Why the United States is seeing a sudden increase in international visitors this winter

The United States is drawing an unusually large number of international travelers this winter. Airports are reporting heavy inbound crowds, and tourism officials have taken note of the sudden rise in overseas visitors choosing U.S. winter vacations. This guide looks at what’s fueling the increase and what visitors should expect on the ground. It also offers practical tips to help travelers deal with busy airports, full flights, and popular attractions so they can enjoy their winter trips smoothly, even amid the higher demand.

Why winter demand is rising again

A combination of economic and practical factors has reignited winter travel demand to the U.S. after years of disruption. One major driver is the currency advantage many visitors now enjoy. The U.S. dollar fell sharply in value during 2025 – dropping about 11% against other currencies in the first half of the year – which effectively makes U.S. hotels, meals, and shopping more affordable for Europeans, Canadians, and others converting their money.

Travelers from countries with strengthening currencies are finding their budgets stretch further on a U.S. trip than they did a year or two ago. This favorable exchange rate is tempting more people to book those long-delayed American vacations while the value is on their side.

Loosened travel restrictions and restored flight routes are also boosting visitor numbers. As of December 2025, virtually all pandemic-era entry rules have long been lifted, and international flight capacity is back near pre-2020 levels. Airlines have reinstated many long-haul routes to U.S. cities and even launched new ones, making it easier to fly directly to places that required connections before.

Improved visa processing in key markets has further opened the doors. The U.S. government added around one million extra visa interview appointments in late 2024 to cut down notoriously long wait times. This effort has begun to pay off by enabling more tourists from countries like India, Brazil, and Mexico to finally secure visas and travel. The result is a rebound in visitor volume from those regions that had been held back by red tape.

Perhaps most importantly, global travel confidence and holiday wanderlust have roared back. This winter marks one of the first fully normal holiday seasons for international travel in years. Pent-up demand from the pandemic period is being unleashed as families, friends, and tour groups seize the chance to spend the winter holidays abroad.

Travel data shows every world region increased trips to the U.S. in 2024 , and that momentum is carrying into the 2025 winter season. Many visitors delayed their U.S. trips until they felt travel was hassle-free again – and that moment has arrived. With exchange rates favorable, flights plentiful, and festive events on the calendar, a perfect storm of conditions is aligning to drive an unusually strong winter surge in inbound tourism.

The destinations feeling the biggest surge

Not all U.S. destinations are seeing the influx equally – some are experiencing especially pronounced spikes in international guests this winter. Big gateway cities on the coasts are leading the pack. New York City, in particular, is teeming with foreign visitors at levels approaching its pre-2020 record highs.

The allure of New York’s holiday season – from ice skating under the Rockefeller Center tree to shopping the Fifth Avenue displays – draws travelers from Europe, South America, and Asia in huge numbers. City officials report that 2024 saw nearly 65 million total visitors to NYC (domestic and international combined) and they expect to beat pre-pandemic tourist numbers in 2025.

Walking through Midtown Manhattan this winter, one is likely to hear a mix of languages as overseas tourists soak up the festive atmosphere. The daily visitor count in NYC’s holiday season can reach up to 4.4 million people including day-trippers , underscoring how packed the city gets in December. This international enthusiasm is helping New York’s hotels and attractions stay busy through the typically slower winter months.

Florida is another hotspot experiencing a notable jump in overseas arrivals. The state’s warm weather and theme parks have long made it a winter favorite, and this year foreign travelers are returning in force.

Even as Florida saw fewer Canadians coming (likely due to a weaker Canadian dollar and other factors), visitors from Europe and Latin America are arriving in greater numbers to pick up the slack. In the spring of 2025, Florida recorded an 11.4% increase in overseas travelers compared to the previous year , and that trend has continued into the winter season.

Popular areas like Orlando’s parks and Miami’s beaches are reporting fuller tour groups from abroad. Brazilians, for example, have been flocking back to Florida in larger numbers , taking advantage of new direct flights and a desire to enjoy Florida’s resorts and shopping. The result is that hotels in Orlando, Miami, and the Florida Keys are hosting more international guests than they have in several winters.

On the West Coast, California is also benefiting from the winter boom. Los Angeles and San Francisco remain prime draws for overseas visitors thanks to their mix of sightseeing, mild winter weather, and cultural attractions. California overall has rebounded strongly in travel spending , and international tours are a part of that picture.

