Top score of 8.7. Mild highs of 21°C, lows of 11°C, 9 sun hours and only 6.6 rain days.
Shoulder season
Mar, May, Nov
Tough weather
Jan, Jul
Capital
Washington, D.C.
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Time zone
UTC-12:00, UTC-11:00 +9
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V
Driving
On the right
Emergency
911
Why visit United States
The United States covers 9,372,610 km², so it suits trips with a clear focus: a road trip through one region, or a city stay with a few side trips. Traffic drives on the right. The best months to go are April, September and October. Be honest with yourself about the main limit. The country is far too big to see in one visit. Pick one or two regions, or you will spend much of your trip in transit.
A country built for road trips
The United States covers 9,372,610 km², so one trip can take in very different parts of the country. You drive on the right. The honest downside is distance: pick one region per trip rather than trying to see it all.
Good travel in April, September, October
Our data rates April, September and October as the best months to visit. Plan around these months if you can. Outside them, check conditions for your region, because the country is too large for one rule to fit everywhere.
Time zones from UTC-12:00 to UTC+12:00
US time zones run from UTC-12:00 to UTC+12:00, which shows how far the country and its territories reach. For you, this means a wide choice of places in one country. It also means jet lag can hit even on domestic flights.
Easy for English speakers
English is the main language, so signs, menus and bookings are simple for many independent travellers. You pay in United States dollars (USD). This makes planning and moving around without a tour much easier.
Simple, familiar practicalities
The emergency number is 911 across the country. Plugs are types A and B at 120 V, so bring an adapter, and check your devices work at this voltage. The calling code is +1.
Is United States right for you?
Great for
Spring and autumn trips: April, September and October bring average highs of about 21–28°C.
Travellers who want long sunny days: June averages 12.7 hours of sun, July 12.5.
Long road trips: the country covers 9372610 km², and traffic drives on the right.
English speakers, since English is the main language across the country.
Less ideal for
People who struggle in heat: July highs average 32.2°C, with nights around 22.1°C.
Travellers who dislike cold: January averages highs of 6.4°C and lows of -3.5°C.
Anyone wanting dry weather in May, the wettest month with 187 mm over 13.9 rain days.
Short trips hoping to see a lot, because distances across 9372610 km² are long.
United States right now: October
8.7/10
Avg high
21°C
Avg low
11°C
Rain days
7
Averages for United States.
Weather by month
This 2015–2024 climate data is labelled only 'United States', with no city named, and it rates October, April and September as the best months, with highs of 21–28°C and 6–9 rain days. Avoid January, when highs reach only 6°C and lows fall to -3.5°C, and July, when highs hit 32°C and nights stay at 22°C.
Best monthsOther months (low–high)Nd = rain days
United States (country average) · averages 2015–2024
Meat cooked slowly over wood smoke. Styles change by region: beef brisket in Texas, pulled pork in the Carolinas and Memphis, and burnt ends in Kansas City. Eat it at casual barbecue restaurants.
New England clam chowder
A thick, creamy soup of clams, potatoes and onions. It is a classic in coastal New England, especially Boston, and is often served with small crackers.
Gumbo
A rich stew from Louisiana, made with a dark roux, vegetables and seafood or chicken and sausage. It is usually served over rice, and New Orleans is the best place to try it.
Lobster roll
Chunks of lobster meat in a soft, buttered bread roll, served cold with mayonnaise or warm with butter. It is typical of Maine and the New England coast, mostly at seafood shacks.
Deep-dish pizza
A Chicago pizza baked in a deep pan, with a tall crust filled with cheese and topped with tomato sauce. It is heavy, so one or two slices is often a full meal.
Buffalo wings
Deep-fried chicken wings tossed in a spicy, buttery hot sauce, served with celery and blue cheese dip. They come from Buffalo, New York, and are a common bar food across the country.
Know before you go
Plugs and voltage:
Sockets take type A and B plugs, and the supply is 120 V. Check the label on your charger before you plug in. Bring an adapter, and a converter for devices that do not accept 120 V.
Driving side:
Traffic drives on the right. If you come from a country that drives on the left, take extra care at junctions, roundabouts and when pulling out of car parks.
Emergency number:
Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance. Save it in your phone before you travel so you do not need to look it up in a hurry.
Currency:
The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Tell your bank you are travelling so your cards are not blocked when you first use them abroad.
Language:
English is the main language. Signs, menus and transport information are usually in English, so English speakers will find it easy to get around.
Time zones:
The country and its territories cover many time zones, from UTC-12:00 to UTC+12:00. Check the local time when you book flights, tours or connections across states.
Calling code:
The country calling code is +1. If you use a foreign phone, check your roaming charges before you leave, or buy a local SIM or eSIM.
Tipping:
Tipping is expected in restaurants, bars, taxis and hotels, and staff often rely on it as part of their pay. Include tips in your budget when you plan.
United States: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit the United States?
October is the best month to visit, with a score of 8.7. April (8.2) and September (7.6) are also rated best. In October, average highs are 21.2°C and lows are 10.8°C, with 6.6 rain days. These are countrywide averages for 2015–2024, so check the region you plan to visit.
Is the United States good in July?
No. July scores 3.7 and is rated avoid. It is the hottest month in the data, with average highs of 32.2°C and lows of 22.1°C. June (5.6) and August (5.8) are only rated ok for the same reason. If you must travel in summer, plan your days around the heat.
Is January a good time to visit the United States?
No. January is a poor month for most trips. It scores 3.7 and is rated avoid. Average highs are only 6.4°C and lows drop to -3.5°C, with about 7 sun hours a day. February (4.8) and December (4.4) are a little better but are still only rated ok.
What is the rainiest month in the United States?
May is the wettest month, with 187 mm of rain over 13.9 rain days. April has 88 mm and June has 90 mm. May still scores 7.2 and is rated good, because it is warm, with average highs of 24.4°C. Pack a rain jacket if you go in May.
What plugs and voltage does the United States use?
The United States uses plug types A and B, at 120 V. Check that your chargers and devices accept 120 V before you pack them. Cars drive on the right. The emergency number is 911, and the currency is the United States dollar (USD).
Is the weather the same across the whole United States?
No. The United States covers 9,372,610 km² and spans time zones from UTC-12:00 to UTC+12:00. The figures on this page are single averages for the whole country, 2015–2024. Local weather can be very different, so check the climate for your exact destination before you book.
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