Best time to visit the Deep South

Visiting the Deep South in February

Still a mild month in the Deep South, February is another good time to find the beaches free of tourists. There will be fewer queues at attractions and museums if our planning to visit Nashville and Memphis. 

However, expect the city of New Orleans to be loud and lively for Mardi Gras. This huge holiday is truly unforgettable, with impressive street parades, mesmerising masquerade balls and fantastic music and food. Be sure to book in advance for this world-famous festival. 

Visiting the Deep South in March

With spring colouring the landscape with wildflowers and warm weather, March can be a great time for a road trip. See the wonders of each state, taste their individual rhythms and flavours, and let the open road open your eyes to a new world of adventure. Design your trip to your own tastes. Perhaps you’ll want to get your fill of history and heritage in Tennessee and Mississippi, music in Louisiana and Alabama, and food in Kentucky.  

Visiting the Deep South in April

The beauty of spring continues throughout April. This is a fantastic time to take a boat trip up the Mississippi River or the Louisiana Bayou, both ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers. 

This is also the month of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, where you can witness many jazz concerts and learn about its fascinating history. Hear today’s greats performing at their best, and walk away with a spring in your step.

Meanwhile, lovers of authentic American food can head to the National Cornbread Festival in Tennessee.

Visiting the Deep South in May

May is an amazing month to visit before the full heat of summer. The beaches are arguably at their best at this time of year. Enjoy boat tours and diving excursions, or simply sink into a sun lounger with a beachside cocktail. 

This is also a great month for spring-themed food festivals. See the sophisticated side of New Orleans at the annual Wine & Food Festival. Alternatively, check out the Memphis World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, where over a hundred teams compete for cash prizes. 

Visiting the Deep South in June

Enjoy hot weather throughout June, though there may be rainy periods along the coastline. This is a good month to explore the cultural and historic highlights of the Deep South. Discover Atlanta, the historic home of Martin Luther King and the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. Crawl the famous Nashville Strip with a local singer. Visit the home of Elvis in Memphis and tour the historic hangouts of the King. 

June is also the month of the Riverbend Festival in Tennessee, when an eclectic mix of artists rock the five stages for five nights.

Visiting the Deep South in July

July is another hot month, and it can get a little humid. It’s a good time to be by the breezy coasts surrounding New Orleans. It’s also a good time to enjoy the cool climate higher up in the Smokey Mountains for hiking, cycling and other experiences in the great outdoors.

Savour some of the best seafood imaginable at the Mississippi Crab Fest. As well as huge amounts of crab, there’s a great range of concerts, activities and events.  

Visiting the Deep South in August

The weather is still sweltering, the beaches are still appealing and the mountains comfortable for exploring. A little further to the north, Kentucky enjoys warm weather perfect for visiting its famous caves. Meanwhile, this is a prime time to head to Memphis, Tennessee.

If you want to see the King walk again, then Elvis Week in August is a must on your itinerary. Learn all about the singer’s life and celebrate his lasting legacy at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.

Visiting the Deep South in September

The temperature cools down a little, making for the perfect climate to visit all the attractions of these sunny states on a road trip. September also a great month for festivals so be sure to plan your route around these: 

Head to Alabama for the Taste of the Bayou, with cook-offs, cooking classes and other foodie events.  

Tastes pies, wines and other dishes which uses Mississippi’s famous grape at the annual Muscadine Festival.

Kentucky Bourbon Festival features a full week of tasting sessions, talks on the whiskey history and other activities. 

Visiting the Deep South in October

The fantastic weather and festivals continue throughout October, another ideal month for a road trip. Just be sure to allow enough time to enjoy every experience at leisure. 

New Orleans is wonderfully eerie Halloween destination, particularly with the Voodoo Music and Arts Experience. 

For connoisseurs of classic American cars, nothing beats the Cruisin’ The Coast festival. Enjoy car shows, swap meets and cruise-ins, as well as spectacular country music performances.

Gulf Shores National Shrimp Festival in Alabama is not to be missed for music and seafood lovers.

Visiting the Deep South in November

With reliably warm weather, November is a prime time to visit the Deep South. Enjoy bustling beaches and vibrant city centres brimming with an excited buzz. Whatever your interests, tastes and hobbies, you’re guaranteed a worthwhile adventure. 

Celebrate Thanksgiving the Cajun way with a deep-fried turkey and sweet potatoes, and enjoy the infectious festive cheer which surrounds this holiday.

Savannah in Georgia is uniquely picturesque in autumn as golden browns take over the landscape, and it’s also a festival hotspot. There may be as many as 20 events, celebrating the seafood, beer and other regional treats. 

Visiting the Deep South in December

December is a mild time of year here. Although it can be changeable at times, the climate is often just right for outdoor exploring, particularly early in the month. Discover the hiking trails of Mississippi and Alabama, and spot turtle and other wildlife in the subtropical national parks of Louisiana. 

The Deep South is also a great Christmas destination, full of unique traditions and good cheer. Enjoy seafood, Cajun sausage and fried turkey as you catch your Christmas tan.