Meanwhile, Las Vegas – traditionally a magnet for foreign tourists looking for entertainment and nightlife – is working to regain its international visitor momentum. While Las Vegas saw a bit of a dip in mid-2025 arrivals, the winter season’s conventions and New Year’s events are helping to draw global visitors back to the Strip’s casinos and shows.

Even destinations not typically thought of as international hubs are seeing upticks. For instance, the ski towns of the Rocky Mountains and Utah are welcoming more overseas skiers this winter.

Resorts in Utah, riding high on a record 2024/25 ski season, note that about 3% of their skiers now come from abroad – a small but significant share that underscores Utah’s global appeal as a top winter sports destination. From Hawaii (seeing more Japanese tourists returning to its islands ) to the ski slopes of Colorado and Utah, many U.S. regions are feeling a lift from international travelers rediscovering America’s winter charms.

How events and seasonal attractions shape the demand

A key factor pulling international visitors to the U.S. this winter is the rich tapestry of events and seasonal attractions on offer. Holiday celebrations are front and center. Big cities and small towns alike host festive events that have caught the eye of travelers abroad. Iconic experiences – like ice skating at New York’s Central Park, strolling the elaborate holiday lights in Los Angeles, or visiting European-style Christmas markets in Chicago and Denver – provide a unique draw for foreigners seeking an authentic (and photogenic) winter holiday.

Many long-haul visitors time their trips to coincide with these seasonal spectacles. For example, New York’s New Year’s Eve in Times Square remains a bucket-list event for people around the world, and this year’s crowd in Times Square is expected to be one of the most international ever as tour groups resume their annual pilgrimage.

The concentration of Christmas and New Year’s festivals in the U.S. – from fireworks shows to parades – is enticing overseas tourists to experience the American holiday spirit firsthand.

Major sports and entertainment events are adding to the influx as well. The winter calendar features high-profile occasions that draw international attendees despite the colder weather. In early January, for instance, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas attracts tens of thousands of industry professionals worldwide, filling flights and hotels with an international mix.

Sports fans are also on the move: while American football’s Super Bowl and college bowl games mainly attract domestic travelers, some international fans do fly in for these spectacles or the atmosphere around them. Additionally, the lead-up to global events that the U.S. will soon host – such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup – is already generating buzz and some early visits.

Sports travelers and media from abroad have started scouting host cities or attending qualifying matches, adding to visitor numbers this winter. Even in the mountains, events like ski competitions and festivals are luring foreign visitors who combine attending an event with a vacation.

Critically, live entertainment tours have played a role in boosting winter travel. Over the past year, several world-famous artists and bands launched U.S. concert residencies or tours in late fall and winter, prompting fans from overseas to plan trips around show dates.

This “music tourism” effect was seen when international fans flocked to U.S. cities for major concerts and festivals that may not be stopping in their home countries. The same goes for cultural events: museum exhibitions of globally renowned art, or theme park seasonal events (like Orlando’s international Harry Potter-themed holiday events or Anaheim’s Lunar New Year festival at Disneyland) have niche followings abroad who will travel for them.

In short, the U.S. winter surge isn’t just about generic sightseeing – it’s being driven by specific events and seasonal experiences that act as anchor points for a trip. Visitors are strategically timing their travel to catch these limited-time attractions, from winter festivals to once-a-year performances. This convergence of events has amplified the usual holiday travel rush into something even larger and more international this year.

How airports and hotels are absorbing the pressure

The surge in visitors has certainly made U.S. transportation hubs and hospitality providers busier than usual for winter. Airports especially are feeling the crunch on peak travel days. In fact, 2025 has repeatedly seen record-breaking passenger numbers at airports, a trend that continued into the holiday season.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving 2025 became the single busiest day ever recorded at U.S. airports, with the TSA screening over 3.1 million passengers in one day. While that figure includes domestic travelers as well, international inbound flights are a significant portion of the load – particularly at gateway airports like New York JFK, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

These hubs have been handling packed arrival halls as multiple long-haul flights from Europe, Asia, and Latin America land in succession. Customs and immigration lines can be longer during peak hours, although officials have been staffing up where possible to keep processing efficient.

Many airports are deploying multilingual greeters and improved signage to help the flow of newcomers. Still, travelers arriving from overseas should be prepared for lively, crowded terminals this winter, especially during the late December rush and the weekends around New Year’s.

