Discover a selection of 60 top destinations across the United States, thoughtfully organized by the month that provides the most favorable travel conditions. This curated list aims to guide you in planning your trips throughout the year, ensuring you experience each location at its best.
January
January is a great month to either embrace the snow or escape it for a warm-weather getaway.
Fairbanks, Alaska: The best time for viewing the Northern Lights due to long, dark nights.
Aspen, Colorado: A premier destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, with an abundance of “champagne powder” snow.
Death Valley National Park, California: Experience the lowest, driest, and hottest place in North America at a comfortable temperature, avoiding the dangerous heat of summer.
Key West, Florida: Enjoy a tropical escape with warm, sunny weather, perfect for exploring the vibrant island city.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: A scenic winter wonderland for skiing, snowshoeing, and enjoying the beautiful snowy landscape.
February
February is a fantastic month for winter festivals, desert warmth, and a few pre-spring breaks.
New Orleans, Louisiana: The city comes alive with music, parades, and celebration for Mardi Gras, its most famous event.
Tucson, Arizona: Enjoy ideal temperatures for exploring the Sonoran Desert and Saguaro National Park without the intense heat.
Park City, Utah: A world-class ski destination with great snow conditions and a lively atmosphere.
Kauai, Hawaii: The “Garden Isle” is lush and green, and the weather is warm and beautiful for hiking and exploring.
Charleston, South Carolina: A charming southern city with mild weather and fewer crowds, perfect for walking tours and exploring historic architecture.
March
March is the “shoulder season” for many places, offering a chance to visit popular spots with good weather and fewer crowds.
San Diego, California: The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for visiting the famous zoo, exploring Balboa Park, or enjoying the beaches before the summer crowds arrive.
Austin, Texas: The live music and food scene are in full swing, and the weather is warm but not yet humid. Just be aware of the crowds during SXSW.
Phoenix, Arizona: The city’s famous desert scenery is comfortable to explore with temperatures in the low 80s.
Washington, D.C.: The city is known for its stunning cherry blossoms that bloom in late March or early April, creating a beautiful backdrop for sightseeing.
Everglades National Park, Florida: Visit the park during its dry season to see the most wildlife, as animals gather around the remaining water sources.
April
April is a beautiful time for spring blooms and getting a jump on outdoor adventures.
Nashville, Tennessee: The weather is perfect for exploring Music City’s outdoor attractions and enjoying the start of the festival season.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee: Spring is the best time to see over 1,500 species of wildflowers blooming along the trails.
Yosemite National Park, California: The waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, are at their most powerful due to the melting snow, creating a spectacular sight.
Savannah, Georgia: The gardens are in full bloom, and the weather is warm enough to enjoy the city’s historic squares and parks without the oppressive summer heat.
Portland, Oregon: The city’s many gardens, including the famous Japanese Garden and International Rose Test Garden, are in bloom.
May
May offers a transition to summer with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Mackinac Island, Michigan: The car-free island reawakens for the season, with horse-drawn carriages and blooming lilacs creating a charming atmosphere.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: See baby animals and powerful waterfalls from the snowmelt before the peak summer crowds and heat arrive.
Outer Banks, North Carolina: Beat the summer rush and enjoy the warm weather, empty beaches, and scenic lighthouses.
Lake Placid, New York: Experience the Adirondacks with mild temperatures, perfect for hiking and water sports on the lake.
Oahu, Hawaii: The weather is ideal, and it’s the perfect time to visit between the spring break and summer vacation crowds.
June
June is the start of summer, a great time to visit mountain and lake regions.
Glacier National Park, Montana: The famous Going-to-the-Sun Road typically opens in June, offering breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and glaciers.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan: The weather is finally warm enough to explore the stunning sandstone cliffs, sea caves, and waterfalls along the shores of Lake Superior.
Denali National Park, Alaska: The park’s main road opens, providing access to incredible wildlife viewing and views of the highest peak in North America.
Boston, Massachusetts: The weather is warm but not yet hot and humid, perfect for walking the Freedom Trail and exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods.
