Being the third-largest continent in the world, North America is home to Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Because of its size, there are SO many things you can do on a trip to North America—hit the ski slopes in Canada, drive the California coastline, pound the pavement in NYC, catch some rays in Mexico, go scuba diving off the coast of Florida, and explore the islands of Puerto Rico or Hawaii.
There is a North American destination for every occasion and season—so many climates, landscapes, and hidden gems to see! You can literally hit the mountains, beaches, and desert all in one trip.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit North America depends on what you want to see and do. The continent is so diverse, with so many different climates and landscapes, so you should research your specific destination before booking a trip!
If you want to visit the national parks and explore the outdoors, planning your trip between March to May is a great way to avoid the summer crowds and typically have moderate weather. Tropical and beach destinations are typically warmest during the summer months from August through October, especially along the western coast of the US, Mexico and the Caribbean.
If you’re visiting Canada, consider traveling between September through November. The weather will be cooler, but comfortable, and you’ll be able to witness all the cozy, fall, leaf-peeping vibes! However, if you’re planning to hike or visit outdoor destinations like Banff National Park, the best time to go is June, July, August, or March.
What To Expect
North America is a huge region to explore. Twenty-three countries make up North America with most of those countries falling under the Caribbean and Central America. We’ve split up our guides so we’ll mostly be referring to the United States, Canada and Mexico here.
Here’s what you can expect from the three biggest countries in North America:
Canada: Canada is one of the most popular destinations for hikers. Banff National Park attracts thousands of visitors each year who want to explore the famous lakes and trails. Winter sports lovers can visit the snowy town of Whistler, or you can wander around the unique cities of Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto. For a chance of witnessing the Northern Lights, you’ll want to head as far north as possible into Canada’s Yukon Territory. Don’t miss my 10 Tips for Your First Trip to Canada before you go!
USA: As a native Californian, I’ve explored my own state extensively over the years, but I have yet to visit all 50 states of the U.S. Some of the most popular things to do in the country include watching a Broadway show in NYC, going on a road trip down the Californian Coast, exploring Las Vegas, and visiting national parks like Yellowstone, Glacier and Joshua Tree. I have tons of US road trip itineraries here too!
Mexico: Mexico is one of the most popular vacation destinations for North Americans. It’s only a short flight from anywhere in the US, and there so much to see and do. From the foodie scene in Mexico City, to the ancient Mayan ruins, the beautiful beaches along the Yucatan Peninsula, and the winelands in Baja California Norte, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss my tips for 10 Places to Visit in Mexico (That Aren’t Tulum) for off-the-beaten path destinations!
You’ll also want to check if your travel dates fall on any of the major US holidays. Prices for flights will skyrocket over these periods, and you’ll need to book your hotel well in advance.
Travel Guides
Author
jenn@knaus.house