Best time to visit the USA
The United States is a country of immense geographical and cultural diversity, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic, and from the Arctic chill of Alaska to the tropical warmth of Florida. With such variety, the best time to visit depends heavily on where you’re going and what kind of experience you’re after. Whether you're drawn to the dramatic cliffs of the West Coast, the soulful rhythms of the Deep South, the historic charm of the Northeast, the heartland hospitality of the Midwest, or the desert beauty of the Southwest, each region has its own seasonal rhythm. Here’s a comprehensive guide to figure out when to visit the USA.
Best time to visit the West Coast USA
Best time to visit: Spring
The West Coast, encompassing California, Oregon, and Washington, is a year-round destination with something to offer in every season. Spring is a particularly beautiful time to visit, especially in California, where wildflowers bloom across the hills and valleys, and national parks like Yosemite and Sequoia are more accessible before the summer crowds arrive. As summer sets in, Southern California enjoys beach weather, averaging around 27°C, while cities like Portland and Seattle bask in their driest and sunniest months - it's the perfect time for festivals and outdoor adventures.
Autumn brings a quieter charm to the West Coast. The Pacific Northwest is particularly dazzling with fall foliage - so you could plan a road trip along the Pacific Coastal Route - or the weather is ideal for exploring cities. By winter, the region splits in personality. Coastal So-Cal remains mild - ideal for a winter escape - while northern areas like Washington and the Sierra Nevada become covered in snow.
| City | Spring (°C) | Summer (°C) | Autumn (°C) | Winter (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 15-21 | 18-29 | 16-26 | 9-20 |
| San Francisco | 13-17 | 12-21 | 12-21 | 8-14 |
| Seattle | 8-15 | 13-25 | 10-18 | 3-10 |
West Coast festivals and events:
West Coast festivals and events in spring:
St Patrick’s Day
- The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Francisco, usually held on a Saturday.
- Big parade followed by traditional and contemporary live Irish music and dancing
- L.A. hosts two parades – one Downtown and one along Hermosa Beach
Coachella
- One of the biggest music festivals in the world
- Held in Indio, Coachella Valley in Southern California, over two consecutive three-day weekends in April
San Diego Lakeside Rodeo
- Annual weekend-long event held at the end of April
- Traditional rodeo, including events like bull riding and barrel racing
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
- Held in San Francisco over two consecutive weekends at the end of April
- Celebrating Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage
- Live traditional music, martial arts demonstrations, dance performances and traditional crafts
- The festival ends with a parade through the streets of San Francisco
L.A. County Fair
- 16-day event held in May
- Celebration of the diverse communities that live in Los Angeles
- Fairground, music, food, animal and agricultural displays, crafts and interactive exhibits
Carnaval San Francisco
- The annual street parade and festival in San Francisco, held on the last weekend of May
- Celebrating Latin American and Caribbean culture, through music, dance, food and arts and crafts
- Free two-day festival ends with a grand parade
West Coast festivals and events in summer:
San Francisco Juneteenth
- A federal holiday on June 19th commemorates the end of slavery in America
- Free event held in San Francisco featuring a fairground, live musical performances and a large food and artisan market
Independence Day
- Held on the 4th of July. A federal holiday in the US, commemorating the Declaration of Independence
- Celebrations are held across the country, with many parades and firework displays
San Diego Comic-Con
- The annual convention is held at the end of July
- Largest comic and pop culture event in the US
- Chance to meet celebrities, see movie memorabilia, buy comics and collectables, and explore the exhibitions
Arizona Cowboy Poets Gathering
- Annual festival celebrating the culture and history of cowboy poetry and cowboy music
- Held in Prescott Arizona, just inland from the West Coast
Arizona World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo
- Traditional, family-friendly rodeo bringing western culture to life
- Expect bull riding, parades, live music and food
- Held in Payson Arizona, just inland from the West Coast
West Coast festivals and events in autumn:
Monterey Jazz Festival
- Three-day jazz music festival held at the end of September
- Chance to see legendary jazz musicians and up-and-coming artists at this open-air event
San Diego Bayfair
- Southern California’s largest annual beach festival
- Popular event where you can watch powerboat competitions, hydro games and live music
San Francisco Comedy Day
- Annual free comedy festival held in Golden Gate Park
- One-day event features a line-up of around 50 comedians each year
Thanksgiving
- National holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year
- Traditionally a day of thanksgiving and a harvest festival
- Marked with huge feasts, where friends and family come together to celebrate
