There’s no doubt about it – the Golden State is one of the richest states in the US when it comes to tourist attractions. It has mountains, it has gorgeous beaches, and it has Disneyland – what more could you ask for?

And yet, there are so many other things to do and see that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Plus, you’re not the only tourist who knows about California’s attractiveness. But if you take your time and visit at just the right time, you’ll have tons of fun.

So, when is the best time to visit California? It depends on the attraction you want to enjoy.

Here are a few tips to help you out:

Best Time to Visit for Hiking & Outdoor Activities

If you like mountain trails, Sequoias, giant redwoods, and camping, the best time to visit is from late April to early November. The weather is nice but not too hot and there is plenty of vegetation to admire.

However, keep in mind that, no matter when you visit, Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe are cooler than the rest of the state. Of course, this means they’ll be a lot colder in winter. Also, in Yosemite, there are freezing temperatures every month of the year, so do your research before starting your adventure.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for the most breathtaking scenery in the US, you may want to check out Death Valley National Park. While the name may not sound too appealing, this desert area is truly mesmerizing in spring (especially in late March to early April) when it puts on flowery clothes. Also, if you’re in the area, don’t miss out on the Death Valley Dark Sky festival for some of the best stargazing in the US!

Best Time to Visit Disneyland

Besides gorgeous scenery and amazing trails that take you over the mountains, the Golden State also has two fun theme parks: Disneyland Park and California Adventure Park. Both are extremely popular, so you shouldn’t be surprised to learn you’ll fight the crowds between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Still, if you can choose your time of visit, the crowds dim down starting with September and the weather is good until late October.

A quick tip: Even if you visit Disneyland in a not-so-crowded period it’s good practice to buy your tickets in advance and make reservations at a good Downtown Disney restaurant (check out Downtown Disney’s go-to options for more details).

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

Also known as the Golden City, San Francisco is one of California’s must-see attractions. The Golden Gate Bridge and the amazing sunsets are only a few of the experiences this Californian city has to offer.

And yet, if you happen to visit between July and August, you may not get to see much. San Francisco is shrouded in fog most of the time during these months so there will be fewer occasions for Instagram pictures and memories.

Side note: San Diego is also a foggy city, but from May to June. During this time, the beaches are also a bit colder than expected.

Still, if there’s no other choice, and you happen to visit a fogged-up Golden City, all you have to do is extend your area. The nearby cities such as Sonoma, Oakland, and Napa are sunny and hot during the same period.

Wrap Up

In a nutshell, the best time to visit California varies depending on what you want to do and see. Overall, it’s a good idea to avoid the summer months when tourists pour in from all over the world. If you plan your trip just right, you may be lucky enough to catch good weather and open paths when it comes to attractions.