Where Should You Holiday in the USA and When? Deciding is tricky, given the massive size of the United States, which spans nearly 3,796,907 mi² and more than 6 time zones. One might be sunbathing on a Florida beach, while simultaneously, someone in Alaska could be sledding through a snow-covered landscape. Hence, it’s crucial to consider which locations are best suited for each month, depending on the favorable weather conditions.
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Where to Go in January
Before diving into winter fun, we must mention the Sundance Film Festival. Held annually in early January in Park City, Utah, success at this festival often predicts global fame and attendance.
Enthusiasts of skiing and snowboarding, or those who are both, head to Aspen, Colorado in January. The snow conditions here are ideal at the start of the year. Plus, the winter edition of the X-Games, an annual adrenaline sports event, attracts thrill-seekers. If you’re wondering where to go in the USA in January, Aspen is a compelling choice. Wax those skis and let’s hit the slopes!
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Where to Go in February
Aspen might be popular, but the slopes at Jackson Hole, Wyoming consistently top expert ratings and polls, thanks to their well-maintained trails, scenic beauty, and excellent amenities for all visitors, including families with children. This resort was recently named America’s best winter resort by Forbes magazine.
Car enthusiasts who are captivated by the latest models unveiled by major car companies at the Chicago Auto Show in Chicago will also mark their calendars for an ideal visit to the USA. It’s the largest event of its kind in North America.
Earlier in the month, the Super Bowl – the American football finals, a colossal sporting event with the largest viewership in the USA, takes place. In 2017, it was held in Houston, Texas.
And, not to be overlooked, February is also the month for street festivities. Mardi Gras is celebrated globally, but the grandest spectacle is in New Orleans, Louisiana. This city blends American Southern traditions with Creole voodoo practices and the legacy of the French colonists, all reflected in the Mardi Gras celebrations, which annually attract around 1.5 million live spectators.
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Where to Go in March
While Aspen expects visitors for various ski and snowboard season closure events, the American Midwest has another drawcard: the Grand Canyon. By March, winter falls are over, a favorable climate has arrived, and the canyon isn’t yet swarming with tourists. The south rim is especially picturesque this time of year. The entire west and Midwest of the USA are highly photogenic, and travel agencies often offer discounted tours of this region at this time of year.
For those who want to be part of the largest public parade in the USA, with over 150,000 participants marching down New York’s famous Fifth Avenue, mark your calendars for March 17, the “green” St. Patrick’s Day. Chicago has maintained the annual tradition of dyeing the river green since 1692!
Across the continent, the renowned Independent Games Festival in San Francisco, California awaits younger computer gamers this month. And we can’t forget arguably the most watched event of the month, the annual Oscars at The Academy Awards, which has been held in Los Angeles since 2012.
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Where to Go in April
Where should you go in the USA in April? Consider Hawaii. This earthly paradise is always gorgeous, but with minimal rainfall and the hurricane season (although not very significant in this state) not yet begun, it’s particularly attractive. Those wishing to try surfing at its origin or visit the famous Waikiki Beach or the highly-praised island of Kauai have a perfect opportunity. So, pack your sunscreen and head to the pharmacy! Major travel agencies run tours to the Hawaiian Islands practically all year round, including in April.
Jazz aficionados should venture to the “Mecca” of jazz, New Orleans, for the Jazz & Heritage Festival at the end of April. As one of the city’s biggest cultural events, it features about 14 stages, and it’s not just the leading jazz masters who perform there.
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Where to Go in May
May is another good month to visit Hawaii, although prices may be slightly higher due to the start of peak season. Instead, consider traveling 4,722 mi to the far southeast USA in Orlando. The climate there is warm year-round, but crowd sizes at popular theme parks like Walt Disney World and SeaWorld fluctuate significantly. After the April Spring Break rush, May offers a quieter experience with fewer lines.
Another significant attraction at this time is “Manhattanhenge,” a natural phenomenon in which the sun seems to hang between the skyscrapers in Manhattan, New York. On certain days in May and July, a low-hanging fireball can be seen on the horizon. People flock to photograph this phenomenon, temporarily causing traffic congestion in downtown New York.
For those interested in fashion, the famous Miami Fashion Week, which showcases tireless Latin American and Caribbean designers, is held annually in sunny Miami, Florida.
Let’s not forget horse racing enthusiasts. Since 1875, one of the biggest industry events worldwide, the Kentucky Derby, has been held in Kentucky.
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Where to Go in June
In June, consider heading to Alaska, where you can experience the incredible phenomenon of the Midnight Sun. This occurs when the sun remains visible at local midnight, a result of the tilt of the Earth’s axis. During the solstice around June 21st, the sun can be seen for 24 hours in areas north of the Arctic Circle, providing an unforgettable experience.
On the opposite side of the country, Florida offers a wealth of family-friendly options. Orlando theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios are less crowded than during peak winter periods. The weather is warm, perfect for beach visits or trips to the Everglades National Park.
Moreover, San Francisco hosts the largest LGBTQ+ Pride parade and festival in the country every June. This colorful, vibrant event celebrates diversity and unity, attracting millions of attendees annually.
