20 States That Won’t Leave Your Dog Panting or Shivering

Beth G.Yelp

Dogs thrive in places where they can explore without the heat slowing them down or the cold nipping at their paws. Certain states offer that sweet spot — mild summers and gentle winters. Swipe to find 20 states that are perfect playgrounds, promising year-round comfort and tail-wagging adventures.

North Carolina

Kristen Claire G./Yelp

Your dog might love chasing autumn leaves along the Blue Ridge Parkway. North Carolina’s mountain regions enjoy summer highs near 78°F, which is ideal for hiking pups. Winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Asheville’s dog-friendly breweries even let you toast your adventures together.

Tennessee

Kelly F.Yelp

In Tennessee, your pup gets the best of every season without the extremes. Crisp fall mornings mean plenty of leaf-pouncing fun, while winter strolls are chill but never bone-numbing. When summer rolls around, the shade from Tennessee’s lush forests keeps those paws cool.

Virginia

Mnedy C./Yelp

Colonial charm and canine comfort combine beautifully in Virginia. The state’s moderate weather, with summer highs of 85°F, lets dogs explore Jamestown’s historic trails or Shenandoah’s scenic routes. In autumn, the colorful foliage and cool temperatures provide an ideal excuse to hit the trails together.

Maryland

Michele R./Yelp

Got a water-loving pup? Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and its mild climate are a dog’s paradise. With summer highs around 80°F and breezy winters, your dog can enjoy coastal walks without sweating or shivering. Quiet Waters Park even offers a dog beach where tails never stop wagging.

Delaware

Maarysa N./Yelp

Small but packed with charm, Delaware offers dog-friendly beaches and mild weather. Summers average 82°F, perfect for exploring Cape Henlopen’s trails. Winter temps hover near 40°F, ensuring year-round comfort. Besides, Dewey Beach hosts an annual dog festival where your pup can socialize and splash freely.

Pennsylvania

George M./Yelp

Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands offers 70 miles of dog-friendly trails. Here, spring brings breezy walks through flower-filled trails, while fall means crunchy leaves and endless sniffing adventures. Summers are warm but rarely sweltering, with shaded parks like Fairmount Park in Philadelphia keeping your pup cool.

New Jersey

Dawn G./Yelp

This state keeps your pup happy with coastal breezes and warm, but not overwhelming, summers. Beach-loving dogs can chase waves at Longport or Asbury Park. The Garden State’s seasonal changes offer variety, with crisp autumn romps through colorful leaves.

South Carolina

Megan J./Yelp

South Carolina’s mild climate makes it a dog-friendly haven. Winters are gentle, so no shivering paws. With dog-friendly beaches in Charleston and shaded trails in Congaree National Park, your pup stays cool. Spring and fall offer the best adventures with breezy weather and colorful park views.

Georgia

Chris T./Yelp

Peach State pups get the best of both worlds. North Georgia mountains offer cool summer hikes around 78°F. Meanwhile, winter temps rarely drop below freezing. Amicalola Falls State Park’s cascading trails are perfect for adventurous dogs. Whether sniffing trails or chasing streams, Georgia delivers fun.

Alabama

Cheryl M./Yelp

Alabama’s mild winters and warm spring and fall make it a comfortable haven for dogs. With plenty of open spaces, your pup can enjoy year-round outdoor adventures. While summer temperatures can rise, Alabama’s many lakes and rivers provide perfect spots for splashing and cooling off.

Oregon

Brittany P./Yelp

Here, summers rarely get scorching, with average highs in the 70s and 80s, meaning no panting tongues on every walk. Winters are mild, too, keeping the chill manageable. The state’s vast forests and dog-friendly hiking trails offer countless chances to explore, making it a paradise for adventurous pups.

Washington

Daniele M./Yelp

Evergreen forests aren’t the only green thing here—Seattle’s dog parks are teeming with life. Mild summers and cool winters set the perfect scene for outdoor play. Besides, Magnuson Park’s off-leash zones are a hit, and Puget Sound’s beaches provide a breezy, salty bonus.

Mississippi

Zachary H./Yelp

Shady trails and mild winters make Mississippi an ideal playground for dogs all year long. While summer highs average 85°F, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers plenty of shade. Dogs enjoy riverbank romps and historical trails, where their wagging tails meet the charm of the South.

Louisiana

Joh L. H./Yelp

For dogs who aren’t fans of cold weather, Louisiana offers mild winters that make for comfortable trail walks and bayou explorations. The summer heat is no concern, as lakes and breezy areas along Lake Pontchartrain help your dog stay cool.

Texas Hill Country

Elizabeth R./Yelp

Not all of Texas is scorching! Hill Country offers mild summers (85°F) and cooler streams perfect for dogs. Enchanted Rock’s trails are best explored in spring or fall. Your pup can splash in the Guadalupe River and roam limestone hills without panting. It’s Texas with a twist of comfort.

Oklahoma

Cheri Y./Yelp

Prairie winds and moderate seasons make Oklahoma ideal for active dogs. Summers hover around 85°F, but the Wichita Mountains offer shaded trails and lakes. Winter temperatures rarely dip too low, meaning year-round adventures. In short, your dog can chase prairie scents and breeze-cooled trails.

Arkansas

Sean S./Yelp

Even though summers average 85°F in Arkansas, the shaded forests along Ozark trails provide a cool retreat. The Buffalo National River invites dogs to wade and explore scenic hikes. During winter, mild temperatures around 40°F ensure the outdoor fun never stops.

Missouri

Casey D./Yelp

Heartland hospitality extends to dogs in Missouri. Summer highs near 85°F are balanced by shaded forests and rivers. Winter chills are also mild, so your dog’s outdoor adventures never have to pause for long. Additionally, the Katy Trail, stretching 240 miles, offers endless exploration for energetic pups.

North Dakota

Jack G./Yelp

North Dakota may surprise you with how dog-friendly it can be. While winters get cold, this state shines with endless opportunities for adventure the rest of the year. Spring and fall deliver crisp air and wide-open trails, perfect for those zoomies in places like Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

Montana

Jack G./Yelp

In Montana, your dog can enjoy the outdoors year-round. Vast open spaces and clear lakes create a perfect playground. Summers are warm but not oppressive, making Glacier National Park trails and Flathead Lake swims a joy. Even winter’s chill is fun with a fluffy coat.

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