The flip side of the high demand is fuller planes: airlines report that their transatlantic and transpacific flights for the holidays are running near capacity. Securing an empty adjacent seat or a last-minute fare deal is harder when flights are this full, so some flexibility might be required.

On the ground, hotels and accommodations in popular areas are near their limits too. Many city hotels that would normally see a mid-winter lull are instead reporting strong occupancy rates.

For example, New York City’s hotel occupancy averaged about 85% through late 2024 – the highest of any U.S. market – and that high occupancy has persisted into the winter season as tourist volume remains robust. Major tourist centers like Orlando, Los Angeles, and Honolulu are similarly experiencing tight hotel availability on peak dates.

Travelers may find that desirable hotels in prime locations (such as walking distance to attractions or with ocean views) are booking up faster than in past winters. Last-minute rooms are still attainable in most cities, but often at a premium price or in less central areas.

Beyond hotels, the surge is evident in other ways: ski resort towns are seeing vacation rentals fill up early for key weekends; theme parks are reaching comfortable capacity levels on certain days with international tour groups in attendance; and even national parks in warmer states are welcoming more off-season tour buses than usual.

All this means that visitors should brace for a faster-paced winter travel environment. Airports might require a bit more patience, with longer security or immigration queues during peak periods. Baggage claim areas are bustling with more tour groups gathering their luggage.

In cities, you might encounter fully booked restaurants or need reservations for popular attractions that used to be easy walk-ins during winter. That said, the situation is generally well-managed – it’s busy, not chaotic. Industry leaders have been anticipating this rebound and in many cases have adjusted schedules and staffing.

Airlines increased their winter flight schedules modestly, and hotel operators brought on seasonal staff to maintain service levels. So while you’ll notice the crowds, you’ll also find that flights are still departing on time (weather permitting) and that hotels are still delivering a warm welcome.

The travel infrastructure is bending but not breaking under the pressure of the surge. As long as you plan ahead, it’s entirely possible to navigate the high-demand periods without undue stress and to focus on enjoying the journey.

How travelers can plan around crowds

Even with higher visitor volumes, a well-prepared traveller can still have a smooth and enjoyable winter trip to the U.S. A few smart planning strategies go a long way to sidestepping bottlenecks.

One of the best approaches is to be strategic with timing. If your schedule allows, consider arriving and departing on off-peak days. Mid-week flights (for example, flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday) often face lighter crowds at both airports and attractions compared to the Friday-Sunday rush. Likewise, visiting major sights early in the morning can help you beat the tour groups.

Many popular museums, monuments, and theme parks are far quieter at opening time or on weekdays, so plan those visits accordingly to enjoy shorter lines. By slightly adjusting your itinerary – say, scheduling your visit to Times Square or the Grand Canyon on a non-holiday day – you can find pockets of calm even during this busy season.

Booking early and being flexible is another key tactic. With flights and hotels in high demand, it pays to secure your reservations well in advance. Booking your airfare a few months ahead of your winter travel dates can not only save money but also ensure you get your preferred flight times before they sell out.

The same goes for accommodations: locking in a hotel or rental early gives you a wider choice of locations and price points. If you haven’t booked yet and find limited options, try to stay flexible on your exact travel dates or lodging preferences. You might find that shifting your trip by a day or two (such as flying the first week of January instead of between Christmas and New Year’s) opens up many more choices.

Additionally, consider alternatives to the most sought-after spots – for instance, if city center hotels are full or pricey, look at well-connected neighborhoods a bit further out where you can still access attractions via public transport. Many travelers are opting for accommodations near subway or transit lines to avoid the traffic and crowds in the absolute city core, which can make getting around less stressful.

Once on your trip, use tools and local knowledge to your advantage. At the airport, programs like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry can speed you through security and customs lines – these require some advance enrollment but are worthwhile for frequent flyers. Even without them, allot extra time at the airport so you’re not rushing if there are delays.

In cities, take advantage of any timed entry reservations for popular attractions (many museums and tourist sites now offer or require advance tickets for specific time slots). This guarantees your entry and cuts down on waiting in long ticket queues. Public transportation can often be faster than taxis or rideshares in a crowded travel season, so consider trains or express buses, especially in places like New York, Chicago, or D.C., to move around efficiently.

It’s also helpful to build a little flexibility into each day – leave some buffer time between activities in case crowds slow things down. Perhaps most importantly, keep a positive, relaxed mindset. Accept that there will be other people trying to enjoy the same sights and that a degree of patience is part of the journey. With realistic expectations and these planning tweaks, you can largely avoid the worst bottlenecks and focus on making the most of the U.S. winter wonders that brought you here.