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Where to Go in July
July is a great month to visit Washington D.C. The capital’s most significant event, Independence Day on July 4th, is marked by a massive fireworks display, parades, and a free concert by the National Symphony Orchestra.
For those interested in natural beauty, consider a trip to Yosemite National Park in California. July offers warm weather, clear skies, and the chance to see the park’s waterfalls at their most impressive.
Lastly, consider heading to Chicago for the Taste of Chicago food festival, the world’s largest food festival, which takes place in mid-July. Here you can sample a variety of foods from local vendors, attend concerts, and enjoy a fun-filled day in the city.
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Where to Go in June
If you’re asking where to go in the USA in June, we can suggest practically anywhere. A surf school is starting up on the New York coast, and it’s getting considerably warmer in Alaska. The highest recorded temperature there was 100°F in June. The usually ice- and snow-covered Alaska turns green at this time of year, and all the animals come out to forage and build up their fat reserves for winter. It is commonly said that Alaska is at its most beautiful between June 15 and July 15.
In Chicago, the birthplace of “modern electric blues,” a great blues festival takes place every June. This festival offers an amazing advantage for all fans of the genre – you can see today’s greatest living blues legends for free!
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Where to Go in July
The agreeable climate continues in Alaska, but San Francisco becomes another option. Fog often forms over the Bay Area city, and locals consider an umbrella as necessary as a parachute for a skydiver. But during this month, rainfall is minimal and temperatures hover around a comfortable 68°F. South of San Francisco, San Diego in July also offers the opportunity to attend Comic-Con International – the largest comic book culture festival in the USA.
Visiting Philadelphia in the summertime has its distinct charm. The weather is pleasant for visiting the Liberty Bell or taking a photo of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Plus, popular bands play free outdoor shows on July 4th for Independence Day.
Those who prefer the thrilling roar of sports cars to music will certainly head to the world’s oldest continuously used racing circuit in Indianapolis towards the end of July. This trip offers a chance to experience the unique atmosphere of the NASCAR racing series.
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Where to Go in August
In August, autumn begins in New England. This northeastern region of the USA transitions from summer vibrancy to autumn tranquillity mid-month. The trees start to change color and, through November, they create one of the most recommended vistas in the United States, according to guidebook experts.
As August rolls into September, more and more people seek to escape the mundanity of everyday life, opting to live among artists for a few days in the Nevada desert, and participating in performances and unconventional cultural shows at the Burning Man festival.
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Where to Go in September
Where should you visit in September? Unlike some countries, the USA attracts tourists throughout the year. In autumn, the national parks of Utah and Colorado are particularly pleasant. While you might need some extra layers in the evening, the daytime temperature can reach 86°F. After a hot summer’s day, you can marvel at the arch-like rock formations in Arches or the red sandstone boulders of Monument Valley, which maintain their beauty even when fictional characters like the Hulk are shown leaping on them.
In late September and early October, the Annual Buffalo Chamber Film Festival takes place in Buffalo. This lesser-known festival in the state is highly appreciated by independent film lovers and is sure to pleasantly surprise you with its selection of films.
Almost next door, or rather across the lake, is the city of Detroit, which hosts a very impressive festival of independent and experimental design in North America this month. This is a must-attend event for all creatives and design enthusiasts!
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Where to Go in October
Human beings are unique creatures. In the summer, it’s excessively hot in Los Angeles, yet people flock there and endure the heat. The city is warm all year round, but the weather is much more tolerable in April and especially October, when the air temperature varies between 64°F–75°F and the sea maintains a pleasant temperature of 66°F.
Do you know what it feels like to be in the driest and lowest place on the American continent? In October, you can experience it for yourself in the USA, as this month is the best time to visit the famous Death Valley (Death Valley) in Eastern California, thanks to the year’s most favorable temperatures – around 64°F.
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Where to Go in November
The first snowfall in Yellowstone National Park a) usually occurs around November 1, b) arguably enhances the park’s beauty, c) both are correct. Yes, the correct answer is c. Visitors may have to put on an extra layer of clothing compared to previous seasons, but they’ll get to see bubbling springs, clear lakes, and deep forests adorned with a layer of snow – more like a light snow shirt for now. However, the classic answer to the question of where to go in the USA in November, December, or any other month, is New York.
Travel agents who organize tours to the eastern USA invariably include this part of the country in their itineraries. “We offer special tours that combine the best of New York and Florida,” says Radek Adamec of ESO travel.
A very interesting event in November is also offered by the city of Miami, where the major USA Miami Book Fair International takes place this month. Interesting authors, new books, conferences, and much more await those who never go to bed at home without reading a few pages of their favorite book.
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Where to Go in December
New York is such a multifaceted attraction that there’s no way to get bored here at any time of the year. But to miss the Christmas decorations and all the street events associated with the festive season, as well as the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, is considered a faux pas when visiting New York in December. Nowhere in America is New Year’s Eve celebrated as grandly as here. It’s said that the best views are from a distance across the Hudson River or from the deck of a boat.
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