- Often regarded as the start of the festive holiday season
West Coast festivals and events in winter:
Christmas
- The Hollywood Christmas Parade
- Annual parade in Los Angeles, usually held the weekend after Thanksgiving
- Star-studded event to raise money for charities
- Giant parade with floats and balloons, equestrian displays, marching bands, dance groups and live performances
San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Holiday Boat Parade
- Typically held mid-December, this is the oldest and largest lighted holiday boat parade in San Francisco
- Over 60 boats festooned with lights and festive decorations take to San Francisco Bay to parade along the waterfront
Rose Parade
- Annual New Year celebration held on 1st January in Pasadena, California
- Colourful parade features floral-decorated floats, equestrian units and marching bands
San Francisco ZAP Wine Festival
- Runs at the end of January in San Francisco
- Three-day wine and food festival, showcasing the best Zinfandel wines in the world
- Ticketed event, with the highlight being the all-day Grand Tasting, featuring over 100 wines
San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
- The largest Chinese New Year celebration outside of Asia
- Started in the 1860s and is held during the weekend of the Chinese New Year Community Street Fair (typically end of Feb)
- Huge parade, lasting over two hours, with decorated floats, elaborate costumes, firecrackers, Golden Dragon and newly crowned Miss Chinatown U.S.A
Best time to visit the Deep South
Best time to visit: Spring
The Deep South, which includes states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and parts of Texas, is a region rich in culture, music, and history. Spring is arguably the best time to visit, with warm days, cool nights, and landscapes bursting into bloom. In New Orleans it's festival season, with events like Jazz & Heritage Festival drawing in extra visitors.
Plan with care for the summer season, temperatures often soar above 40°C, and the humidity can be stifling. It’s also the start of hurricane season, particularly in coastal areas, like Florida.
Autumn offers a welcome relief from the heat. The weather becomes more comfortable, and the region’s natural beauty shines through with changing leaves and golden light. It’s a great time for road trips, and exploring historic towns. Winter in the Deep South is generally mild. Cities like New Orleans remain lively and festive, with temperatures hovering around 18–19°C, while Nashville and other inland areas are cooler but rarely harsh or snowy.
| City | Spring (°C) | Summer (°C) | Autumn (°C) | Winter (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 17-26 | 24-33 | 18-28 | 8-19 |
| Nashville | 10-21 | 21-32 | 13-26 | 0-13 |
Deep South festivals and events:
Deep South festivals and events in spring:
Tin Pan South
- Three-day music festival in Nashville
- Hundreds of songwriters perform across numerous music venues in the city
Treme Creole Gumbo & Congo Square Rhythms Festival
- Free two-day music festival in New Orleans
- Features an eclectic mix of music including African, brass bands, jazz and more
- An open-air event also includes an arts and crafts market
Houston Rodeo
- Huge annual family-friendly agricultural event
- Showcases Western heritage through rodeos, horse shows and livestock exhibits
French Quarter Fest
- Free annual music festival in New Orleans’ French Quarter
- Thousands of musicians, from a variety of musical genres, play on over 20 stages throughout the French Quarter
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (April-May)
- World-famous 10-day music festival in New Orleans, also known as Jazz Fest
- Celebrates the music, art, culture and heritage of the city
- Expect plenty of jazz music alongside blues, Cajun, rock, bluegrass and more
Via Colori
- Free outdoor street painting festival in Houston
- Held on the first weekend in April
- Community event showcasing the work of chalk artists of all ages
Deep South festivals and events in summer:
Memphis Juneteenth
- Federal holiday on June 19th commemorating the end of slavery in America
- Free weekend event held in Memphis featuring live music, events and food trucks
Fair Park Fourth (Independence Day)
- Independence Day celebration in Dallas on 4th July
- A free, public event with live music, entertainment, food trucks and fireworks display
Elvis Week
- An unmissable event for fans of the King, this week-long event celebrates Elvis’ life, music and legacy
- This Memphis festival includes live music, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition and a candlelight vigil for the singer on August 15th
Tennessee State Fair
- 10-day agricultural fair held in Wilson County, mid-August
- Includes everything from monster truck shows and fairground rides to livestock competitions and farm-to-table dining
Deep South festivals and events in autumn:
Cooper-Young Festival
- Free annual open-air festival in Memphis
- Celebrates Memphis’ heritage and culture through live musical performances, art and crafts
National Fried Chicken Festival (September-October)
- Two-day outdoor food festival in New Orleans
- Restaurants from across the US showcase their best dishes, competing for the ‘Best Fried Chicken’ award.
