When is the best time to visit North America?
North America offers every kind of climate, from Arctic cold to tropical heat, so the best time to visit depends on where you go. Each region has its own charm throughout the year, which makes this continent perfect for every season.
Northern areas like Canada and Alaska are best from June to September when the weather is mild and nature is in full bloom. The United States and Mexico have varied climates, with spring and autumn ideal for most cities. Summer is great for beaches in California, Florida, and the Caribbean, while winter is perfect for skiing in Colorado, Whistler, and Vermont. Central America enjoys warm weather year-round, but the dry season from December to April is most comfortable for travel.
Northern areas like Canada and Alaska are best from June to September when the weather is mild and nature is in full bloom. The United States and Mexico have varied climates, with spring and autumn ideal for most cities. Summer is great for beaches in California, Florida, and the Caribbean, while winter is perfect for skiing in Colorado, Whistler, and Vermont. Central America enjoys warm weather year-round, but the dry season from December to April is most comfortable for travel.
How to get to North America
Getting to North America is easy since it’s one of the world’s most connected continents. Modern airports, major sea routes, and land crossings make travel straightforward from any part of the world.
The continent has several large international hubs that welcome millions of visitors each year. Popular entry points include New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, and Miami. Many global airlines like Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada, and Aeroméxico operate frequent flights to North America from Europe, Asia, and South America.
The continent has several large international hubs that welcome millions of visitors each year. Popular entry points include New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, and Miami. Many global airlines like Delta, American Airlines, Air Canada, and Aeroméxico operate frequent flights to North America from Europe, Asia, and South America.
By plane:
- The busiest airports include New York JFK, Los Angeles LAX, Toronto Pearson, Mexico City International, and Miami International.
- Direct flights connect North America with London, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, and Dubai.
- Example flight times: London to New York (7 hours), Tokyo to Los Angeles (11 hours), and São Paulo to Miami (8 hours).
By sea:
- Cruise ships frequently arrive from Europe, South America, and the Caribbean.
- Major seaports include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Vancouver, Los Angeles, and San Juan, which are also popular cruise departure points.
By land:
- The continent connects by road between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Crossings like the Peace Bridge (US–Canada) and Tijuana–San Diego border (US–Mexico) are among the busiest in the world.
How to travel within North America?
Traveling across North America is convenient thanks to its advanced infrastructure and wide transport options. The distances can be long, but the transportation systems are efficient and diverse.
Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover large distances. Low-cost airlines such as Southwest, JetBlue, and Flair Airlines make flying affordable. For shorter routes, buses like Greyhound or Megabus connect major cities and small towns across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Domestic flights are the fastest way to cover large distances. Low-cost airlines such as Southwest, JetBlue, and Flair Airlines make flying affordable. For shorter routes, buses like Greyhound or Megabus connect major cities and small towns across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Trains are another option, especially scenic routes like Amtrak’s California Zephyr or VIA Rail’s journey across Canada. Renting a car is ideal for exploring the countryside, national parks, and coastal highways such as Route 66 or Canada’s Sea-to-Sky Highway. Ferries operate in coastal areas and between islands, such as those linking British Columbia or the Caribbean region. In cities, public transportation networks include subways, trams, and bike-sharing systems that make getting around easy and budget-friendly.
Top destinations in North America
North America is full of breathtaking destinations that combine nature, culture, and modern life. Every country and region offers something completely different.
In the United States, iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco are filled with landmarks, museums, and entertainment. Natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite attract millions of visitors.
Canada offers majestic scenery in Banff and Jasper National Parks, along with vibrant cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Mexico captivates with its mix of ancient ruins, beaches, and colorful towns. Chichen Itza, Mexico City, and Cancun are among the top destinations. Central America adds tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and colonial cities like Antigua in Guatemala and Granada in Nicaragua. The Caribbean islands, including Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic, are known for their turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere. From mountain adventures to beach escapes, North America has it all.
In the United States, iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco are filled with landmarks, museums, and entertainment. Natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite attract millions of visitors.
Canada offers majestic scenery in Banff and Jasper National Parks, along with vibrant cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Mexico captivates with its mix of ancient ruins, beaches, and colorful towns. Chichen Itza, Mexico City, and Cancun are among the top destinations. Central America adds tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and colonial cities like Antigua in Guatemala and Granada in Nicaragua. The Caribbean islands, including Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic, are known for their turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere. From mountain adventures to beach escapes, North America has it all.
Accommodation across North America
Accommodation in North America covers every budget and style, from luxury resorts to cozy cabins and budget motels.
