the USA
The best time to visit
When to go to the USA
For most of the country, May, June, September and October are the window you want. Summer is peak in the north and the parks, winter suits Florida and the desert, and late summer brings heat and storms.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for New York. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jun.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Hard cold.
In short
The year at a glance
The USA is too big for a single season. New York stands in for the temperate Northeast in the ratings here, where spring and autumn are the gentlest times and the leaves in October are famous, but the right month depends entirely on where you are headed.
As a rule, May and September travel well almost everywhere: warm enough for the north, past the worst desert heat, and clear of the summer crowds. The two dates to plan around are the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs June to November and peaks from August to October, and the western wildfire season in late summer.
Month by month
the USA month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for New York.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C / 39°F | -3°C / 27°F | 90 mm | Avoid 16 | Cold with a little rain. |
| February | 6°C / 43°F | -2°C / 28°F | 78 mm | Avoid 27 | Cold with a little rain. |
| March | 10°C / 50°F | 1°C / 34°F | 100 mm | Good 48 | Cool with a little rain. |
| April | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 45°F | 100 mm | Ideal 74 | Cool with a little rain. |
| May | 22°C / 72°F | 12°C / 54°F | 95 mm | Ideal 80 | Mild with a little rain. New York hotels in May |
| June | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 90 mm | Ideal 82 | Warm with a little rain. New York hotels in June |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 21°C / 70°F | 115 mm | Great 71 | Hot with a little rain. |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 20°C / 68°F | 105 mm | Ideal 76 | Warm with a little rain. |
| September | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 61°F | 95 mm | Ideal 80 | Warm with a little rain. New York hotels in September |
| October | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 90 mm | Ideal 80 | Mild with a little rain. |
| November | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 39°F | 90 mm | Great 63 | Cool with a little rain. |
| December | 6°C / 43°F | -1°C / 30°F | 95 mm | Avoid 28 | Cold with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Northeast and Midwest
May to October is the window, with warm summers and spectacular foliage in October. Winters are cold and snowy, especially around the Great Lakes.
The South and Florida
November to April is prime, with warm, dry, comfortable days. Summer is hot, humid and stormy, and the coast watches the hurricane season closely.
The West and the parks
June to September for Yellowstone, the Rockies and the Pacific Northwest. The desert Southwest is best in spring and autumn, avoiding the summer heat.
Go for
Best time to visit the USA for
Fall foliage
Late September into October across New England and the northern states, when the maples turn and the air is crisp.
National parks
June to September, when high-country roads and trails are open and the weather is reliably warm. Book far ahead for the marquee parks.
Beaches and the South
Winter and spring for Florida and the Gulf, before the summer heat and hurricane risk arrive.
City breaks
May, June, September and October for New York, Chicago and Boston, with mild days and long evenings.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Fall foliage, October
New England and the Appalachians blaze red and gold, drawing leaf-peepers up the back roads.
Festive season, December
Cities light up for the holidays, with skating rinks and markets despite the cold.
Hard cold
Dec to Feb.
Where to stay
Where to stay in the USA
Compare hotels and rentals around New York, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions