Deciding when to travel to the USA can be overwhelming due to the size of the country and the variety of climate and weather conditions by season and location. The only answer to this question depends on what you want from your visit. No matter the season, you can count on American seasonal activities. Here is your guide to finding the perfect time to visit the USA based on the activities that are right up your street! Before you set off on your adventure, don’t forget to find USA Travel Insurance to ensure you can confidently travel. 

Summer

There is no better idea than spending the summer in the USA; it screams hiking, road trips, beach days, scenic views, healthy eating, and little fires roasting marshmallows… or have I been watching too many American films?

Portland, Maine

Portland’s weather sits at a comfortable temperature with a simplistic vibe. The summer is the only time of year that the amount of precipitation dips to its lowest numbers, meaning the city’s idea of fun, spanning from kayaking and fishing to golf and sailing, can be enjoyed more. Portland is located on the coast, so you can enjoy the local restaurants serving seafood and culinary creations using in-season fruits and vegetables. Be sure to declare any food allergies to your insurance provider so you can be confident that your USA Travel Insurance has you covered. 

Indio, California

Fondly known as ‘the city of festivals’ due to being the home of one of the most well-known festivals on earth, Coachella, this city is a must if you are visiting the USA in the summer. However, Indio has more to offer! If you are a lover of art, the city is known for having very large murals and have become a huge part of the region’s terrain. Visiting the Coachella Valley History Museum is a must-do to learn about the wonderful history: how the villages developed, its agricultural system, and the lifestyle of its people; how their activities contributed to the region’s growth. There are guides on-site to aid you and assist in answering questions as you tour around.

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

No matter what you choose, Lake of the Ozarks will provide you with an unforgettable summer getaway. As the weather gets hot, the lake becomes the perfect temperature for swimming. Spend all day in and on the water and relax in the evening, watching the fireflies light up. You’ll find an assortment of lodging options, restaurants, boat rentals, and you can get involved with activities such as golfing, fishing, and parasailing. However, if you are looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, the far southern portion of the lake is highly recommended for its incredible scenery and caves and trails to explore. Whilst in the area, check out the Ozarks Amphitheatre for a summer concert.

Autumn

Autumn, also known as fall in the USA, is the time for sweater weather, hot apple cider, pumpkin spiced lattes and best of all, seeing the leaves change from the lush green of summer to the bright golds, oranges, and reds of autumn.

Chicago, Illinois

Visiting the city in the autumn means missing some of the crowds when enjoying the tourist attractions. Chicago is a unique autumn destination because of its rich haunted history. For example, the northside neighbourhood of Lincoln Park was built right on top of the city’s original cemetery; the Chicago History Museum organises ghost tours through the park. To see the leaves change, Chicago Botanical Gardens is an hour north of the city but worth visiting. Fancy a stereotypical American “fall” holiday? Check out Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm and Fall Fest for the full autumn experience.

Williamsburg, Virginia

Known as the largest living history museum in the United States, Colonial Williamsburg highlights the city with historical reenactors go about their day in the 18^th century Colonial-era town. Immerse yourself in the neighbourhood’s history and lifestyle by exploring many of the buildings, that stand when Williamsburg was a significant city in the Colonial South and enjoy a Ghost Tour through the historic area at night. Aside from the past, Williamsburg has a few fun, modern activities to enjoy also. Check out Busch Gardens Williamsburg if you love amusement parks. The park transforms into Halloween’s Howl-O-Scream where you can explore spooky shows and wander in their haunted house. Each year in October you can enjoy the Williamsburg Fall Arts Festival, as well as nearby Yorktown’s Market Days and Fall Festival Celebration, and the Wine Festival.

Estes Park, Colorado

Although visitor numbers slightly decrease in autumn in Estes Park, it’s still a beautiful, natural town in Colorado. The Rocky Mountain National Park is a perfect example of the description. In the Autumn, wildlife is active and it’s a peak time to hike and really see an American autumn in all its glory. If hiking isn’t for you, take a scenic drive in the mountains instead. There is always something fun going on almost every weekend. From craft shows, to wine tasting, and outdoor concerts there is always something for the whole family to enjoy! Ensure to visit the Autumn Gold Festival to celebrate the changing on the leaves and Elk Fest to celebrate the elk rut (mating).

Winter

As one of the most culturally and geographically diverse countries in the world, the US has a variety of winter getaways that suits all! Snow, beaches, mountains, cities, national parks, you name it and guaranteed, America has it.

New York City

Need I say more? Not only the number of activities but the quality of them is what drives around seven million visitors to the city during the holiday season. Ensure visiting the Rockefeller Centre and its 82 feet tall Christmas tree is on your itinerary, along with admiring the holiday window displays on Fifth Avenue. Try to plan your trip around New Year to experience the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration; the global phenomenon attracts up to one million people.

Key West, Florida

Are you looking for winter sun? The country’s southernmost point, Key West, is the destination for you. Although temperatures tend to drop a little, it still has the perfect weather for sightseeing, water sports, and even sunbathing! Book a guided tour, hit the beach and snorkel at Dry Tortugas National Park your way into the new year.

North Pole, Alaska

There isn’t a place in the world more wintery than Santa Claus’s home! The community of almost 3,000 residents keeps Christmas spirit alive all year. North Pole’s best-known attraction is Santa’s house. All-year round the store holds endless aisles of Christmas ornaments and toys, with a live Santa to listen to your Christmas wishes. The walls are covered with Dear Santa letters from children around the world. North Pole is also the perfect place to view the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). Chena Lakes Recreation Area is a great place to start the hunt for less light polluted zones, for the best view of the Aurora.

Spring

Spring can be a magical and refreshing time to travel. Whether you want to enjoy a road trip or break into those new hiking boots you were gifted for Christmas, the blooms and greenery as nature wakes up from the winter slumber makes everything feel fresh, new, and exciting!

Monroe, Utah

This hippie town is the perfect place to relax and become one with nature. Mystic Hot Springs is one of Utah’s best secret places, very remote but extremely rustic and luxurious. In mineral-rich waters, you can soak in old bathtubs or a shallow 2-feet deep pool naturally, featuring a waterfall created by the minerals spilling into the side of the pool and gives the most heavenly massage. The deeper pool is four feet deep and creates a perfect place for strengthening and stretching muscles or floating meditation. When the sun goes down, you can see the Milky Way at its purest and the area serves as a one-of-a-kind acoustic concert venue.

Phoenix, Arizona

Spring is an ideal time to visit Phoenix, as this sunny getaway is the home to diverse cultural attractions, historic sites, and outdoor recreation. Camelback Mountain is one of the most scenic spots in the city, which you can hike or cycle. Also visit the Desert Botanical Garden and another must-do is seeing the music artifacts at the Musical Instrument Museum.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

The perfect spring getaway for those who crave wide-open spaces and outdoor adventures. This stunning area offers beautiful landscapes throughout the year, but you can also enjoy wildlife watching, go fly fishing, visit Snow King Mountain theme park and following one of the area’s scenic hiking trails. We also recommend planning a trip to Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park, which are nearby.

USA Travel Insurance covers you in all seasons!

The idea of visiting the USA can be overwhelming to anyone. Whether you want to have a chilled holiday, an activity-filled trip or somewhere in between, America is guaranteed to be made up of what you are looking for.

USA Travel Insurance is essential due to the cost of medical treatment in the states. Buying USA Travel Insurance as soon as you have booked covers you should the unexpected happen. You can compare up to 48 prices online in minutes with cover for hundreds of pre-existing medical conditions and there are no upper age limits on our single trip Travel Insurance and annual multi-trip Travel Insurance policies.

Here is everything you need to know about Travel Insurance for the USA.