Given its sheer size and diverse geography, the United States experiences just about every climate imaginable — from tropical beaches to arid deserts, snowy mountains, and temperate coastlines.

Broadly speaking:

• Northeast (New York, Boston, Washington D.C.) – Distinct four seasons: cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers.

• Southeast (Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas) – Subtropical, hot summers with occasional hurricanes, and mild, sunny winters.

• Midwest (Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis) – Cold winters with snow, hot summers, and dramatic seasonal changes.

• Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada) – Desert climate: hot, dry summers and pleasantly mild winters.

• West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington) – Mediterranean along California’s coast, cooler and wetter farther north.

• Rocky Mountains & Interior West – Cold, snowy winters ideal for skiing; warm, dry summers perfect for hiking.

• Alaska & Hawaii – Polar extremes: Alaska with long, bright summer days and freezing winters; Hawaii with tropical warmth year-round.

This variety means you can ski in Colorado, sunbathe in Hawaii, and explore autumn foliage in New England — all in the same month.