When to go to the West Coast?

From Los Angeles, with its Mediterranean climate to the scorching summer heat of Las Vegas, to the mild humidity of San Francisco, a trip to the American West reveals some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet! Due to its vast expanse, the region offers a multitude of climates:

San Francisco
Essential stop during your tour of the American west, San Francisco is a city ​​where the climate is rather mild all year. In summer , the temperatures are warmest with an average of 73°F C in August, but if you want to swim, the temperature of the sea does not exceed a 57°F. We dream of California with its beautiful beaches and summer heat, yet San Francisco is an exception. Nicknamed "Fog City," it is overwhelmed by a heavy fog that dissipates in the late morning, giving way to the sun, then returning at the end of the day, making it difficult to see the Golden Gate Bridge in its entirety. Combined with fresh winds from the Pacific, you will understand why it is better to wrap up in San Francisco during the summer - a real contrast with the high temperatures of the interior. A few miles from San Francisco, the climate can quickly change. You will notice this if you cross the Golden Gate Bridge by car or by bike towards Sausalito where it can be nice and hot, while in San Francisco, only ten kilometres away, it is still cool and cloudy.
In winter , the temperatures are mild reaching a maximum of 59°F, but beware of fairly frequent rains between December and February.
Spring is the best season to discover the city. The temperatures are mild, 69°F C in May on average, the rains have disappeared, the sun shines and the infamous fog is waiting for the summer months to make an appearance. May is also the month of the famous and colourful San Francisco festival.
Inautumn, the temperatures are very pleasant but the fog remains until September. October may be a good month to discover San Francisco, away from summer holiday-makers and the notorious fog.
If visiting the city forms part of a road trip through the West, consider taking a jacket.

Los Angeles
Further south, head for Los Angeles, the city of the silver screen, where the weather is good all year. The climate is Mediterranean: Winters are very mild and summers are hot and dry. Temperatures vary between 66°F and 77°F. With such exceptional weather conditions, it’s easy to see how many movies get made. On the other hand, the sea temperature is cool and does not exceed 71°F even in summer. A violent wind, the Santa Ana, can rage for a few days a year. It is very unpleasant, bringing heat and dust and may sometimes be the cause of fires.

Las Vegas
At the gateway to the great national parks, Las Vegas, is the city of excess and an arid climate! In winter, temperatures are very mild, around 59°F during the day, but very cool at night when frosts are possible. In summer, temperatures climb to 104°F C in July and August with no rain. Rest assured, all the hotels and casinos are air-conditioned.

The National Parks
During your stay, you can discover some magnificent landscapes. Begin with Death Valley and its almost lunar terrain, sand dunes and heat. Be careful, it is extremely hot in summer with temperatures around 122°F making it the hottest place in North America. In other words, it is not advisable to visit during the summer. If you do not have a choice, consider taking water bottles with you and stay hydrated.
For very good reasons, the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited sites, providing one of the most remarkable landscapes on the planet. Winters are cold, very cold at higher altitudes and summers are hot and sunny with temperatures rising to 95°F. Remember to take a sweater for the evening, because nights can be cool.

The most enjoyable periods to visit the western United States and its national parks are May, June and September. The weather and temperatures are pleasant everywhere. The months of July and August are not recommended, the heat making travelling difficult to bear.