The same destination can be a great family trip in one month and a crowded, overpriced one in another. Timing affects the weather, the crowds, prices and even which activities are open. When you plan around school breaks, picking the right place for that time of year matters as much as picking the place itself.
Here are our picks for family vacations in each month, mostly in the US, with a reason for each.
Family Vacations by Month at a Glance
| Month | Where to Go | Why |
|---|---|---|
| January | San Diego, California | Mild weather, short lines at attractions |
| February | Florida Keys or Maui | Warm beaches; whale season in Maui |
| March | Sedona and Phoenix, Arizona | Desert hikes before the heat |
| April | Washington, DC | Cherry blossoms and free museums |
| May | Great Smoky Mountains | Wildflowers, waterfalls, cooler days |
| June | Yellowstone National Park | Roads open, baby animals, long days |
| July | Acadia and coastal Maine | Cool summer, tide pools, lobster shacks |
| August | Lake Michigan beaches | Warm water and small beach towns |
| September | Outer Banks, North Carolina | Warm sea, fewer crowds after Labor Day |
| October | Vermont and New England | Fall colors, apple picking, pumpkin farms |
| November | Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia | History for kids, mild weather |
| December | Christmas towns | Lights, markets and holiday events |
Winter: December to February
Warm places to visit in February
For a warm winter break, Florida and Hawaii are the easiest choices. The Florida Keys and the Gulf Coast offer calm, shallow water for young swimmers, while Maui adds whale watching from December to April. Southern California and Arizona are mild rather than hot, which is perfect for outdoor days.
Christmas towns in the USA
Some towns go all out for the holidays. Leavenworth in Washington turns into a Bavarian-style village of lights, Frankenmuth in Michigan has a huge year-round Christmas store, and Bethlehem in Pennsylvania calls itself Christmas City USA. Book early, since rooms fill quickly on weekends.
Spring: March to May
Spring break is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. To avoid the biggest crowds, look at places that are not party destinations: national parks in the Southwest, Washington, DC, or quieter beaches on the Gulf Coast. The cherry blossoms in DC usually peak in late March or early April, and dozens of Smithsonian museums are free.
Spring break tip: check your school calendar against nearby districts. If your break is a different week from the big states around you, flights and hotels can be much cheaper.
Summer: June to August
Summer is the easiest time for a long family trip, but also the most expensive. National parks are at their best, since mountain roads are open and days are long. For cooler weather, head north to Maine, the Great Lakes or the Pacific Northwest. If you are going to Florida or Texas, plan beach and pool time in the morning and evening, and stay indoors in the hottest hours.
Driving is often the best value in summer. Our family road trip guide has route ideas and tips.
Fall: September to November
Fall is the quiet secret of family travel. After Labor Day, beach towns are calmer, the water is still warm and rentals drop in price. In October, New England and the Smoky Mountains turn red and gold, and farms add hayrides and pumpkin patches. Florida in the fall is also pleasant, with lower humidity by November.
How to Choose the Right Month
- Start with your school calendar. Your real options are probably two or three windows a year.
- Check weather and hurricane season. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November.
- Compare crowds. Holidays and spring break are busiest almost everywhere.
- Look at seasonal events. Festivals and holiday markets can make a trip, or make it crowded.
Booking Ahead for Busy Seasons
The months that are best for families are also when everyone else travels. For spring break, summer and the December holidays, book lodging three to six months ahead, especially for beach houses and national park lodges. Flexible or refundable rates are worth a little extra when you are planning around kids, school calendars and possible illnesses. For quieter months like January, September and early December, you can usually book later and still find good prices and availability.
Seasonal Travel Questions
What is the cheapest month for a family vacation?
Late January, early February, September and early December are often the cheapest, because school is in session and demand drops.
Where can families go in July in the USA?
Northern national parks, Maine, the Great Lakes and mountain towns in Colorado are cooler and great for outdoor time.
Is Florida good in December?
Yes. Weather is mild and dry, though the weeks around Christmas are busy and expensive.
Planning a beach trip? See our picks for the best family beach vacations.
