Have you ever wondered about which months are considered Spring months in the USA? Then you are not alone!
What might seem like a silly question at first makes sense at a second glance. If you live in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons are totally inverted.
To give you a quick answer: the Spring months in the USA are March, April and May.
But it is not as simple as that. The USA is a pretty big country. So Spring might look entirely different, depending on where you live.
For this reason, I have created this ultimate guide about Spring in the USA for you, that will tell you all about the weather and the most sought after travel destinations in Spring.
Let’s get to it.
Table of Contents
- Which Are Spring Months in the USA?
- When is the Astronomical Spring in the USA?
- Spring in the Northern vs. Southern Hemisphere
- What Does Spring in the USA Look Like?
- National Holidays & Festivities in Spring in USA
- 5 Best Places to Visit in the USA in Spring
- Seasons in the USA
- Conclusion: Spring Months in the USA
- FAQ: Spring in the USA
Which Are Spring Months in the USA?
First things first: the meteorological Spring in the USA is from March 1 to May 31. So the Spring months in the USA are March, April and May.
Meteorological spring is determined by weather patterns. It’s based on the annual temperature cycle.
It always starts on March 1 and ends on May 31 – each year.
The meteorological spring is commonly used by scientists. It is the same each year, so it is easy to compare it year-to-year.
When is the Astronomical Spring in the USA?
In the USA, the astronomical spring usually kicks off with the vernal equinox. That’s around March 20 or 21.
The astronomical Spring ends with the summer solstice. That is usually around June 20 or 21.
The dates can vary a bit each year, but that’s the general idea!
It is determined by the Earth’s tilt and orbit around the sun.
While the meteorological measurement is more about practicality and consistency, the astronomical is more in tune with natural cosmic events.
Spring in the Northern vs. Southern Hemisphere
In the Northern Hemisphere, meteorological spring is from March 1 to May 31. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s flipped—it’s from September 1 to November 31.
The same goes for the astronomical spring:
Northern Hemisphere:
- Starts with the vernal equinox (around March 20 or 21)
- Ends with the summer solstice (around June 20 or 21)
Southern Hemisphere:
- Starts with the vernal equinox (around September 22 or 23)
- Ends with the summer solstice (around December 21 or 22)
So when it’s spring months in the USA, it’s actually fall in places like Australia. Kinda cool how that works, right?
What Does Spring in the USA Look Like?
In a nutshell, spring in the USA is a season of change. Since the US is so big, there are many different climate zones to consider.
To figure out what spring looks like in the USA, it greatly depends on where you are going.
You can get everything from chilly days and late snow in the Rockies, to warm sunshine in the Southeast.
Expect blooming flowers like cherry blossoms in the Northeast and cacti in the Southwest. Spring is a great mix of weather and scenery, but it is always refreshing!
To give you a bit of a basic idea what the spring months in the USA look like, I have picked out some places for you!
Northeast (New York):
- The temperatures are cold at first but it slightly warms up as spring drags on.
- Cherry blossoms start blooming in parks, and daffodils too!
- Avg Temp: 40-60°F.
Southeast (Florida):
- Temperatures go from warm to hot in spring in the Southeast
- Lots of azaleas blooming all over.
- Avg Temp: 60-80°F.
Midwest (Chicago):
- Temperatures in Spring go slowly from chilly to mild in the Midwest.
- Tulips and daffodils are starting to bloom.
- Avg Temp: 40-60°F.
Southwest (Arizona):
- Spring in the Southwest is characterized by hot days and cool nights.
- Cacti are starting to bloom.
- Avg Temp: 60-85°F.
West Coast (California):
- The spring months on the West Coast of the USA are typically mild, sometimes rainy.
- Wildflowers are blooming everywhere, how pretty!
- Avg Temp: 55-70°F.
Pacific Northwest (Seattle):
- Spring in the Pacific Northwest is typically less rainy, but still cool.
- Rhododendrons are the flowers of the spring season.
- Avg Temp: 45-60°F.
Rocky Mountains (Colorado):
- In the Rocky Mountains you could still experience snow, but it could also be mild in spring.
- Wildflowers are in season.
- Avg Temp: 30-50°F.
National Holidays & Festivities in Spring in USA
In the USA, a only few national holidays fall in spring:
- St. Patrick’s Day: March 17 (not a federal holiday, but widely celebrated)
- Easter: Date varies, usually in March or April (also not a federal holiday, but big deal for many)
- Memorial Day: Last Monday in May (this one’s a federal holiday)
Memorial Day is the big one that officially kicks off summer for a lot of folks, even though it’s technically still spring.
There are also a few memorable festivities in Spring in the USA you wanna check out:
- Memorial Day: BBQs and parades to honor military service, and it’s a long weekend (perfect for a trip)
- Cherry Blossom Festival: In Washington D.C., celebrating those gorgeous cherry trees from Japan.
