When to Go to Maryland's Eastern Shore

Traditional summertime months, i.e. school vacation time, are the busiest throughout the region. Ocean City attracts not only visitors for weeks-long stays but also day-trippers, particularly on weekends, and that means heavy traffic. July and August are the hottest and humidity can be high, but literally thousands of miles of water's edge produce cooling breezes.

Shallower edges of the Chesapeake Bay can freeze over in January and February. However, the relatively temperate climate of this region—winters without any snow at all are not uncommon—means year-round appeal. Many large and small towns celebrate winter months as heartily as the warmer ones with regional festivals and local tours.