WEATHER IN NORTH AMERICA
Due to the size and topography of the US and Canada, there's a huge amount of variation in the climate. We recommend you consider both the season and the part of North America you intend to visit, so that you can best pack for your adventure. We recommend you check the weather in your destination 10 days prior to your arrival to help guide your packing choices.
CALIFORNIA
California has several distinct climate regions, so conditions can vary significantly depending on where you're visiting. The state is typically divided into the coastal regions (Los Angeles, San Francsico), the Central Valley (Sacramento), the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Yosemite & Sequoia National Parks), and the desert areas (Death Valley National Park & Mojave Desert).
Wildfire season in the western USA runs from late spring to early fall, peaking in summer. Most wildfires occur in remote areas, but smoke can travel and affect distant locations. Our team has contingency plans in place to address any impacts from wildfires on our travel plans.
Coastal Areas:
Coastal regions, including cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, have a Mediterranean climate. Summers are generally dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). Winters are mild and may be rainy, with daytime temperatures around 50°F to 65°F (10°C to 18°C).
Central Valley:
The Central Valley, which includes areas like Sacramento, experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C). Winters are cool and damp, with temperatures averaging around 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C).
Sierra Nevada Mountains:
The Sierra Nevada Mountains, including Yosemite & Sequoia National Parks, cover a vast area with varying elevations, which significantly impacts the climate. Summers in lower regions like Yosemite Valley are warm, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C). However, temperatures decrease as you gain elevation. Fall brings milder temperatures with highs from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Winters can be cold, especially at higher elevations. You can expect daytime temperatures of 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C), while high-elevation areas receive snowfall. In Spring, temperatures are warm with daytime highs of 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). In mountainous regions, spring brings melting snow, leading to higher water levels in rivers and streams. Snow can keep mountainous roads like the eastern entrance to Yosemite, Tioga Pass, closed through June and even into July in particularly snowy years.
Desert Areas:
Regions like the Mojave Desert and Death Valley are hot and arid, with summer temperatures often surpassing 100°F (38°C). For safety reasons, we will not enter Death Valley National Park when temperatures are too high and will find an alternate route to our next destination. Fall (September-November) temperatures drop to the 90s°F (32°C) and 100s°F (37°C). Winters are mild and pleasant, with daytime highs ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 24°C). Nights can be chilly. Spring is a comfortable time to visit, with daytime temperatures in the 80s°F (27°C) and 90s°F (32°C).
SOUTHWESTERN USA (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and parts of California)
The Southwestern USA is known for its desert and semi-arid climate. Some areas of the Southwest, like Bryce Canyon, are at high elevations so temperatures can be much lower than in surrounding areas. It is important to stay hydrated and come prepared for changing weather conditions.
Summers (June-August)
Summers in the Southwest are hot. You can expect high temperatures from 90°F to 110°F (32°C to 43°C) or higher, especially in desert areas. Low temperatures usually fall between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C) in lower elevations, cooler in higher elevations. Parts of the Southwest experience a monsoon season from July-September with the potential for heavy rain.
Fall (September-November)
In Fall you can expect high temperatures between 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) during the day and low temperatures from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) during the night. Parts of the Southwest experience a monsoon season from July-September with the potential for heavy rain.
Winters (December-February)
Winters are mild in the daytime, but nights can get quite cold, especially in desert regions. High-elevation areas (like the Grand Canyon) experience snowfall. You can expect high temperatures from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) during the day, cooler in desert regions. Winter low temperatures usually fall between 30°F to 50°F (-1°C to 10°C) in lower elevations, colder in higher elevations, and occasional freezing temperatures in the desert at night.
Spring (March-May)
Spring is a pleasant time to visit with milder temperatures and blooming desert wildflowers. You can expect high temperatures from 70°F to 90°F (21°C to 32°C) during the day and low temperatures from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) at night.
USA NATIONAL HOLIDAYS
The following national holidays are observed in the US, which can affect our itinerary as traffic can be extreme, and shops, restaurants and attractions can be closed:
New Year's Day (01 January)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January)
Washington's Birthday (third Monday of February)
Memorial Day (last Monday of May)
Independence Day (4 July)
Labor Day (first Monday in September)
Columbus Day (second Monday of October)
Veterans Day (11 November)
Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday of November)
Christmas Day (25 December)
