Best Time to Visit North America
Seasonality & Pricing
North America
Why North America?
The diversity of the people of North America is almost as varied as the terrain on which they thrive. From east to west, stunning scenery and dynamic cityscapes continue to entice an increasing number of visitors worldwide. Ker & Downey presents the towering Rocky Mountains, Mediterranean-like beaches, magnificent glaciers, remote wildernesses, and tropical islands, along with some of the most exciting cities in the world.
Venture to the United States' many captivating national parks with a private guide. Meet with the indigenous people of Canada's many territories to uncover their authentic identity. Take a deep dive into Mexico's cultural and culinary treasures. Escape to the island paradises of The Caribbean, where underwater wonders and white sand beaches beckon. And set out into The Last Frontier in Alaska, where remote lodges and natural beauty take front seat. This is North America luxury travel with Ker & Downey.
North America
Seasonality & Pricing
The United States & Canada
- High Season (June to September): Summers are usually hot and dry with little rainfall. The summer months, June to August, is also when most American families take their summer vacations. California and the American Southwest experience high volumes, while Alaska and Canada's high seasons extend into September.
- Shoulder Season (April to May & October to November): Spring is typically "mud season" in the mountains, with snow still possible in the Rockies. However, the fall brings with it crisp evenings and a riot of autumn colors in many regions.
- Low Season (December to April, except Festive): Winters are typically cold, and snowfall is possible. Some National Parks close during this time, but it still remains an inviting time for a Winter Yellowstone Safari, or a Northern Lights escape in Alaska and Canada. Many regions also host winter festivals, and New York City comes alive with holiday cheer.
Mexico & The Caribbean Islands
- Dry Season (December to April): This period is characterized by sunny days, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. It's the peak tourist season as travelers from the United States and Canada escape the winter blues for sunnier shores.
- Wet Season (May to November): This period sees more frequent rainfall, with hurricanes more likely in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean between June and October. Despite the rainfall, temperatures remain warm and mornings often remain sunny. Some regions of Mexico, like Cancún and Los Cabos, have warm weather and sunny skies most of the year. Plus, several Caribbean Island like Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, and Aruba reside outside the Hurricane Belt.
CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY PRICING
$2,000 – $3,000 per person per day
June to September: United States & Canada
December to April: Mexico & the Caribbean
$1,500 per person per day
December to March: United States & Canada (excluding holidays)
June to November: Mexico & the Caribbean
$2,000 – $2,500 per person per day
April to May & October to November: United States & Canada
Regional
Considerations
- Many famed winter festivals take place across the country, including Art Basel Miami in December, Sundance Film Festival in Utah in January, the Quebec winter carnival from the end of January to mid-February, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans in March.
- December to February is also the best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska and Canada.
- June kicks off the summer festival season in the United States & Canada: Enjoy the Aspen food and wine festival and Montreal's International Jazz Festival, to name a few.
- Meanwhile, many of the Caribbean Island's best festivals can be experienced in the spring months, including the St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival, Barbados Reggae Festival, and Grenada Chocolate Festival.
- Northern and southern hemisphere humpback whales can be spotted off the Pacific coast of Mexico almost year round as they pass through the region. December through April and August through December are the prime migration seasons, while November through March are ideal around Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, Mexico.
- Whale Sharks are most visible from June through September on Isla Mujeres and the Yucatán Peninsula, and from September through October along the Baja Peninsula.
- The Monarch Butterfly Migration takes place from November through March in Michoacán and the State of Mexico.
- The famed Iditarod long distance trail sled dog race occurs every March in Alaska.
- Bear viewing in British Columbia is best from late August to mid-October, and whale watching is best from July to August.
- Meanwhile, bear viewing in Alaska is best mid-July to mid-August, and whale watching mid-June to early August.
- Polar Bear viewing in Manitoba takes place between July and November.
- National Parks in the United States are not always open year-round due to weather conditions. Yellowstone and Grand Teton are prone to mudslides from March through May. Snow and ice can also cause road closures from November to March and require specialized vehicles to navigate the parks.
The Ker & Downey
Difference
The Ker & Downey Difference is in the hand-picked experiences we create that are unique to you. Experiences include:
- View Alaskan Coastal Brown Bears in their natural habitat with a local biologist.
- Privately guided hiking expeditions through the Canadian Rockies.
- Coastal marine wildlife cruises in British Columbia.
- Meet with Indigenous Elders to in the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
- Helicopter to a remote wilderness location in Alaska and enjoy a private gourmet dinner set at the edge of a glacier or mountain ridge.
- Gain access to wine tastings at select wineries in California, Oregon, and Mexico, typically closed to the public.
- Learn about the wolf conservation efforts in the Lamar Valley of Yellowstone with a naturalist.
- Gain off-hours access to exclusive archaeological sites in Mexico's Chiapas and Yucatan regions.
- Escape to private island paradises in Baja California Sur.
- Obtain VIP seats to Broadway shows and backstage tours in famous theatres in New York City.
- Go golfing on some of the best courses in the Caribbean Islands.
- Forage for truffles in Willamette Valley and clams along the Central Oregon Coast.
- Helicopter to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon from the beautiful Amangiri.
- Charter a private boat on Lake Powell.
- Inter-Island flights, private jets & yacht charter options for longer Caribbean island-hopping journeys.
- Private villas and whole property buyouts in the Caribbean.
- Go glamping in the United States' beautiful national parks.
The beauty of the North American landscape is guaranteed to impress, with its iconic geographical landmarks housed in the continent’s superb national parks, forests, and wilderness areas. Combined with some of the world’s most glamorous cites, fascinating culture, friendly people, and blending of traditional and ethnic foods, there’s truly no other place in the world quite like North America. Contact your Ker & Downey luxury travel consultant to begin planning your journey.