Best time to go

Few countries, if any, can boast the full range of climates and varying types of terrain the world has to offer, but in the USA, there’s a climate and place for literally every visitor. From the glaciers of Alaska and the deserts of Arizona to the rolling prairies of the Midwest, the majestic Rocky Mountains and the pristine, sun-soaked beaches of California, Florida and Hawaii, the land across the United States is nothing short of spectacular.

Winter (December-February) can be pleasant or freezing cold depending on where you choose to visit in the United States. The northern states are cold with short days and heavy snow, while most southern states and the Hawaiian Islands offer winter warmth and respite from the cold winters in the UK. For those who don’t mind a few feet of snow, certain parts like Lake Tahoe, Colorado and Wyoming offer excellent ski resorts, and most of the major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York have wonderful indoor attractions with their many fine galleries, museums, restaurants and shops.

Spring (March-May), like autumn is one of the best times to visit the USA as much of the country comes back to life after the winter period. Festivals and events start to flourish, nature blooms and in the national parks, animals come out of hibernation. Spring is an excellent time to visit the southern regions of the USA before the summer heat kicks in. Expect national highs to rise from 18°C at the start of spring to 28°C by the end.

Summer (June-August) in the United States is buzzing as every corner of the country comes alive with events, festivals and the domestic holiday season. Summer is the best time to visit many of the nation’s incredible national parks as well as the more northern regions of the United States as the weather will be pleasantly warm with temperatures around 25°C for outdoor exploration. The southern regions of the United States and the Hawaiian Islands turn hot and humid come June with some states in the southwest attracting dry heat up to 40°C. Residents and visitors alike can find the summer months in these parts challenging, but as most places are near a coast and well-equipped with air conditioning, the months of June to August can easily be weathered.

Autumn (September-November) is one of the best times to visit the USA as the summer crowds leave and the sunny weather remains with temperatures gradually cooling from the highs of summer. Expect temperatures to slowly descend from around 30°C to a pleasant 18°C. In the northern regions and in the national parks, the country welcomes the changing colours of autumn and impresses with striking displays of foliage. Autumn is also an excellent time to visit the more southern regions in the United States as the temperatures will have mellowed by then. For those interested in wine, September and October are also the main harvesting months in Napa Valley, Texas and Virginia.