up an October stay? The month-long state fair will be in full swing, with its games, rides, shows and attractions. You can also seek out Halloween events and the annual Festival of Pumpkins in the city of Paris.
Utah has so much to offer, from snow sports in winter to water sports and long days in summer. Spring has the best of both. You still find skiing up high – in April, most resorts don’t close until the end of the month, with celebrations that rival opening day. Lower down, there’s great hiking, with the national parks painted in vivid green and colorful wildflowers, and wildlife out of hibernation. The desert-scapes at Zion and Arches National Parks are more pleasant to visit in April, when temperatures are comfortable.
Got a sweet tooth? Then get yourself to Vermont in April. This is the height of sugaring season, when maple trees are tapped to release their liquid gold. You could time your trip to coincide with the annual Vermont Maple Festival – a must-do (and must-taste!) spring tradition in the city. Burn off the excess sugar with a spot of skiing – most resorts, like Killington and Stowe Mountain, are open until the end of April.
Spring is an opportune time to visit Virginia. While summer can be extremely hot and humid, and winters chilly, April marks the beginning of spring, bringing with it warmth and wildflowers. Nature lovers will enjoy the blooms, from the flowering trees in Shenandoah National Park (pictured) to the cherry blossoms around the DC area. For horsey folk – or partygoers – the end of April is also when the twice-annual Foxfield Races hit Charlottesville.
July and August are the warmest and most reliably rainless months in Washington State, so – as long as you don’t mind summer crowds – this is our pick. National parks and campgrounds are open and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking are tempting ways to discover the Evergreen State. If you had to choose one month to visit, August gets our vote thanks to its brilliant lineup of festivals, from the horse shows at Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden to the International Kite Festival at Long Beach.
The Mountain State has fall foliage you won’t want to miss. And since it’s not as popular as some of the other leaf-peeping states, you should find the highways relatively uncrowded. From September, the treetops turn from lush green to golden red, yellow, and orange, creating a spectacular landscape – no wonder the state is known as 'Almost Heaven'. Fall is also the time to visit pick-your-own produce farms, go waterfall hunting, or try whitewater rafting.
Wisconsin’s signature event happens in summer. In June, the gigantic Summerfest kicks off in Milwaukee, a music event that boasts not only 11 stages, but also the title of the world’s largest music festival. Prefer things a little quieter? Head to one of the state parks. Fancy camping on an island? Brunet Island offers just that. Prefer to paddle? Try Wyalusing’s canoe trail or kayaking at Devil’s Lake (pictured). This state has an activity for everyone – and balmy June is a great time to experience it.
Last but not least, Wyoming is great to explore in summer when the weather is best for outdoor activities. But if you’re after a quieter time and cheaper hotel rates, visit during shoulder season. May is a great choice – you’ll find fewer people on the trails and have a better chance of spotting wildlife, including wild horses at Pilot Butte and bald eagles, bison, and bears at Yellowstone (pictured). Temperatures usually hover around the 60s during the day, so you can hike without getting too hot.