San Juan Islands, Washington: Take a ferry from Seattle to these beautiful islands for whale watching, kayaking, and hiking in the lush forests.
July
July is the peak of summer, perfect for adventures in the northern half of the country.
Acadia National Park, Maine: The park offers stunning coastal views, scenic carriage roads, and a refreshing summer escape with pleasant temperatures.
The Adirondacks, New York: Hike, camp, and kayak in this vast wilderness area. Lake Placid is a great base for exploring.
Olympic National Park, Washington: Explore three different ecosystems—a rugged coast, a temperate rainforest, and snow-capped mountains—all in one park.
Bar Harbor, Maine: A charming coastal town with delicious seafood and easy access to Acadia National Park.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming: Enjoy hiking and kayaking with spectacular views of the Teton Range reflecting in the clear lakes.
August
August is an ideal month to head to the Pacific Northwest and other cooler climates.
Seattle, Washington: The city shines in August with warm, sunny weather, perfect for exploring Pike Place Market, taking a ferry, or enjoying outdoor concerts.
Portland, Maine: A charming coastal city with a famous food scene and a refreshing escape from inland summer heat.
The Oregon Coast: Discover dramatic cliffs, historic lighthouses, and iconic sea stacks like Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: The weather is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and hiking around the scenic lake.
Telluride, Colorado: This mountain town is beautiful in August, with cool temperatures, vibrant wildflowers, and a variety of outdoor activities.
September
September is the “secret” month for travel, with beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and the beginning of fall foliage.
Maui, Hawaii: Visit after the summer rush but before the rainy season. The weather is fantastic, and the crowds are noticeably smaller.
| Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Temperatures are ideal for hiking down into the canyon, and the crowds are less intense than in the summer. | Cape Cod, Massachusetts: The summer crowds are gone, but the weather is still pleasant for beach walks and exploring the charming seaside towns. |
Napa Valley, California: It’s “Crush Season” (grape harvest), making it an exciting time for wine lovers. The weather is warm and beautiful.
Boston, Massachusetts: The start of college football season and the mild weather make it perfect for exploring the city.
October
October is all about chasing the vibrant fall colors and visiting destinations that are too hot in the summer.
| The Eastern Sierra, California: The aspen trees turn a brilliant golden yellow, making this a prime destination for fall foliage drives and hikes.Providence, Rhode Island: Enjoy the city’s historic charm and thriving culinary scene, and take a trip to nearby beaches without the summer crowds.Asheville, North Carolina: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s a hub for fall color, with the nearby Biltmore Estate and Blue Ridge Parkway offering stunning views. |
New York City, New York: Enjoy Central Park’s stunning fall colors, perfect walking temperatures, and a festive atmosphere as the city gears up for Halloween and the holiday season.
Moab, Utah: The perfect time for rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking in Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, with comfortable weather.
November
November is a month of transition, offering a last chance for fall before the winter holiday season begins.
| Savannah, Georgia: The weather is pleasantly cool, perfect for strolling through the historic squares and enjoying the city’s southern charm before the holiday rush. Stowe, Vermont: Experience the last of the fall foliage or the first signs of winter as the ski resorts prepare to open. |
New York City, New York: The city gears up for the holidays with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, ice-skating rinks opening, and festive window displays.
San Antonio, Texas: Visit the city for its beautiful River Walk, historic missions, and comfortable weather before the holiday crowds.
Death Valley National Park, California: The ideal time to visit for comfortable hiking weather before the high season.
December
December is a magical time for holiday cheer, whether you’re seeking snow or sun.
Leavenworth, Washington: This Bavarian-themed town transforms into a charming, festive winter wonderland with millions of lights and holiday activities.
Las Vegas, Nevada: The city is full of holiday decor and lights, and the pleasant winter weather makes it a great time to explore the Strip and surrounding desert.
New York City, New York: The most iconic city for Christmas, with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, festive window displays, and a magical atmosphere.
Orlando, Florida: The theme parks are decked out for the holidays, and the weather is warm and pleasant, making it a great family destination.
Hawaii: A fantastic place to escape the cold and celebrate the holidays with a tropical twist, trading snow for sand.
