June is a popular wedding month, in large part because the weather is frequently ideal for outdoor events. It’s warm but not hot, and it’s usually before anyone has to worry about hurricanes — but after peak tornado season.
Of course, every year is different and, because of human-caused climate change, June is starting to feel more like July in many places. This weekend, the beginnings of a brutal heat wave will be building over the southeastern United States and expanding toward the Midwest.
But before the heat takes hold of large parts of the Lower 48 next week, a number of locations can anticipate a magnificent mid-June weekend — perfect for nuptials. The Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Intermountain West and California all look to have very nice weather.
New York City and Los Angeles, the nation’s two biggest cities, top our list of the five best places to get married this weekend:
1. New York City
With a prediction of sunshine and highs in the 70s both days, it’s hard draw up a better forecast for the Big Apple. Humidity will be low, and evening temperatures falling to near 70 will be refreshing and comfortable.
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Saturday’s high: Near 80.
Sunday’s high: 76.
Also nice in the region: Albany, N.Y. (highs in the 70s); Scranton, Pa. (near 80); and Hartford, Conn. (near 80).
2. Los Angeles
While fog is possible both weekend mornings, skies should clear for the afternoon and evening, making for delightful conditions.
Saturday’s high: 83.
Sunday’s high: 81.
Also nice in the region: San Diego (highs in the 70s), San Francisco (near 70) and Sacramento (near 90, but low humidity).
3. Buffalo
Blue skies are predicted Saturday and there should be just a few clouds Sunday, when some warmer air from the west arrives. You might want to grab a jacket for outdoor festivities Saturday night, as temperatures fall through the 60s. “The weekend will feature superb weather for outdoor activities,” writes the National Weather Service office in Buffalo.
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Saturday’s high: 72.
Sunday’s high: 81.
Also nice in the region: Burlington, Vt. (highs near 70 on Saturday and in the upper 70s on Sunday); Detroit (near 80 on Saturday, mid-80s on Sunday); and Pittsburgh (near 80 on Saturday, near 90 on Sunday).
4. Salt Lake City
Saturday’s high near 90 might sound toasty, but humidity will be low and temperatures will quickly fall through the 80s and into the comfortable 70s for events that last into the evening. And there probably won’t be a cloud around.
Saturday’s high: 90.
Sunday’s high: 82.
Also nice in the region: Reno, Nev. (highs 80 to 85); and Boise, Idaho (70s).
5. Washington, D.C.
It’s going to be steamy in Washington on Friday and then brutally hot next week, but the weekend offers a nicely timed pause in the scorching conditions. Highs in the mid-80s both weekend days are no doubt warm, but humidity levels will be comfortably low. Evening temperatures slipping into the 70s coupled with a soft breeze should be sublime.
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Saturday’s high: 85.
Sunday’s high: 86.
Also nice in the region: Baltimore (highs in the mid-80s), Philadelphia (low 80s) and Richmond (upper 80s).
How we picked the top cities
We looked at forecast temperatures, cloud cover and humidity across the nation. We selected the largest cities where predicted highs were in the 70s and 80s, where few clouds were expected and where humidity was projected to be low. We aimed for geographic diversity rather than picking cities all from the same region.
Where the worst weather will be
While the weather will be very nice in many parts of the country, extreme heat in the South and Midwest as well as cool, damp conditions in the Pacific Northwest will be less than optimal for planned outdoor gatherings.
In a guide we wrote more than a decade ago about how to plan a weather-wise wedding, we stressed the importance of having a backup plan in case of bad weather. “Determine how and where you’ll move your event if there’s rain or extreme temperatures,” we wrote.
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Here are some cities where guests might be more comfortable with an indoor venue:
Seattle: Rain is in the forecast both days, with highs only near 60.
Atlanta: Highs are forecast to be near 100 both days, challenging records.
Phoenix: The forecast high is 109 both days, and an excessive heat warning is in effect.
St. Louis: Saturday’s high in the low 90s is tolerable, but Sunday’s high near 100, along with elevated humidity, is not.
Little Rock: Predicted highs both days are 95 to 100, with high humidity.
Of course, there’s a saying a that rain on your wedding day is good luck. We wish all wedding parties and their guests the best this weekend, regardless of the elements.