In major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Toronto, hotels range from 100 to 300 euros per night, depending on location and season. Budget travelers can find hostels and Airbnb apartments starting around 40 euros per night. Canada and the US also offer countless motels and lodges, perfect for road trips.
In major cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Toronto, hotels range from 100 to 300 euros per night, depending on location and season. Budget travelers can find hostels and Airbnb apartments starting around 40 euros per night. Canada and the US also offer countless motels and lodges, perfect for road trips.
In resort destinations such as Cancun, Miami, and the Caribbean islands, all-inclusive hotels and beachfront villas are common. Eco-lodges are popular in
Canada and Costa Rica for those who want to stay close to nature. For travelers seeking adventure, camping and RV parks are available throughout the United States and Canada, especially near national parks and scenic routes.
Canada and Costa Rica for those who want to stay close to nature. For travelers seeking adventure, camping and RV parks are available throughout the United States and Canada, especially near national parks and scenic routes.
Food and cuisine in North America
North American cuisine reflects its multicultural character, blending local traditions with global influences. Every region has its own specialties that tell a story about its people.
In the United States, classic dishes include hamburgers, barbecue, fried chicken, and New York-style pizza. The South is famous for Cajun and Creole cooking, while California promotes healthy, fresh, and fusion-style food. Canada’s favorites include poutine, maple syrup dishes, and fresh Atlantic seafood.
In the United States, classic dishes include hamburgers, barbecue, fried chicken, and New York-style pizza. The South is famous for Cajun and Creole cooking, while California promotes healthy, fresh, and fusion-style food. Canada’s favorites include poutine, maple syrup dishes, and fresh Atlantic seafood.
Mexican cuisine adds spice and color with tacos, enchiladas, guacamole, and tamales. In the Caribbean, jerk chicken, rice and beans, and tropical fruits dominate the menu. Street food is also a big part of North American culture, offering everything from hot dogs in New York to tacos in Mexico City.
Culture and people of North America
North America’s culture is a blend of traditions from Native American, European, African, and Asian influences. Its people are diverse, creative, and known for their individuality and openness.
The United States is famous for its entertainment industry, music, and innovation, while Canada is known for its multicultural harmony and politeness. Mexico and Central America celebrate vibrant festivals, family traditions, and colorful heritage. Major celebrations like Thanksgiving, Carnival, Día de los Muertos, and Canada Day reflect the continent’s variety of beliefs and customs.
The United States is famous for its entertainment industry, music, and innovation, while Canada is known for its multicultural harmony and politeness. Mexico and Central America celebrate vibrant festivals, family traditions, and colorful heritage. Major celebrations like Thanksgiving, Carnival, Día de los Muertos, and Canada Day reflect the continent’s variety of beliefs and customs.
Art, cinema, and music play a big part in shaping cultural identity, from Hollywood to jazz, country, and Latin rhythms. Despite the differences, friendliness and hospitality unite the people of North America, making visitors feel welcome everywhere.
Geography and climate
North America stretches from the icy Arctic to the tropical Caribbean, creating a mix of landscapes unlike any other continent.
The continent features the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, deserts of the Southwest, and the Appalachian range in the east. Canada’s north is covered with tundra, while the southern areas of Mexico and the Caribbean offer lush jungles and beaches. Major rivers such as the Mississippi, Colorado, and Yukon shape the land.
The continent features the Rocky Mountains, Great Plains, deserts of the Southwest, and the Appalachian range in the east. Canada’s north is covered with tundra, while the southern areas of Mexico and the Caribbean offer lush jungles and beaches. Major rivers such as the Mississippi, Colorado, and Yukon shape the land.
The climate ranges from polar in northern Canada and Alaska to tropical in the Caribbean and Central America. Summers are generally warm, with average temperatures between 25°C and 35°C, while winters in the north can reach -20°C or lower. The west coast enjoys a mild, Mediterranean-style climate, and the Gulf of Mexico region has humid, warm weather year-round.
Useful travel information
Before traveling to North America, it’s helpful to know some key information that makes planning easier:
- Visa: The United States and Canada require electronic travel authorization or visas; Mexico offers visa-free entry to many nationalities.
- Currency: US Dollar (USD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), and Mexican Peso (MXN).
- Safety: Generally safe, though large cities require standard precautions.
- Health: Tap water is safe in most places; medical care is high quality but can be expensive, so insurance is recommended.
- Transport: Domestic flights, bus networks, and car rentals are efficient and widely available.
- Emergency number: 911 is used in most North American countries.
- Regional organizations: NAFTA (now USMCA) and the Organization of American States (OAS).
