Maryland has a temperate climate with four seasons, attracting visitors year-round. The most popular time to visit is during the summer when school is out, the weather warms up, and outdoor activities are popular. For instance, Ocean City's beaches teem with vacationers, and Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore welcomes the rush of baseball fans. Winter is typically a less busy time for tourism, except at ski resorts in western Maryland. Spring, early summer, and fall are pleasant times to visit with milder weather and fewer crowds.

high season: May to October
low season: December to February
shoulder season: March to April, November

Weather Information

Maryland's weather is temperate. The summer varies from mild to hot, with high heat and humidity in July and August. The winter varies from moderate in the east and south to extremely cold in the western mountains. Rainfall peaks in July and August when thunderstorms occur once every five days. Hurricanes are also possible from June through September.

Crowd Information

The summer can get crowded with visiting families, baseball fans, and convention attendees. Although Maryland hosts many large annual events, such as the Preakness in May, none of them make it very difficult to travel. For example, even if Baltimore hotels are booked during the Preakness, one of the neighboring counties will have availability. During the summer, the Baltimore Orioles attract people from all over the world, especially when the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees are visiting.

Closure Information

Many hotels, shops, and attractions remain open throughout the year. However, it is wise to check specific destinations before making final arrangements, since outdoor activities may close for the winter.

When to Save

Prices vary by property, region, and season. For example, summer in Baltimore is a more expensive time to visit due to the increase in visitors, while the winter is less crowded and more affordable.

When to Book

Low last-minute airfares are often available, especially because the Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) is a major Southwest Airlines hub with frequent flights. However, to ensure availability, it's wise to book at least three weeks in advance for air, hotel, and other travel services, especially during the high season.

Information provided by the Maryland Office of Tourism Development