Geographical Position and Climate of Maryland
Maryland, one of the 50 states of the United States of America, is situated in the Mid-Atlantic region of the eastern coast. It is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Virginia and Washington D.C. to the south, and West Virginia to the west and south. Known for its diverse topography, Maryland has been dubbed “America in Miniature” due to the wide variety of landscapes it offers—from sandy dunes dotted with seagrass on the eastern shore, to low marshlands teeming with wildlife near the Chesapeake Bay, to gently rolling hills of oak forests in the Piedmont Region, and pine groves in the mountains to the west.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the state largely depends on the activities and experiences you’re looking for. Here’s a seasonal breakdown to help you plan your trip:
Spring (March to May)
- Weather: Mild temperatures with blooming flowers.
- Highlights: Enjoy the cherry blossoms, especially in the Washington D.C. area, and attend the Maryland Film Festival in Baltimore.
Summer (June to August)
- Weather: Warm to hot, perfect for outdoor and water activities.
- Highlights: Spend time on the Eastern Shore beaches, go sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, and experience the Maryland Seafood Festival.
Fall (September to November)
- Weather: Cool and pleasant with fall foliage.
- Highlights: Explore the Great Frederick Fair, take scenic drives to see autumn leaves, and enjoy fresh apples at local orchards.
Winter (December to February)
- Weather: Cold, with snowfall in some areas.
- Highlights: Witness festive holiday lights, partake in winter sports in Western Maryland, and celebrate the New Year at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
For a combination of good weather and fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons—spring or fall. If you’re interested in specific events or activities, be sure to check local calendars and plan accordingly.
Travel to Maryland
The state is well-connected and accessible by various modes of transportation. Here’s how you can get to the state:
By Air
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Located in Baltimore, it’s a major hub with domestic and international flights.
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): While these airports are in Virginia, they serve the Washington D.C. area and are convenient for accessing Maryland.
By Train
- Amtrak: Offers services to several Maryland stations including Baltimore’s Penn Station, BWI Airport, New Carrollton, and more. The MARC Train also provides commuter rail service within Maryland and to Washington D.C.
With Car
- Interstate Highways: I-95 runs through Maryland and is the main north-south route along the East Coast. I-70 and I-68 serve as east-west routes.
- Scenic Byways: Maryland has several scenic byways perfect for road trips, offering views of the Chesapeake Bay, the Appalachian Mountains, and historic sites.
By Bus
- Greyhound, Megabus, and other bus companies: Provide intercity bus service to various destinations in Maryland.
By Boat
- Chesapeake Bay: If you’re coming from nearby coastal regions, you can enter Maryland via boat. There are numerous marinas and docks throughout the bay.
Places to visit in Maryland
Important Information
Capital – Annapolis
Largest City – Baltimore
Territory – 32,133 km2
Population – 6,177,224
Time Zone – UTC-5 (Eastern)