The best time of year for helicopter tours depends on where you’re taking them. They’re offered at locations around the country from coast to coast.Let’s take a look at some of the most popular destinations for helicopter tours and the time of year that’s best for them.
Grand Canyon – The best way to appreciate the Grand Canyon is to get above it with a helicopter tour. A helicopter can fly at a lower altitude than a plane, so it gives you the chance to get up close to the Grand Canyon. The northern Arizona monsoon season runs from July to September and is marked by quick afternoon storms, so you may be grounded until the storm passes. One traveler said, “The Grand Canyon looks absolutely beautiful following a rain shower.”
Hawaii – Aloha! Hawaii air tours are available over Maui, Molokai, Big Island Hawaii, and Kauai. You’ll see spectacular aerial views of erupting and dormant volcanoes, triple canopy tropical rainforests, and towering sea cliffs and waterfalls. Flying conditions are hard to predict, especially in winter, because of the interplay of dynamic weather patterns. Each hour of the day shows off the islands in different light, and wind speeds and cloud formations change each hour of the day.
Alaska – Moments after departing Juneau, you’ll see breathtaking views of thriving rain forests, alpine ridges, mountain peaks, wildlife including bears, deer, and mountain goats, and the awe-inspiring Mendenhall Glacier. May and September are the best times to tour Alaska. The weather is best in May with long hours of daylight, and in September the hardwood trees have turned bright autumn colors.
San Antonio – Fly over the Alamodome, Tower of the Americas, the Alamo, and Historic La Villita. You’ll fly by the San Antonio Zoo, Quarry Market, the San Antonio Botanical Gardens, the Tower of the Americas, and Mission Road. The best time to take a helicopter tour of San Antonio is November to April when the weather is comfortable and the rates are lower.
New York –You’ll see New York City like never before with a bird’s eye view of Manhattan and the surrounding area, traveling down the Hudson River and seeing landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to Ellis Island and Yankee Stadium. The week between Christmas and New Year’s may be a good time to take a helicopter tour of New York City to avoid the long lines everywhere.
Look online for helicopter touring companies in the destinations you’ll visit. You can make bookings online, book brief or extended tours, and pick your tour time and the heliport you’ll leave from.