Planning a golf trip on the pristine courses of the US? Make sure the weather for your game is flawless with this golf trip weather guide.
For most areas, the best time to go on a US golf trip is between late spring and early fall. The Northeast, Midwest, and Mountain states have pleasant weather during this time. The West Coast and Southern states have great golfing weather year-round, but summers may be too hot.
Got your eye on a specific city or state? This handy guide will give you the lowdown on the best golfing weather for different regions in the US.
Golfing weather in the US
The nuances in weather will have a big impact on the quality of your golf game. Humidity, temperature, and wind all make differences to how your ball will fly through the air. Not only do cold and wet conditions make your experience less comfortable and require you to wear more restrictive clothing, but it also affects how the ball will land.
Since the US is a huge country, you’ll experience a wide range of climates depending on where you choose to visit. Depending on the latitude, altitude, and distance from the sea, you could face anything from tropical to alpine conditions. In general, the US has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
The Southern states and the West Coast have pleasant weather all year but the summers can be too hot for some people, with a higher chance of rain and storms. The Midwest and Northeastern states have hot summers and cold winters, making late spring to early fall the most comfortable time to visit. The mountain states are also good during this period, but the season will be a little shorter due to the cooler temperatures.
Florida
With over 1,100 courses to choose from, it’s easy to see why Florida is a popular golfing destination. In April to May and September to October, temperatures are mild, humidity is low, and there are no peak season crowds. This makes spring and fall the best times for a golf trip in Florida. In fact, it’s often rated as the best state to play golf in the US in the spring.
While Florida will be one of the few places with pleasant golfing weather in the winter, snowbirds flock here to escape the cold in the rest of the US. This means that hotel prices will be higher and the courses will be crowded.
Florida also has excellent year round stay and play packages. If you’re not familiar with the concept of stay and play, find out in our detailed guide of stay and play golf package.
Summer golf in Florida can be unpleasant. The temperature and humidity are high so most people prefer water activities. But this means the courses are quiet and many will drop their prices. If you play during cooler parts of the day, you can still have a great golf trip to Florida in the summer.
Check out our top list of the best stay and play golf packages in Florida.
Arizona
October to April in Arizona has sunny conditions and more comfortable temperatures. But it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to visit for golf. Prices will continue to rise until they peak in the early spring.
October to December is shoulder season. Peak prices haven’t arrived yet and the greens are fresh from all their maintenance procedures. Watch out for overseeding in October. All the golf courses close for two weeks to plant the winter rye grass.
Arizona is a hot and dry state, making golf in the summer months unbearable if you’re not used to the heat. Because of this, courses are quiet and you can get some cheap low-season deals. Make sure you stay hydrated and snag that early morning tee time to avoid the sweltering heat of the day.
Here’s our list of the best stay and play golf packages in Arizona.
Texas
Apart from the occasional winter cold snap, golf in Texas can be enjoyable year round. The heat and humidity of the summer don’t put off visitors, and it’s the busiest time of year to visit.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, but you’re at a higher risk of rainfall during these months. With beautiful golden leaves, fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit Texas’ premier golfing facilities.
Interested? Check out our list of the best stay and play golf packages packages in Texas for your next golf trip planning.
Georgia and the Carolinas
The spring and late fall will give you the best weather for golf in Georgia and the Carolinas. Depending on how far south you are, the air will be hot and sticky from July all the way through to the end of September. Despite the courses being quiet, prices remain high throughout the summer as tourists flock to coastal areas.
Although most golf courses stay open year round, the winter can be unpredictable and it’s not uncommon to get a sudden cold day. Pack lots of layers so you can adjust to the chilly weather. For more tips on what you should take on your golf trip, check out our carefully compiled golf packing list.
Here are our top lists for the best stay and play golf packages in:
The Midwest
The great lakes, gentle temperatures, and varied topography make the Midwest a fantastic option for a golf trip, with around 30% of the country’s top public courses based here.
Long winters make the courses uninhabitable for some of the year. But once the snow melts you can enjoy gorgeous conditions. Booking in early spring may be risky, with the chance of some chillier days. Late spring is a great time to visit, while the height of summer may be too sticky for some.
While the days in fall are getting shorter, it’s a wonderful time to see the Midwest’s famous fall foliage. For many, it’s the best time to go thanks to the quieter courses and crisp morning air. But you may be faced with more unpredictable weather.
Check out our top list of the most recommended stay and play packages in the Midwest.
California
California has mild temperatures and sunny weather that make it great for golf year-round. In the winter, most of the golf is concentrated around the southern parts of the state. Some courses are quieter and you may get cheaper deals.
The summers in California can also vary depending on your location. Coastal areas offer pleasant temperatures while inland can get swelteringly hot. Summer will be the busiest time for most courses in California so book well in advance and expect premium rates.
The spring is a stunning time for golf in California with blooming flowers and low rainfall. It’s also a very popular time so make sure you book your tee times well in advance. Fall may be the best time for a golf trip. The heat of the summer turns crisp, greens are less busy, and you can often get lower rates.
Check out our list for the best stay and play golf packages in Southern California
Mountain states
The outstanding natural landscape of the mountain states make them a scenic option for your next golf trip. But higher altitudes mean that the window for good golfing conditions is smaller. Snow can stay on the ground into the spring and courses may close before the end of fall.
While spring and fall can be crisper than other regions for golf in the US, it’s a stunning time for distinct seasonal foliage. They’re also cheaper and less crowded than the summer months. The summers have the best weather, but be prepared to pay a premium and fight the crowds.
New York and the Northeastern states
Thanks to pleasant temperatures and glorious changing leaves, the spring and the fall are wonderful times to play golf on the Northeastern peninsula.
Summers are also a good time and many people like to make the most of the longer days. But crowds, humidity, and rainfall might disrupt your plans. Expect to pay more for flights and hotels during the peak tourism dates.
The winters in this region can be harsh and most courses will close. Some may stay open if there isn’t frost on the ground but it’s not the most pleasant weather to play in.
Alaska
Alaska is often overlooked on the US golf scene thanks to its short season and remote location. But midnight sun, wildlife sightings, and otherworldly landscapes make it a memorable spot for your next golf trip. The seasons change fast and the elements are grueling, so the best time to visit is in the late spring and summer months.
Hawaii
Beautiful scenery and year round sunshine make Hawaii a great option for a golf trip at any time of year.
The summer has the least rainfall but will be busy with families and tourists, so expect to pay peak rates. The winter is the rainiest season, but the snowbirds keep the prices high.
Spring and fall are shoulder seasons. They have perfect weather, low crowds, and reasonable prices. Keep in mind that there are short periods between April to May and August to September when courses close for various maintenance procedures.
Now that you know when and where to go, check out our article on how to plan a successful golf trip for a hiccup-free trip.
