When traveling in the United States, the weather will play a huge factor in your trip.
This post is designed to help you pick the best time and place to travel for good weather depending on where you are traveling to or when.
Depending on what you are looking for, be it the newest year-round warm location or a great laid back fall town, plan accordingly based on this list to select the best spot for you!
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What Makes “Best Weather” for Travel?
When we think about the “ideal weather” for traveling, we want comfortable temperatures, low humidity, and enough sunshine to get just the right amount of Vitamin D.
No one wants to have their trip ruined by persistent rains or sweltering heat. Perfect travel days are those beautiful days with blue skies and mild temperatures that let you explore a new destination or lounge on the beach.
That said, weather is subjective. There are people who love the hot sun and never want it to end, lounging on the beach soaking up the rays.
There are people who love the first hint of a cool fall, bundling up for cold walks through the falling leaves.
So, while there’s no universal “perfect” travel weather, understanding what weather you love can help create the perfect trip.
Best Weather by Season
Spring (March–May)
Spring is such an enchanting season in the United States — everything is turning green, flowers bloom, and it’s wonderful to spend time outdoors.
Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a popular travel destination during this period because the cherry blossoms bloom, painting the entire city pink.
On the California coast, cities like San Diego and Santa Barbara have beach weather without the summer hordes.
In Texas Hill Country, bluebonnets cover the fields, providing gorgeous displays that are perfect for road trips and hiking.
Summer (June–August)
During the summer, the U.S. can get crazy hot and crowded in major tourist destinations. Why not visit the Pacific Northwest instead?
Seattle and Portland both enjoy dry, clear days, perfect for strolling around town. Northern Michigan and the Great Lakes are breezy and have scenic lakefronts.
In the Colorado Rockies, you’ll find hiking surrounded by towering mountains.
Fall (September–November)
One of the best times of the year to travel is during autumn when the weather is cool and the leaves are changing.
There’s nowhere better to see the colors change than in New England (especially Vermont and New Hampshire) and the road to Asheville, North Carolina is also quite stunning.
Finally, the fall is harvest season in Napa Valley, and there’s no better time for wine.
Winter (December–February)
Winter in the U.S. is a choose-your-own-adventure story. Want to escape the cold? Head to sunny South Florida and bask on the beaches of Miami or Key West.
Is the sun your friend? Enjoy it in Arizona with warm days in Phoenix or Tucson — it’s a great time to go on a winter hike !
Crazy about snow? Colorado has the renowned slopes of Aspen, and Utah’s Park City is an ideal destination for the skiers among us. Do you like warm fires and heavy blankets? Vermont is perfect for a wintry, cozy weekend.
Best Weather by Region
West Coast
The West Coast has some of the United States’ most consistently nice weather. San Diego and San Francisco in particular experience mild and pleasant temperatures year-round.
Summers are warm and arid, perfect for a day at the beach or an outdoor adventure. Even the winters aren’t too bad, with isolated rains rather than cold temperatures.
Southwest
The Southwest is ideal to visit in the spring and fall.
Summer can be brutally hot (it is a desert), but the milder temperatures in spring and fall make it perfect for road trips and soaking in the stunning desert landscapes, with national parks offering plenty of relaxed exploring along the way.
Southeast
Late fall until early spring is the sweet spot for the Southeast. Warm and welcoming, it can get toasty and humid here in the summer.
In fall and spring, however, it’s all about the warm breezes: Florida and the Carolinas are still sunny and beach-worthy in the winter.
It’s an ideal retreat from the North during the winter months because you won’t find bitterly cold temperatures there!
Northeast
Late spring and fall are the best times to visit the Northeast. Summer is hot and full of crowds, and winter is cold and snowy.
But in the spring, flowers bloom and in the fall, the leaves explode in color, creating stunning, peaceful landscapes that are ideal for exploration.
It’s for travelers who enjoy watching Mother Nature paint with all her colors.
Midwest
The Midwest is stunning in autumn when its sweeping fields are full of harvested crops and the trees are changing colors. Summer is for enjoying the lake views and attending local festivals.
Winters are cold and snowy, though — sometimes bitterly so. But, if you’re a fan of the winter, you’ll be in your element.
Pacific Northwest
The best time to visit the Pacific Northwest is in the summer, when the days are dry and sunny. Spring and fall are nice too but often unpredictable.
Winters are mild but rainy, though you rarely get any extreme weather. But the region is so green that no one minds the rain!
Mountain States
If you love the mountains, summer and early fall are the best times to visit. The Mountain States provide ample opportunity for hiking and national park enjoyment.
In winter, it’s a winter wonderland, ideal for those who love to ski or snowboard against the backdrop of bright blue skies.
Top 10 U.S. Destinations with the Best Year-Round Weather
1. San Diego, California
For weather aficionados, San Diego is a dream. The weather is mostly sunny and pleasant year-round. It’s never too hot or too cold, which is something residents here (and San Diego residents absolutely love spending time outside).
