last edited Dec 11, 2019
Climate and Weather in the American West
Location Map of American West
American West
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Climate Overview
While the vast expanse and diverse landscapes of the American West prevent a uniform climate, the region is generally continental and dry. Summers are hot, even scorching in parts of the Southwest, while winters are cold—even freezing in the northernmost states or at high elevations in the Rockies.
Best Time to Visit the American West
The ideal travel seasons vary depending on your destination. Summer is a great time for the Rockies and the northern states (Montana, Wyoming), but it’s scorching in much of the Southwest. As usual, the shoulder seasons—late April to mid-June and mid-September to October—offer the best balance.
| Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sep. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockies | / | |||||||||||
| Southwest | / | / | / |
: highly favorable | : favorable | : moderately favorable | : unfavorable.