The Takeaway

The strong winter tourism surge in the United States reflects a clear return of global travel confidence. Visitors are once again seeking major holiday destinations, cultural events and varied winter landscapes, and the U.S. is benefiting from this renewed interest. While fuller hotels and busier attractions may require more advance planning, they also signal a healthy rebound for the tourism industry.

Travelers who prepare early can take advantage of this moment while avoiding unnecessary stress. Booking ahead, monitoring travel conditions and choosing flexible options can help you navigate popular destinations more smoothly. Many regions are offering extended seasonal events, reopened travel routes and competitive pricing, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of experiences even during peak periods.

For international visitors, this winter provides a lively and welcoming atmosphere across the country. Despite higher demand, the industry continues to improve operations and support services to accommodate increased traffic. With thoughtful planning and realistic expectations, you can make the most of the season and enjoy the diverse experiences the United States offers at this energetic time of year.

FAQ

Q1. Do flights and hotels cost more in winter now because of the surge?
Partly. Winter is still cheaper than summer outside peak holidays, but Christmas and New Year dates are much more expensive and sell out faster than before. In January and February, away from major events, you can still find good deals if you avoid peak weekends.

Q2. How are exchange rates influencing the cost of a U.S. trip?
A slightly weaker U.S. dollar in 2025 has made America more affordable for many visitors from Europe and other regions. Their home currencies now buy more dollars, so hotels, dining, and shopping feel cheaper in local currency terms, which has encouraged more inbound travel.

Q3. Which U.S. airports are the busiest for international arrivals this winter?
New York JFK, Miami, and Los Angeles (LAX) are the main gateways. They handle heavy transatlantic and transpacific traffic and see long lines at immigration during peak hours. Other busy hubs include Newark, San Francisco, and Orlando.

Q4. Are domestic layovers riskier in winter due to weather delays?
Yes, winter storms increase the risk of missed connections, especially through snow prone hubs like Chicago or Minneapolis. Choose more weather friendly hubs when possible, book longer layovers, and favor morning flights to reduce risk.

Q5. How far ahead should I book accommodations and flights for a winter trip?
For Christmas and New Year trips, book flights and hotels several months in advance, ideally by late summer or early autumn. For January and February, booking four to six weeks ahead is usually enough, but earlier is still better for popular destinations.

Q6. Is it still possible to find quiet spots and avoid crowds during this surge?
Yes. The U.S. is large and many regions remain calm even during busy periods. Secondary cities, smaller towns, national parks, and off season coastal areas often provide more relaxed experiences than the top five tourist hotspots.

Q7. Are car rentals more expensive in winter too?
In popular ski regions and sun destinations, car rentals can be high around holidays. Away from those peaks and in less touristy areas, winter rental prices are often moderate. Booking early and avoiding airport pickup can help lower costs.

Q8. Does it make sense to travel midweek instead of weekends?
Yes. Flying and checking in midweek often means lower fares and fewer crowds. Friday through Sunday, and especially the days right before and after holidays, are the busiest and priciest.

Q9. Should I buy travel insurance for a winter U.S. trip?
It is a good idea. Travel insurance can cover expenses from weather related delays, missed connections, or last minute cancellations. Check the policy carefully for coverage limits and exclusions.

Q10. What is the best overall strategy for planning a U.S. winter trip during this surge?
Choose travel dates that avoid peak holiday weeks, book flights and hotels early, build generous connections, consider alternative airports and less obvious destinations, and stay flexible. With smart timing and routing, you can still enjoy a smooth and affordable winter trip.

Research Notes

To get a clearer sense of how international travel is rebounding, I started with the latest data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, which showed more than 72 million overseas arrivals in 2024, a nine-percent increase from the previous year. New York City’s tourism report added another useful point of reference, noting that the city welcomed nearly 65 million visitors in 2024 and is on track to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2025.

I also drew on analysis from the U.S. Travel Association, which highlighted improvements in visa processing and the government’s push to expand appointment capacity ahead of major events like the 2026 World Cup. For a regional snapshot, reporting from NPR/PBS affiliate WGCU offered insight into Florida’s mixed results, with international arrivals rising overall while Canadian visitation temporarily dipped.

Together, these sources helped frame how demand is shifting across the country as travel volumes approach, and in some regions exceed, their pre-pandemic benchmarks.