Plan
Best Time to Visit the USA
Pick a month to see where's at its best.
Where to go in October
New York City
April–June and September–early November bring mild weather and fewer crowds. December is magical but pricey.
Grand Canyon
March–May and September–November. The North Rim opens mid-May to mid-October.
Yosemite
May–June for waterfalls; September–October for quieter trails. Check reservation rules for peak months.
Maui
April–May and September–November for value and calm weather; December–April for humpback whales.
Las Vegas
March–May and October–November. Summer is extremely hot.
San Francisco
September–October is warmest and clearest. Summer brings famous fog.
Orlando
Late January–early March and late September–early November for shorter lines.
Zion National Park
April–May and September–October. Summer is hot and busy.
Washington, D.C.
Late March–April for cherry blossoms; September–October for mild weather.
Nashville
April–June and September–October for pleasant weather and festivals.
Charleston
March–May and October–November.
Spring (Mar–May)
Cherry blossoms in D.C., wildflowers in the desert parks and waterfalls at full power in Yosemite. Great value before summer crowds.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Peak season for Yellowstone, Alaska and Chicago's lakefront. Avoid desert heat and book well ahead.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Arguably the best season: New England foliage, mild weather in the Southwest and quieter theme parks.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Florida sunshine, Hawaii whale watching, festive New York and Mardi Gras in New Orleans.