What's the Best Time to Visit Baltimore?
The best time to visit Baltimore is during the summer months, from June to early September, when the city’s quirky culture is on full display. However, Baltimore is a great destination year-round, with plenty of things to do, regardless of the season. For the best deals on hotels and other travel expenses, consider visiting in the winter or early spring.
The city of Baltimore is famous for its harbor, once the most important port in the new country of the United States. No other harbor can claim to be the birthplace of the national anthem!
Today, Baltimore is more than just its historical harbor, now a prime waterfront attraction with shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions. It’s also famous for its quirky museums, sports stadiums, unique arts festivals, and for being the setting of the musical Hairspray.
So, when is the best time of the year to say, “Good Morning Baltimore?” Keep reading to find out our guide on the best time to visit, plus the best time to visit if you want shorter lines at popular attractions or great deals on hotels.
Overall Best Time to Visit Baltimore
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To get the most out of your Baltimore experience, the best time to visit is during the summer, from June to early September. That is when the city’s quirky culture is on full display thanks to plenty of outdoor festivals and events.
Baltimore is chock-full of things to do at any time of the year thanks to its many museums and attractions. However, its cultural calendar is at its peak in the summer, with plenty of official events organized by the city for all ages.
Some popular Baltimore festivals beloved by tourists and locals alike include:
- Baltimore Pride (June), a tribute to the city’s large LGBT community
- AFRAM (June), an event celebrating African-American culture
- The Fourth of July, with fireworks over the Inner Harbor
- Artscape (July-August), one of the largest outdoor art festivals in the country
- Maryland State Fair (August-September), held just outside of the city
Besides these official festivals, there are countless smaller events such as outdoor concerts, performances, and a generally festive atmosphere. Neighborhoods famous for their hipster street credentials, such as Hampden, feel like one big street festival in the summer.
Summer is also one of the best times to partake in one of Baltimore’s and the nation’s favorite pastimes — baseball. The Baltimore Orioles play from early spring until late September. Baltimore’s weather is also great for outdoor exploring during the summer months. June, July, and August receive the most sunshine hours of the entire year in the city.
The only drawback when it comes to the weather is that summers can get very hot. Average high temperatures in July are 89 degrees Fahrenheit, but the humidity often makes it feel even hotter.
However, that just makes it the perfect weather to explore the waterways around Baltimore. Take a boat cruise around the Inner Harbor, or head out of the city to enjoy some of Maryland’s amazing beaches. Summer is also perfect for a snowball, a favorite local frozen dessert.
Least Expensive Time to Visit Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland – April 17, 2023: Visit Baltimore sign at Inner Harbor of Baltimore at sunset., Maryland. The sculpture was added in 2021/Jay Juan/Shutterstock
To save money on hotel rooms and other travel expenses, the cheapest time to visit Baltimore is in the winter (January-early March), when there is lower demand from other tourists.
During the winter, when there is less demand for travel, you can save big on typical travel-associated expenses. The biggest savings are on accommodation. One night at a hotel midweek in January is 25-35% lower than usual prices.
Like most domestic airports, Baltimore Washington International (BWI) has the least expensive flights in January. Once the holidays are over, people travel less, so airlines tend to offer discounted flights. Pay attention to sales from domestic airlines such as American, which tend to take place during this winter lull.
In general, Baltimore is one of the most affordable cities in the United States for a city break. While most American cities are far more expensive to visit during the holiday season, you can visit Baltimore in December without breaking the bank. As long as you book a few months ahead of time, hotels are discounted compared to summer prices.
Christmas in Baltimore may not be the most famous holiday experience in the United States, but that just means that you’ll have fewer crowds jostling you as you take in the lights. Attractions such as the German Christmas Village entertain family members of all ages, making this a great budget holiday destination.
The good news is that winters in Baltimore are relatively mild. Average high temperatures are in the low 40s in January and February, and rarely go below freezing even at night. Winter is also one of the driest seasons, so you won’t have to worry about getting rained on as you walk around.
