New England: When to Go

New England experiences four distinct seasons over the year, so with an ever-changing landscape and an array of activities for visitors to enjoy, the best time to visit depends on your travel preference.

The region’s peak season begins in the summer, where visitors can fully enjoy the area’s scenery and outdoor activities in the warm, sunny weather. New England’s second-busiest period is autumn, where tour guests can see the blazing fall foliage displays of scarlet, purple, gold and orange. The foliage season begins by the third week in September in the northern part of the region and reaches its pinnacle by mid-October in the southern portions.

Most tour companies don’t operate trips to New England in the winter, but adventurous travelers who don’t mind the snowy weather can enjoy winter activities like sleigh riding or snowshoeing and explore a slew of winter markets and Christmas festivals. After the long winters, spring in New England is characterized by rising temperatures and blossoming wildflowers lighting up the coastlines. Early spring is a prime time to visit maple sugaring operations in New Hampshire and Vermont and explore sights such as Maine’s Acadia National Park or the Freedom Trail in Boston before the summer travel season starts.