Whether you’re at the beach or out on a hike in one of its many parks, you can’t complain about the weather in San Diego.
Some of my favorite things to do are surf, take a hike in Torrey Pines State Reserve, and visit the world-class San Diego Zoo—one of the must-see US zoos for any animal lover.
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu and the Hawaiian weather are like two peas in a pod: mild tropical (and yes, that’s kind of an exaggeration, it does get hot!) weather mixed with a great easterly breeze makes the city a completely enjoyable place to be, year-round.
It’s easy to feel like it’s always summer here because of the constant sunshine, and that’s perfect if you love the beach. Even in the winter, when the island catches a lot of rain, the rain is usually short and produces a rainbow!
Some other favorite activities include snorkeling (everyone goes to Hanauma Bay), climbing the head of the diamond at Diamond Head, and soaking in the sun at the somewhat-overcrowded-but-still-gorgeous Waikiki Beach.
3. Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara boasts a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
For coastal and outdoor fun in the sun, that’s probably the best combination one can ask for, maintaining a nice, even keel without ever really hitting any extremes.
With ocean vistas known around the world and majestic mountains in the background, it’s just a natural paradise. There are beaches to laze on, wineries to visit, and a coastal bike path to cruise.
4. Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota has warm, sunny weather which all beach bums will enjoy. In the winter, the weather is mild and nice. The Gulf is calm, making it great for swimming and fishing in.
Travelers can kayak among the mangroves, relax on its beaches, and even explore the clear waters of Siesta Key.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
Because of its subtropical climate, Charleston gets quite hot in the summer and quite mild in the winter—perfect to explore any time. Warm weather and southern hospitality just make it a fun place to be.
Spring and autumn are particularly delightful, with warm breezes and blooming gardens. Wander historic downtown, head to the beach, or get out on the water.
6. Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a high-altitude desert town which experiences all four seasons and a ton of sunshine. Its unique terrain results in a whole host of weather patterns year-round, with snow dusting the mountains in winter and warm hiking in summer.
Its cool summer temperatures are a welcome respite from the sweltering Arizona heat, and here you can spend your day mountain biking, hiking, and skiing the peaks.
7. Portland, Oregon (summer only)
Portland’s summers are warm, sunny, and mostly dry, providing a nice escape from the city’s rainy winter (and chilly spring!). There’s a ton of daylight for outdoor activities while you’re here.
All of the trees and flowers bloom, and there are many festivals to attend in the summer. Locals spend the season biking around the city, hitting up the gardens, and hiking in the Columbia River Gorge.
8. Asheville, North Carolina (spring/fall)
Asheville, I discovered, is easy on the eyes, and never more so than in spring and fall. The weather is pleasant, the scenery is colorful, and the locals love to hike and make art.
It’s a lively and misty-mountain good place to be. Things to do: hike in the mountains, tour the Biltmore Estate, drive parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
9. Boulder, Colorado
With more than 300 days of sunshine and mild weather, Boulder is a year-round playground. The city is located right at the base of the mountains so summers are comfortable and winters are snowy and magical.
It’s a wonderland if you’re an outdoors person that likes to do a little bit of everything. Rock climbing, hiking at Chautauqua Park, and the Flatirons are all nearby.
10. Monterey, California
Monterey has a wonderful coastal climate, experiencing mild and fairly constant temperatures year-round. The sea breeze help keeps things cooler in the summer, while winter is also a pleasant time to visit without the summer crowds.
It’s an amazing destination for those who love marine life and the outdoors. Here you can go whale watching, check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and drive the scenic 17-Mile Drive.
Tips for Weather-Savvy Travel Planning
Considering the weather while you plan your travel is everything! Use weather apps and season information to help determine when is the best time to visit the place you want to go. It will let you know what to expect.
It’s always a good idea to pack layers as weather is unpredictable and this allows for easy temperature control and weather preparation.
Finally, try to travel during the shoulder seasons. Those are the few weeks directly before and after the destination’s peak season. The weather is usually still great, and the prices are lower. It’s a fantastic way to travel.
FAQ
1. Does every region in the U.S. experience four distinct seasons?
No, not all regions get all four seasons. Some have year-round mild weather, such as Southern California, while others, like the Northeast, get them all.
2. Why are shoulder seasons recommended for travel?
Shoulder seasons (the times between high and low season) often have great weather and fewer people. It’s a good way to see the highlights without the crowds.
3. What is considered “best weather” for most travelers?
Most people want moderate temperatures, low humidity, and no rain. But everyone is different. Some may want more sun, others may prefer cool autumn days.
Conclusion
And there you have it! No matter when you visit, the USA has something for you.
There are just so many varied climates and geographies that you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re looking for — whether that’s warm beaches or cold mountains.
And don’t forget, the “best weather” really is what you prefer and defines it as such for you.
So simply pair your ideal travel conditions with the right region for that time of year and you’re guaranteed to have an awesome time that meets all your atmospheric expectations.