Least Busy Time to Visit Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland – October 03, 2019: Baltimore Downtown Street Water Steam. Traffic Vehicles. Steam and hot water. Maryland/Photo Sounds/Shutterstock
The least busy time to visit Baltimore is in the winter, but you can also beat the crowds by visiting in the early spring, before festival season begins.
Winter in Baltimore is one of the quietest seasons, which is why it is so affordable to come visit during this time. However, spring also has thin crowds — and you get the benefit of witnessing the city wake up from its winter slumber.
Spring in Baltimore is usually mild, with average high temperatures in April reaching around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This is perfect for exploring the city’s many outdoor areas, such as the Rawlings Conservatory, a beautiful botanical garden (don’t forget to bring an umbrella — April and May are some of the rainiest months of the year).
However, the nicer weather doesn’t immediately bring an influx of people. March and April are quieter months in Baltimore, meaning that you can expect shorter lines at popular attractions such as the National Aquarium.
In early spring, Baltimore’s outdoor events and festivals begin starting up again. April is the beginning of the season at the Baltimore’s Farmers’ Market and Bazaar, a favorite local outdoor event with food stands and performances in addition to farm stands.
By May, the crowds are thicker, although not quite reaching peak season level. The weekend of the Preakness Stakes, one of the most popular horse races in the country, can get very busy.
Another time to beat the crowds is in late fall, once the chill really sets into the air. Early fall can be crowded and expensive as people try to make the most of the last of the summer weather, and as college students are moving in. By mid-October, things quiet down.
Worst Time to Visit Baltimore
Baltimore, USA – December 27, 2014 – View of the iconic Powerplant at the Inner Harbor on a sunny winter day in Baltimore, Maryland/Sergio TB/Shutterstock
We think the worst time to visit Baltimore is in the winter due to its lack of events, while others avoid summer due to the weather. That being said, there is no bad time to visit Baltimore, since there are things to do all year round.
If you’re looking for a lively city break, then winter may not be the best time to visit Baltimore. The chill in the air sends residents scurrying indoors, taking the vibrant life of the city with them. Even events that run mostly year-round, such as the farmer’s market, shut down from December to March.
However, there are plenty of indoor attractions to warm up a chilly Baltimore day, such as the countless museums that will have shorter lines during this season.
While many people say that summer is the best time to visit Baltimore thanks to the many festivities, you may want to avoid the city in July and August if you hate humidity. It can get very hot and muggy during the peak of summer, which can squash your enjoyment of outdoor festivals.
To get the best of peak festival season while minimizing your risk of sunburn, either visit from May to early June or in September. There are plenty of events during these months as well, but the weather tends to be a bit more bearable.
Frequently Asked Questions
October 03, 2019: Traffic in Baltimore, Maryland. USA/Photosounds/Shutterstock
What is the best month to visit Baltimore, Maryland?
The best month to visit Baltimore is June. June is full of things to do, such as the city’s famous Pride festival, and the weather is not as hot as in July or August.
Is it worth visiting Baltimore?
Baltimore is an underrated destination in the United States that is absolutely worth visiting. It has important historical landmarks and unique museums, plus a great dining culture built around seafood.
What month is best for Maryland?
June or September are the best months to visit the state of Maryland. The weather is warm enough to spend time outdoors, even at the beach, but it isn’t as crowded as the peak of summer.
What are the hottest months in Baltimore?
The hottest months in Baltimore are July and August. Temperatures can go over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity makes it feel even hotter.
When is the rainy season in Maryland?
Maryland doesn’t have a rainy season. It has a temperate climate with moderate rainfall all year round, although the most rain is in the spring and in September.
So, When Should You Visit Baltimore?
Baltimore has something for everyone, depending on when you visit. Summer is the best for festivals and street art, while winter offers a quieter (and less expensive experience). Spring and even fall offer fewer crowds and access to the city’s many museums. Happy travels!