- Four stages featuring cooking demonstrations and live music
State Fair of Texas (September-October)
- This huge annual event in Dallas celebrates all things Texan
- Expect the usual rodeo, livestock exhibits and horse show, alongside arts and crafts, live music and food stalls
Halloween
- The USA goes all out for Halloween, 31st October, and the Deep South is no exception
- Houses and gardens are decorated, and families head out trick or treating in the evening
Dia de los Muertos (October-November)
- San Antonio is home to the biggest ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations in the United States
- A traditional Mexican holiday where families remember and pay homage to loved ones who have died
- San Antonio celebrations include a river parade featuring decorated barges, street parade and musical concerts
Oak Street Po-Boy Festival
- Fun festival celebrating New Orleans’ most iconic sandwich
- A po’ boy is a traditional Louisiana sandwich made using toasted French bread, stuffed with fried meat (roast beef, ham or fried seafood like shrimp), then dressed with tomatoes, romaine lettuce, pickles, mayonnaise and hot sauce
Ford Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony (November-December)
- Held the day after Thanksgiving in San Antonio
- Features 28 decorated floats and over 100,000 lights illuminating the River Walk
- The lights are turned on from sundown to sunrise every day until New Year’s Day
Deep South festivals and events in winter:
Dallas Holiday Parade
- Seen as the official start to the holiday season, this annual parade draws over 700,000 spectators from all over Texas
- A two-hour parade featuring marching bands, dancing, music and larger-than-life decorated floats
New Year’s Eve at Jackson Square
- Free event in New Orleans’ French Quarter
- Enjoy lots of live music, an end-of-year countdown and fireworks over the Mississippi
New Orleans Mardi Gras
- Held annually, starting on Twelfth Night (6th January) and running until ‘Fat Tuesday’ the day before Ash Wednesday
- Streets comes alive with music, art, and great food. Revellers are encouraged to wear elaborate costumes or dress in purple, green and gold
- The end of Mardi Gras is marked with a huge parade through the city
Texas Luna Festival
- Marking Lunar New Year
- Celebrates the Asian community in Houston, with cultural events across the city, culminating in a colourful parade
San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
- Two-week event in San Antonio
- Features rodeo events, fairground, concerts and livestock events, welcoming 1.5 million visitors each year
Best time to visit the Northeast USA
Best time to visit: Autumn
The Northeast, home to iconic cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, as well as the scenic beauty of New England, experiences all four seasons in full. Spring blooms in city parks and outdoor life returns after a long winter - it's the ideal time to explore historic sites, enjoy early-season baseball games (it's America's favourite pastime), and take in the fresh greenery. Warmer temperatures allow for a packed calendar of events in summer, and you can enjoy natural retreats from Cape Cod beaches to the Adirondack Mountains.
