The MidAtlantic region is home to one of the most variable climates in the United States. Although, the region is usually spared from many of the more volatile weather forms—blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, and the like—that other parts of the country can experience on a yearly basis. The following guide should help you navigate through the seasons of the MidAtlantic, no matter what time of year you decide to travel.

January to Early March
These months mark the MidAtlantic region’s coldest season. Temperatures can range from 20 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the weather generally includes mostly cold, sunny days with occasional periods of sleet and snow showers. Packing warm, winter clothes including sweaters, heavy coats, hats, and gloves, is recommended. When traveling outside of major metropolitan areas in the region (e.g., western Maryland, central Pennsylvania, West Virginia, etc.), add a pair of boots to your list.

March to Early June
When traveling between the months of March and April, it’s best to pack light-weight clothes that you can layer for warmth and peel away as temperatures rise throughout the day. Sweaters are still recommended for this time of year.

From April to early June, sweaters are optional and should probably be worn just to keep from freezing in the air conditioned travel spots you’ve planned to visit during your trip. There is an old American saying that, “April showers bring May flowers.” In some sense the saying is true, so also in these months, you should also prepare for rain.

June to Early September
The temperature in these months is hot, but not uncomfortably so as you might expect in the Western part of the United States. Temperatures range from 90 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring light colored clothing, as it is said to reflect sunlight (as opposed to darker clothing that absorbs it). The overall result is to make you feel cooler in hot weather.

September to Early November
The weather at this time becomes increasingly cooler. Sweaters, long pants and skirts, and light jackets in darker colors are best for these months. This is the time of year when MidAtlantic weather begins to develop a sharp bite, thus marking the start of the harvesting season for many regional autumnal foods, including apples, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and several varieties of berries and nuts.

November to December
Winter is beginning to breathe heavily upon the MidAtlantic at this time. Temperatures are not as cold as they will be later from January to early March, but the palatable cool weather of autumn has turned bitter and very near freezing. Later in the December months, you may even witness snow showers and storms.

Contrary to what many believe, Christmas time in the MidAtlantic region does not always include snow. White Christmas, a song made popular by Bing Crosby in the American classic film White Christmas, tells the tale of man longing for snow on Christmas Day. The truth is that snow on Christmas is rare, but, of course, very beautiful and very much a treat during the years when it happens to occur.

Use the information outlined in this article to help you in planning what to pack when you come to visit the MidAtlantic region from afar. This is especially true for international travelers without contacts in the area to consult before taking flight. Whether you’re coming from California, Moscow, India or elsewhere abroad, always be sure to consider the weather and what you plan to wear. It can have a significant impact on how much you can really enjoy your trip.