Weather in the USA – When and Where to Travel by RV

Planning a motorhome trip across the United States? With such a vast country, the climate varies dramatically from one region to another. Choosing the right season is essential to enjoy your RV adventure in comfort and safety. When planning your trip, check the average weather by month to choose the best time. This guide explains the main climate zones, the best travel seasons, and practical tips for road trips.

Climate by U.S. Region

  • Northeast (New York, Boston, Washington D.C.) Cold winters with snow, warm summers. Best for RV travel: May–October.

  • Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Carolinas) Subtropical climate, hot and humid summers, mild winters. Best for RV travel: November–April.

  • Midwest (Illinois, Michigan, Ohio) Four distinct seasons, cold winters, hot summers. Best for RV travel: May–September.

  • Southwest (Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico) Desert climate, very hot summers, mild winters. Best for RV travel: October–April.

  • West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) Mediterranean in California, oceanic in the Northwest. Best for RV travel: April–October.

  • Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Montana, Utah) Alpine climate, snowy winters, cool summers. Best for RV travel: June–September.

Seasonal Travel Tips for Motorhome Travelers

  • Spring (April–June): Ideal for most regions, fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures.

  • Summer (July–August): Peak season, but very hot in the Southwest and crowded in national parks.

  • Fall (September–October): Excellent for road trips, especially New England foliage and California coast.

  • Winter (November–March): Best for Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Southern California.

Average Temperatures by City (Monthly Overview)

(Optional: add a simple table with New York, Miami, Denver, Los Angeles to show contrasts.)

When to Plan Your RV Road Trip in the USA

  • For first‑time travelers, spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons.

  • For winter sun, head to Florida or the Southwest.

  • For summer adventures, focus on the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, or Northern states.

 

FAQ – Climate & Motorhome Travel in the USA

Q: What is the best month to travel the USA by motorhome? A: May, June, September, and October offer the best balance of weather and crowds.

Q: Can I travel by RV in winter? A: Yes, but stick to southern states like Florida, Arizona, and California. Northern regions can be snowy and icy.

Q: Is summer a good time for a U.S. road trip? A: Yes, but expect high temperatures in the Southwest and heavy crowds in national parks.

Average Monthly Temperatures in Major U.S. Motorhome Rental Cities

Planning a motorhome trip across the United States? Climate varies widely depending on the region, from snowy winters in the north to tropical heat in Florida. To help you choose the best season and destination for your RV adventure, here is a table of average monthly temperatures (°C) for the main U.S. cities where motorhomes are available for rent.

This overview makes it easy to compare climates across the country and decide when to travel.

Monthly Average Temperatures (°C)

 
City / Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Anchorage, AK -8 -6 -3 3 9 13 15 14 10 3 -4 -7
Atlanta, GA 7 9 12 16 21 25 27 27 23 17 12 8
Boston, MA 0 1 5 10 15 20 23 22 19 13 7 2
Chicago, IL -3 -1 4 10 16 22 24 23 19 13 6 -1
Dallas, TX 8 10 14 18 23 28 30 30 26 20 14 9
Denver, CO -1 1 5 10 15 21 24 23 18 11 4 0
Fort Lauderdale, FL 20 21 22 24 26 28 29 29 28 26 23 21
Houston, TX 12 14 17 21 25 28 29 29 27 22 17 13
Las Vegas, NV 8 11 14 18 24 30 33 32 28 21 14 9
Los Angeles, CA 14 15 16 17 18 20 22 23 22 20 17 14
Miami, FL 20 21 22 24 26 28 29 29 28 26 23 21
Minneapolis, MN -9 -7 -1 7 14 20 23 22 17 10 2 -6
New York City, NY 1 3 7 13 18 23 25 24 21 15 9 3
Orlando, FL 16 17 19 21 24 27 28 28 27 24 20 17
Philadelphia, PA 2 4 8 13 18 23 25 24 21 15 9 4
Phoenix, AZ 12 14 17 21 26 32 34 33 30 24 17 12
Portland, OR 5 7 9 12 15 18 21 21 19 13 8 5
Salt Lake City, UT 0 3 7 11 16 22 26 25 20 13 6 1
San Diego, CA 14 15 16 17 18 20 22 23 22 20 17 15
San Francisco, CA 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 17 14 11
Seattle, WA 6 7 9 11 14 17 19 19 17 12 8 6
Tampa, FL 16 17 19 22 25 27 28 28 27 24 20 17
Washington D.C. 3 5 9 14 19 24 26 25 22 16 10 5
 

(Data: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 Climate Normals, converted to °C)

 

How to Use This Climate Table

  • Plan your route by season: Head south (Florida, Arizona, California) in winter, north (Rockies, Pacific Northwest, New England) in summer.

  • Avoid extremes: Las Vegas and Phoenix can exceed 40 °C in July–August, while Chicago and Boston drop below freezing in January.

  • Best months for RV travel: April–June and September–October offer the most comfortable conditions across most regions.

By combining this climate data with your itinerary, you can choose the best time and place for your U.S. motorhome rental, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable road trip.

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General Info

1

The motorhome is an ideal way to travel along the open US roads. You will find your motorhome easy to drive and maneuver, and there are ample stations for refueling and refilling water tanks.

2

In the national parks, there are many low cost campgrounds that don't require booking in advance. Arrive early in the day for the best availability, travel as you please!

3

Road trips from the east-coast to west-coast and vice-versa are very popular so be sure to book your motorhome well in advance.

4

Dine like at home - all our motorhomes are equipped with large fridges!

5

The new generation motorhomes have improved fuel efficiency, and gas prices are much lower than many other destinations.

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