Autumn is when the Northeast truly shines. The fall foliage in New England is legendary, drawing visitors from around the world to witness the fiery reds, oranges, and yellows that blanket the countryside. Crisp air and harvest festivals add to the charm. In winter, the Northeast is a snowy wonderland - cities sparkle with holiday lights, and ski resorts in Vermont and upstate New York attract winter sports enthusiasts.
| City | Spring (°C) | Summer (°C) | Autumn (°C) | Winter (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 10-17 | 18-30 | 10-21 | -2-8 |
| Boston | 8-18 | 18-28 | 10-20 | -5-7 |
Northeast festivals and events:
Northeast festivals and events in spring:
Hebron Maple Festival
- Held on the third weekend of March in Hebron
- A sweet celebration of maple syrup season - expect tastings, crafts, and sugarhouse tours
Nantucket Daffodil Festival
- Held in the last weekend of April in Nantucket
- A celebration of spring blooms with parades, picnics, and antique car shows
Meriden Daffodil Festival
- Held in the the last weekend of April
- Over 650,000 daffodils, live music, food trucks, and a grand parade
Northeast festivals and events in summer:
WaterFire Providence
- Held from May through to November - usually on Saturday evenings once or twice a month - in Providence, Rhode Island
- A series of summer evenings where bonfires light up the rivers of downtown Providence, accompanied by music and art installations
Newport Folk Festival
- Held towards the end of July in Fort Adams State Park in Rhode Island
- A legendary music festival featuring folk, indie, and Americana artists
Vermont Brewers Festival
- Held on the third weekend in July in Burlington Vermont
- A lakeside celebration of craft beer with tastings, food pairings, and live music
Northeast festivals and events in autumn:
Oktoberfest at Hunter Mountain
- Held over three weekends in late September and early October in Hunter, New York
- A Bavarian-style celebration with beer gardens, polka music, and mountain views
Topsfield Fair
- A ten-day festival - starting on the first first Friday in October and concluding on the Monday of Columbus Day - in Topsfield, Massachusetts
- America’s oldest agricultural fair with livestock shows, giant pumpkins, and carnival rides
Apple Harvest Festival
- Held the first two weekend in October, in Southington, Connecticut
- A two-weekend event with apple-themed treats, fireworks, and a parade
Northeast festivals and events in winter
Lake George Winter Carnival
- Held every weekend in February in Lake George, New York
- Expect with ice bars, snowmobile races, and fireworks
Fire & Ice Festival
- Held at the beginning of February in Putnam, Connecticut
- Features ice carving competitions, fire performances, and a glowing bonfire
Lowell Winterfest
- A two-day festival, held towards the end of February in Lowell, Massachusetts
- Includes a soup bowl competition, ice sculptures, and street performers
The best time to visit the Midwest USA
Best time to visit: Summer
In America's heartland - which includes states like Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Minnesota - spring can be unpredictable. Snow lingers until March giving way to blooming flowers and, by March, temperatures have warmed.
Summer is the Midwest at its best - sunny, warm, and full of life. Cities like Chicago and Minneapolis host music festivals, lakefront events, and farmers’ markets, while rural areas offer peaceful escapes.
Autumn brings the harvest, with apple picking, pumpkin patches, and scenic drives through colourful forests. It’s a cosy, nostalgic time to visit. Winter, however, is not for the faint of heart. The Midwest can be brutally cold, with heavy snowfall and icy winds. For those who love the cold, it’s a great time for ice fishing and skiing.
| City | Spring (°C) | Summer (°C) | Autumn (°C) | Winter (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 4-15 | 16-30 | 7-24 | -7-3 |
| Minneapolis | -3-14 | 16-29 | 5-23 | -13--2 |
Midwest festivals and events:
Midwest festivals and events in spring:
Art in Bloom
- Typically held in March over a long weekend in Indianapolis
- Floral displays inspired by artworks at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
Tulip Time Festival
- Held in mid-may in Holland, Michigan
- Expect millions of tulips, Dutch dancing, parades, and artisan markets
Midwest festivals and events in summer:
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
- Held in Mackinac Island, Michigan in mid-June
- A 10-day celebration with carriage tours, concerts, and a grand parade
Des Moines Arts Festival
- Held in Des Moines, Iowa over the last weekend of June
- A nationally recognized arts event with live music, food, and interactive exhibits
Iowa State Fair
- Held in Mid-August in Des Moines, Iowa
- Famous for its butter cow sculpture, deep-fried treats, and livestock shows
Midwest festivals and events in autumn:
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
- Held in Cinicinnati, Ohio 'Oktoberfest' is actually held at the end of September
- The largest Oktoberfest in the U.S., featuring dachshund races and German beer
Warrens Cranberry Festival
- Held during the last full weekend of September in Warrens, Wisconsin
- Celebrates the cranberry harvest with marsh tours, crafts, and food
AppleJack Festival
- Held during the last two weekend of September in Nebraska City
- Expect apple picking, cider slushies, parades, and bull riding
Midwest festivals and events in winter:
Winter WonderFest
- Held from early December to early January at Navy Pier in Chicago
- Expect rides, ice skating, and festive lights - all indoors
Color the Wind Kite Festival
- Held on the third Saturday of February, in Clear Lake, Iowa
- A vibrant display of giant kites flying over a frozen lake
The Great Northern Festival
- Held in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota from late January to early February
- Combines art, wellness, and winter sports like pond hockey and cross-country skiing
The best time to visit the Southwest USA
Best time to visit: Spring
The Southwest includes Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Utah, and is known for its dramatic desert landscapes, red rock canyons, and rich Indigenous and Hispanic heritage. Spring is one of the best times to visit, with mild temperatures and blooming desert wildflowers. It’s perfect for hiking in national parks like the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce Canyon, or exploring the art and culture of Santa Fe.