- Cinco de Mayo: Not an official holiday, but lots of parties and margaritas on May 5th.
- Coachella: Huge music fest in California, usually in April.
- Earth Day: April 22, people clean up parks and plant trees.
- Mardi Gras: Not always in spring, but when it is, there are parades and beads!
- Kentucky Derby: First Saturday in May, so think big hats and mint juleps.
5 Best Places to Visit in the USA in Spring
1. Washington D.C.
Visiting D.C. in spring is like stepping into a postcard.
First off, the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC is amazing. Thousands of cherry trees bloom around the Tidal Basin, and it’s just magical. Plus, there are lots of fun events & parades to celebrate the blossoms.
Weather-wise, it’s mild, so you can explore monuments and museums without breaking a sweat. Speaking of museums, they’re mostly free! So you get culture without emptying your wallet.
Spring also brings fewer crowds compared to summer. So yeah, D.C. in spring? Totally worth it.
Make sure to stay at least for 5 days in Washington DC to make the most of your visit.
2. White Sands National Park, NM
White Sands National Park is one of my favorite places in the US. And in spring it is like a dream.
First, the weather’s pretty mild compared to the scorching hot summer. You can hike, sled down dunes, or just chill without melting.
The winds pick up a bit, which is actually cool because it reshapes the dunes. New landscapes every day!
Wildflowers might pop up too, adding some color to the white landscape. Picture-perfect, seriously.
Spring is also a good time for stargazing. Clear skies, and it’s not too cold at night.
White Sands in spring is like stepping into another world, but with good weather. Make sure to check out the close-by city of Alamogordo for more fun.
3. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
The Chena Hot Springs in Alaska are another great place to visit in the USA in the spring months.
Among other things, you can still catch the Northern Lights in early spring. Imagine soaking in hot springs with that light show!
Days are longer but not too long. You get just enough daylight for activities but also dark skies for auroras.
Temperatures are mild in Alaska in spring. It’s Alaska, so “mild” is relative, but spring is warmer than the dead of winter.
Soaking in hot water while the air’s still crisp, maybe even with Northern Lights dancing above? Doesn’t get much better and I am definitely a huge fan!
4. Savannah, GA
Savannah is another one of my favorite USA Spring Destinations.
For good reason: blooms everywhere! Think beautiful azaleas and Spanish moss. The city turns into a floral wonderland.
The weather is perfect as well. It’s warm but not humid. Ideal for strolling through those historic squares.
Of course you need to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah. It is huge! Parades, music, and tons of green.
It’s also more pleasant to explore historic homes and sites when you’re not sweating bullets. Of course, outdoor dining is becoming a thing. I love enjoying Southern cuisine at a café or a restaurant with a garden.
5. Napa Valley
Napa Valley in spring is awesome – and it should definitely be on your bucket list.
The vineyards are waking up from winter, and the first buds appear on the grapevines.
Summer and fall in Napa Valley get packed. But spring? Not so much, so more room for you.
It’s sunny but not toasty. Perfect for winery tours or hot air balloon rides. And you can see sweet wildflowers, popping up between the vines.
Some wineries already release their new wines in spring, so you get first dibs!
Imagine sipping wine surrounded by lush hills and blooming flowers. Cheers to that!
Seasons in the USA
- Spring: This season typically spans from March to June. It brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and trees regaining their leaves.
- Summer: Summer extends from June to September and is known for its hot and sunny weather, making it a popular time for outdoor activities.
- Fall (Autumn): Running from September to December, fall is characterized by the changing colors of leaves on trees, cooler temperatures, and the harvest season.
- Winter: Winter officially starts in December and lasts until March. It brings cold temperatures, snowfall in many regions, and the holiday season.
Conclusion: Spring Months in the USA
The spring months in the USA are March, April and May.
They are characterized by a lot of change, flowers and cacti blooming and lots of unpredictable weather.
Of course, the USA are pretty big. So spring looks very different depending on where you go.
Overall, spring is a lovely month to travel the USA, especially the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC is worth a visit.
Check out Fall Months in the USA for more ideas.
FAQ: Spring in the USA
What are the 4 seasons in USA?
In the USA, astronomical seasons are Winter (Dec 21-Mar 20), Spring (Mar 21-Jun 20), Summer (Jun 21-Sep 22), and Fall (Sep 23-Dec 20). Meteorological seasons are simpler: Winter (Dec 1-Feb 28/29), Spring (Mar 1-May 31), Summer (Jun 1-Aug 31), Fall (Sep 1-Nov 30). The first set follows Earth’s tilt, the second is for easy weather tracking.
When is spring in the USA?
In the USA, astronomical spring is from March 21 to June 20, based on Earth’s tilt and orbit. Meteorological spring is from March 1 to May 31, which makes it easier for tracking weather. Both give you that springtime vibe with blooming flowers and warmer days!
