Summer Months in the USA: Dates, Travel Ideas & Weather
Have you ever wondered about which are the summer months in the USA? Then you are in the right spot.
At first glance, this question may sound simple. But upon closer look, there are quite some differences between meteorological summer and astronomical summer in the United States.
As a quick answer, the (meteorological) summer months in the USA are June, July, and August.
But let’s look a bit deeper into the definitions of summer in the USA, the climate, and other important factors.
Let’s get to it!
Which Are the Summer Months in the USA?
In the USA, the meteorological summer includes June, July, and August. These are most commonly referred to as the summer months in the USA.
The astronomical summer starts around June 20th or 21st and ends around September 22nd or 23rd.
Meteorological Summer Months in the USA
The meteorological summer is based on the calendar and the annual temperature cycle. They use it a lot for statistics because it is a lot simpler and more consistent than the astronomical summer.
As mentioned before, the meteorological summer months in America are June, July, and August.
The history behind the meteorological summer months is all about practicality. Weather scientists needed to keep things simple for comparing climate data.
Instead of following the astronomical calendar, which changes each year due to the Earth’s orbit, they invented this way of measuring.
So, they split the year into four seasons. Each season is three months long. They based it on the Gregorian calendar.
This way, each season starts on the first day of the month. Meteorological summer was set to start on June 1 and end on August 31 because these months are usually the warmest in the Northern Hemisphere.
Astronomical Summer Months in the USA
The astronomical summer starts around June 20th or 21st and ends around September 22nd or 23rd.
The astronomical summer is based on the position of the Earth in relation to the sun. It’s all about the tilt of the Earth’s axis.
Astronomical summer begins with the summer solstice. This is usually around June 20th or 21st in the Northern Hemisphere (in the Southern Hemisphere this is all the other way around). This is the longest day of the year.
As the Earth keeps spinning around the sun, the days start getting shorter. At the end of September, we hit the autumnal equinox. This is around September 22nd or 23rd. Then, day and night are the same length.
This system has been in use basically forever. It is especially important for agriculture and cultural rituals.
What Does Summer Feel Like in the USA?
Summer in the USA is a fun time with lots to explore. The weather can vary a lot, based on the geographical region.
In the northern parts, like New York, you can expect temperatures around 75-85°F (24-29°C). It’s perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Moving down to the southern states, places like Florida sizzle with temperatures in the 90s°F (32°C). So, it’s all about beach vibes and trying not to get sweaty.
Out west, in California, you’ll find mild and pleasant summers around 70-80°F (21-27°C). Great for exploring cities and enjoying the coast.
The Rocky Mountains can be a bit cooler, around 60-70°F (15-24°C). Perfect for hiking!
In Alaska during the summer, you’ll have long daylight hours, sometimes even the midnight sun. This is super unique. The temperatures can range from 50-70°F (10-21°C),
The hottest place in the USA during the summer months is the Death Valley in California. Temperatures there can go above 100°F (38°C). Records of 120°F (49°C) are also happening during the peak of summer.
Holidays and Celebrations in Summer in the US
Summer is one of my favorite seasons in the US regarding celebrations. There is so much happening, it is totally fun.
Here are some of the most important holidays and celebrations in summer in the US:
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May): It kicks off the summer season with picnics, parades, and remembering those who served in the military.
- Independence Day (July 4th): Fireworks light up the skies, BBQs are on, and there are patriotic parades all over the country to celebrate America’s independence.
- Labor Day (First Monday in September): It marks the unofficial end of summer with more BBQs and parties.
- Local Festivals: Depending on where you are, there are tons of local festivals in summer in the US. The biggest ones are the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival in Louisiana and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico.
- Cultural Celebrations: Many cities celebrate cultural festivals in summer, like the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival or the Chicago Gospel Music Festival.
The Seasons in the USA
- Spring:
- March, April, May
- Summer:
- June, July, August
- Fall (Autumn):
- September, October, November
- Winter:
- December, January, February
Conclusion: Summer Months in the USA
To sum it up: the meteorological summer months in the USA are June, July, and August. The astronomical summer months in the USA vary a bit each year, but typically they start around June 20th or 21st and end around September 22nd or 23rd.
As you have seen, the temperatures in summer vary a lot as well in the US. While it is still pretty fresh in the Rocky Mountains, it gets super hot in the Death Valley.
There are also lots of celebrations in summer in America. From Independence Day to Memorial Day, there are a lot of BBQs to be held.
Summer is an amazing season in the US, be sure to check it out.
About the Author
Sabrina is a passionate travel blogger and content creator, based in the Netherlands. She spends most parts of the year abroad at various destinations with her husband.
She provides slow-paced itineraries that focus on quality over quantity. Sabrina wants to help her readers to get more out of their travel experiences – while doing less. Read more.
