At a glance
Going to the USA in the spring or in the autumn
From March to May and from September to November.
These are the ideal seasons for visiting most parts of the United States. The temperatures are milder, not too hot and not too cold. Hawaii, New York, Boston, Chicago, the Central Plains, the Pacific Coast, Florida, the Great Parks: all these regions enjoy an ideal climate in Spring and in Autumn. Also, you'll avoid the hordes of American summertime tourists.
Going to the USA in the summer
From June to August.
If you go to the USA in the summer, you should be aware that this is also the period that several Americans go on their holidays. Nevertheless, you could always experience Alaska, Hawaii, the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Coast. So nothing is stopping you from going to the USA in the summer.
Going to the USA in the winter
From December to February.
This is the best time to go to Florida and Miami as well as to the South East more generally. The temperatures are more pleasant and you'll be able to enjoy your stay by combining swimming with relaxing. In the Great Parks of the United States, you can also spend the winter skiing and snowshoeing.
The best time to visit Alaska
From May to September.
Alaska is an immense state, populated by many black and grizzly bears... As you can well imagine, people go to Alaska above all for a change of scenery and to appreciate the nature. You can climb the famous Mount McKinley, discover wild beaches on Kodiak Island and see bald eagles among the silent nature. Temperatures vary considerably in Alaska: you can experience 35 degrees in the summer and -60 in the winter! Be aware that it can snow during the months of June and July. In the far north of Alaska, the weather is icy cold. The days are very long in the summer and very short in the winter... In this region, you can also admire the magnificent spectacle of the Northern Lights. Go between May and September if you don't want to be too cold or if you want to go hiking... and save the rest of the year for if you're not afraid of the cold and you want to go skiing or cross-country skiing.
Best time to enjoy Hawaii
From April to November.
Hawaii is a little corner of paradise in the United States: dreamy beaches, a magnificent sea and a tropical climate. It's the perfect cocktail for an unusual trip. Go and admire the island's unique vegetation and go surfing in one of its many clubs. Tourists visit Hawaii between December and February during the winter season as that's when the temperatures are hottest. In fact, they are almost constant throughout the year. It's a bit hotter between June and October, and it rains a lot more between December and March. But these differences are minimal: you can therefore discover Hawaii all year long.
The best time to go to the major cities in the North East
From April to June and September-October.
You must go to the top of Rockefeller Center at least once in your life so you can admire New York from above. The city that never sleeps, and where anything can happen... One thing's for sure, you'll love it. But you have been warned: it can be very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer. Go in September and October or even between April and June when the climate is temperate. You can also discover Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, as well as the very cosmopolitan Chicago, the world capital of modern architecture.
The best time to get a tan in the South East and Florida
From October to April.
Plan for extra time if you choose to go to Florida. You're going to discover the region which is home to the country's greatest number of theme parks. You'll no doubt visit Walt Disney World, at least one of these six gigantic parks, or even Tampa, before heading to Everglades reserve. You're likely to be very afraid of the many crocodiles that live there... and of being very hot! Florida's climate is tropical and its rainy season lasts from May to September. It's therefore best to choose the rest of the year to visit this region so you can avoid the heat, the rain and the mosquitoes. And don't miss Key West, Florida's most southern island, just 90 miles from Cuba!
The best time to climb the Rocky Mountains
From June to September.
Go and discover the "Rockies", the USA's famous Rocky Mountains. Discover, among others, Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park. Go to Denver and visit Colorado: with its bars, museums and galleries, the city is the cultural and commercial centre of the beautiful Rocky Mountains region. The Rockies' climate is very pleasant from June to mid-September, while wind and snow are more common between October or November and April. Go for a walk in the morning or at the end of the day: it's not too hot and the colours are wonderful.
The best time to explore the Great Parks
From September to June.
The national parks of South West USA are home to sublime landscapes of impressive canyons. They're among the most amazing and wild areas of the country. You'll be able to see endangered species who have found refuge there as well as precious flora. Many conservationists and volunteers are fighting to protect these parks. It's best to discover these vast landscapes in the spring, since the summer months tend to be packed. It's a good idea to go between September and May if you fancy snowshoeing or skiing.
The best time to walk along the Pacific Coast
From April to October.
If there's one area of the United States that makes us dream, it's the Pacific Coast: Hollywood stars, beautiful beaches... Life in California has become a myth, and tourists flock to the Pacific Coast to get close to them. Spend a night in Las Vegas and discover the USA's leading tourist destination! You can go in any season: winter for skiing, summer for the beaches, autumn for hiking among the thousands of colours that the forests have to offer... Be aware that between November and March, it can rain or even snow a little in the North.
The best time to get lost in the Central Plains.
From March to May and from September to November.
Who hasn't dreamt of the Great Plains of Central USA and of the famous Texan ranches? Discover the extravagant towns and the white sand beaches of the Texan coast. You can go hiking and rafting in Big Bend National Park, Go between the end of March and May, when the climate is milder and when you can go to a rodeo festival. The months of September, October and November are also pleasant for visiting the area. It's too hot in the summer and several theme park attractions are closed in the winter.