WHEN TO TRAVEL TO THE USA

Location

Climate

Low and high season in the United States

Deciding when to visit the United States depends largely on your personal preferences and budget. Here's an overview of the low and high seasons in this vast country:

• Low season : generally runs from January to March. During this period, accommodation and airfares are more affordable. However, the weather can be cold and rainy in some regions, while others experience snowstorms.
• Mid-season : April to June and September to November, corresponding to spring and autumn. Temperatures are generally pleasant and crowds are smaller than in summer, allowing you to take full advantage of the tourist attractions.
• High season : July to August, the summer period. The days are long and sunny, but temperatures can be very high in some areas. Prices of accommodation and flights often rise during this period.

Public holidays in the United States

In the United States, certain holidays are celebrated with fervor and offer the opportunity to attend exciting cultural events. Here's a list of the main American holidays:

• January 1st : New Year
• 3rd Monday in January : Martin Luther King Jr. Dayin memory of the famous civil rights activist
• 3rd Monday in February : Presidents' Dayto honor American presidents such as George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
• Last Monday in May : Memorial Dayin tribute to fallen soldiers
• July 4 : Independence Dayday of the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776
• 1st Monday in September : Labor Daya day dedicated to workers
• 2nd Monday in October : Columbus Dayto commemorate Christopher Columbus's arrival in America
• November 11 : Veterans Dayin honor of veterans
• 4th Thursday in November : Thanksgivinga traditional celebration of sharing and gratitude
• December 25 : Christmas

Major cultural events in the United States

The United States is packed with cultural, artistic and sporting events all year round. Here's a selection of some must-see events:

Music festivals

The country is famous for its many music festivals, which bring together international artists and fans from all over the world every year:

• Coachella: music and arts festival held over two weekends in April in the Californian desert.
• Bonnaroo: an eclectic, friendly festival held in June in Manchester, Tennessee.
• Lollapalooza: an emblematic musical event held in Chicago in August, featuring a variety of styles including rock, pop, electro and hip-hop.
• Austin City Limits: music and arts festival held in October in Austin, Texas.

Carnivals and parades

Carnivals and parades are the ideal opportunity to discover local traditions and share festive moments with the locals:

• Mardi Gras : the famous carnival in New Orleans, Louisiana, which takes place in February or March.
• Saint Patrick's Day: Irish festival celebrated on March 17 in several American cities, including New York and Chicago.
• Rose Parade: January 1st parade of floral floats in Pasadena, California.

Sports events

The United States is also home to many international sporting events:

• Super Bowl: American Football Championship (NFL), which takes place on the first Sunday in February.
• US Open : tennis tournament held in late August and early September in New York.
• Boston Marathon: one of the most prestigious races in the world, held every year on the third Monday in April.

U.S. immigration statistics

The number of immigrants to the United States has grown steadily over the past few decades. According to U.S. government data, in 2019, there were nearly 44.9 million immigrants living in the United States, or approximately 13.7 % of the total population. The main sources of immigration to the United States include the Mexicothe China, l'Indiathe Philippines and the Portugal. Here are a few highlights :

• In 2019, the number of Mexican immigrants to the U.S. was estimated at 11.2 million, around a quarter of all immigrants.
• Asian immigrants now account for a significant share of the immigrant population, with almost 14 million in 2019, or around 32 % of the total.

Immigrants by legal status

In the United States, immigrants can be classified into two main categories according to their legal status: authorized immigrants and unauthorized immigrants. Authorized immigrants are those in possession of a visa, a green card (permanent resident) or U.S. citizenship. Unauthorized immigrants, on the other hand, are those who have no legal authorization to reside in the United States. In 2017, it was estimated that 77 % immigrants in the U.S. were authorized immigrants, while the remaining 23 % were unauthorized immigrants.

Most popular visas in the United States

Visas allow foreign nationals to enter and remain in the United States for a specific period and for a specific purpose. There are several types of U.S. visas, ranging from temporary visas for tourism or business (B1/B2), to work and study visas (H-1B, F-1), investor visas (E-2) and permanent resident visas (green card). Here are the most popular visas:

• B1/B2 Visa: These visas are intended for temporary visitors for business (B1) or tourism (B2). In 2019, nearly 6.4 million B1/B2 visas were issued.
• Visa F-1 : This visa is intended for foreign students wishing to pursue their studies in the United States. In 2019, around 362,000 F-1 visas were issued.
• H-1B Visa: this temporary work visa is issued to workers specializing in specific fields such as information technology, finance or healthcare. In 2019, nearly 139,000 H-1B visas were granted.

Green card (permanent resident)

The green card allows immigrants to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis. There are several categories of green cards, including those based on employment, family reunification and the annual Diversity Visa lottery. In 2019, more than a million people were granted a green card.

International tourism figures for the United States

The USA is also a popular destination for international tourism. According to data from the World Tourism Organization, in 2019, the United States was the world's top tourist destination. the world's third most visited tourist destinationwith around 79 million international visitors, behind France and Spain.

Visitors by country of origin

Travelers from Canada and Mexico account for a significant share of international tourism to the United States. Other important countries of origin include the UK, Japan, China and Brazil. Here are some key data:

• In 2019, nearly 21 million visitors from Canada visited the United States, closely followed by 18 million from Mexico.
• Travelers from the UK were the third most numerous, with around 4.5 million visitors.

International tourist spending

Spending by international tourists in the United States is a major source of revenue for the US economy. In 2019, revenues from international tourism in the United States amounted to 256 billion dollarsThis represents around 8 % of the country's total exports of goods and services.

Related news

• October 17, 2024 USA: What is the Diversity Visa Program and how do I apply?

  Do you dream of living the famous "American Dream"? The Diversity Visa Program, also known as the "Green Card Lottery", could be your ticket to the United States. Administered by the U.S. Department of State, this program offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas a year to people from countries with a low ... Read the article

• October 14, 2024 After Qatar, will Cyprus be the next to be elected to the US visa-waiver program?

  Qatar has just joined the prestigious club of countries benefiting from the visa waiver program for the United States. This historic announcement makes the small emirate the first Gulf country to join this coveted scheme. From December 1, 2024, Qataris will be able to travel across the Atlantic without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. ... Read the article

• September 27, 2024 Qatar eligible for ESTA as early as December

  In a landmark announcement for U.S.-Qatari relations, the U.S. State Department has confirmed that Qatar will become, as of December 1, 2024, the 42nd country to join the prestigious U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This decision makes Qatar the first Gulf Arab state to benefit from ... Read the article