Northeast in June

Fall foliage season runs late September through mid-October, and it's spectacular. But everyone knows this – hotels triple their rates and leaf-peepers clog every scenic road. Book accommodations six months ahead. Late spring hits the sweet spot: May and June bring mild weather, blooming gardens, and reasonable crowds. Summer means festival season but also humidity that'll melt your makeup. Boston's July temperatures hover around 82°F with sticky air. Winter transforms New England into a postcard, especially after snowfall. Ski resorts in Vermont and New Hampshire hit their stride January through March. But city sidewalks turn into ice rinks, and nor'easters can strand you for days. Shoulder seasons offer the best deals – April brings cherry blossoms to DC, while November delivers crisp air without the leaf-peeping crowds.