Avoid summer in the Southwest which can be extremely hot, especially in places like Phoenix and Las Vegas, where temperatures often exceed 40°C. Autumn brings cooler weather and fewer crowds, making it a great time for road trips and outdoor adventures. Winter is mild in the desert regions, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15–20°C, while mountainous areas in northern New Mexico and Utah offer snow and winter sports.
| City | Spring (°C) | Summer (°C) | Autumn (°C) | Winter (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix | 13-31 | 26-41 | 20-32 | 7-20 |
| Las Vegas | 15-30 | 27-41 | 20-33 | 6-19 |
| Santa Fe | 5-20 | 15-30 | 8-22 | -5-8 |
Southwest festivals and events:
Southwest festivals and events in spring:
Tucson Festival of Books
- Held in March in Tucson, Arizona on the University of Arizona campus.
- One of the largest book festivals in the U.S.
- This two-day event features author panels, book signings, literary workshops, and a vibrant children’s area.
Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend
- Held on Easter weekend in las Vegas
- A massive celebration of 1950s rockabilly culture, featuring vintage car shows, pin-up contests, swing dancing, and live music. It’s one of the most unique and colorful festivals in the region
Southwest festivals and events in summer:
Santa Fe Opera Season
- Runs from late June through August in an open-air amphitheatre with stunning desert views
Desert Hearts Festival
- Held at the beginning of July in Flagstaff, Arizona
- A multi-day electronic music and arts festival with a focus on community and creativity
Art Santa Fe
- Held in July in Santa Fe, New Mexico
- A biannual celebration of contemporary art featuring international artists, live demonstrations, and gallery exhibits
Prescott Frontier Days
- Held in June to July every year in Prescott, Arizona
- One of the oldest rodeos in the U.S., held in late spring with bull riding, parades, and Western-themed festivities
Arizona World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo
- Held every August in Payson, Arizona
- Traditional rodeo events, parades, and family-friendly entertainment
Southwest festivals and events in Autumn:
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
- Held in early October, in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- This is the world’s largest hot air balloon festival, with mass ascensions, night glows, and special shape balloons
Austin City Limits Music Festival
- Held towards the beginning of October
- Though technically in Texas Hill Country, this massive fall music event draws global acts and thousands of fans.
Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta
- Held towards the end of September, in Santa Fe New Mexico
- A week-long celebration of local cuisine and fine wines, featuring tastings, chef demos, and vineyard tours
Southwest festivals and events in winter:
Sundance Film Festival
- Held in January in Park City, Utah
- One of the most prestigious independent film festivals in the world
Las Noches de las Luminarias
- Held later November to late December in Phoenix, Arizona
- A holiday tradition at the Desert Botanical Garden, with thousands of hand-lit luminarias and live music
Christmas Eve Farolito Walk
- Held on Christmas eve in Santa Fe, New Mexico
- A magical evening stroll through Canyon Road, lit by farolitos (paper lanterns) and bonfires
