When to go to the USA
In such a massive country, it is almost impossible to pinpoint the best time to visit unless you narrow your search down to specific locations. Below is a rough guide to the main areas our USA family holidays visit. However please do chat with us if you wish to include other locations and we can advise on the best time of year to visit wherever you choose.
Generally, California and the western states experience hot summers (June-September) and cool winters (November-February) with snow falling in the mountains. Extreme temperatures will be found in desert locations such as Death Valley and in the summer it is vital to get out early to explore places like the Grand Canyon, Zion and other national parks in Utah and Arizona.
Spring and autumn are the ideal times to visit most places in the USA without the crowds or heat of the summer. Peak season is July and August for the school vacations and also Spring break around Easter – advance booking is essential during these times.
January
Coastal California can enjoy mild temperatures in the winter and with less people, this can be a good time to travel. Inland, there is often snow and access to places such as Yosemite may be restricted at times. Mountain passes between the national parks of the western states can be impassable however milder temperatures in the lower valleys and deserts will make touring more comfortable than in the blistering summer months.
Sub-zero temperatures in Yellowstone, New York, Chicago and Washington can make travel challenging with children.
February
Coastal California can enjoy mild temperatures in the winter and with less people, this can be a good time to travel. Inland, there is often snow and access to places such as Yosemite may be restricted at times. Mountain passes between the national parks of the western states can be impassable however milder temperatures in the lower valleys and deserts will make touring more comfortable than in the blistering summer months.
Sub-zero temperatures in Yellowstone, New York, Chicago and Washington will make travel challenging with children.
March
Temperatures are starting to rise as spring beckons. There should be plenty of sunny days on the Pacific Coast though nights are still cool. This is a good time to visit California and the Western National Parks although snowfall can still occur in the mountains and in Yellowstone.
April
Temperatures are starting to rise as spring arrives. There should be plenty of sunny days on the Pacific Coast and warmer nights. This is a good time to visit California and the western national parks although snowfall can still occur in the mountains. Spring break means availability can be limited in key areas. Wildlife is on the increase – and the baseball season kicks off!
May
A great time to visit most places. Warm, sunny days on the California coast and inland without the intense heat of the summer months. Memorial Day at the end of the month is a much-celebrated holiday with street parades and family events.
June
Temperatures are starting to rise, especially in the deserts of Utah and Arizona. This is still a pleasant time to travel just ahead of the peak season. Highly recommended for all areas, with wildlife teeming and vegetation blooming.
July
Peak season! Summer vacation is here and visitor numbers increase hugely (particularly on 4th July, American Independence Day). Popular sites will be busy and it is essential to arrive early not only to avoid the crowds but also the soaring temperatures. Hotspots are the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite and the main routes through the national parks and along Highway 1 in California. The dry heat found here is in contrast to the humidity of the east coast and, in particular, Florida.
August
Peak season! Summer vacation is here and visitor numbers increase hugely. Popular sites will be busy and it is essential to arrive early not only to avoid the crowds but also the soaring temperatures. Hotspots are the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite and the main routes through the national parks and along Highway 1 in California. The dry heat found here is in contrast to the humidity of the east coast and, in particular, Florida.
September
A great time to visit, with crowds starting to dissipate and temperatures beginning to ease off. This is the perfect time to visit California (the coast and inland) and the western parks of Arizona, Utah and Wyoming. There are fresher, less muggy days in the eastern cities of New York and Washington.
October
This is a great time to visit with temperatures easing off. California (the coast and inland) and the western parks of Arizona, Utah and Wyoming are all lovely in October. There are fresher, less muggy days in the eastern cities of New York and Washington with the famous fall colours of New England’s forests making Boston a particularly good base from which to explore.
November
A significant drop in temperatures inland with snow starting to fall in Lake Tahoe and Yellowstone. The western national parks are still enjoyable as hiking is more comfortable but flash floods are common and roads can become impassable. Coastal California is pleasant with many water-based activities still possible. Thanksgiving is celebrated this month.
December
Winter is in full swing now with snow across all the mountain peaks, making access to certain national parks such as Yosemite impossible without snowchains. Combination snow and surf holidays are ideal at this time in California for active families. Trips into Yellowstone and Grand Teton will be challenging for youngsters.
Call us and we will be happy to provide you with a free-of-charge no obligation itinerary and quotation designed for you.
01728 752751
USA in pictures
