Worst Times to Travel for Christmas

If you’re traveling for Christmas or New Year’s Eve, you should get on the road early. People will likely hit the road between December 23 and January 2, increasing traffic congestion across the country, particularly along major city corridors.

Various factors influence travel times, including road closures, crashes, and weather. Travelers in some areas may experience additional delays due to a shortage of plow blade drivers.

Expect Delays 

Congestion will be worst after Christmas but before New Year’s Eve when travel for the two holidays overlaps. The days leading up to New Year’s Eve are the worst because of delays. However, people can expect much less congestion during the Christmas holiday travel season on the 27th and 28th than they did three weeks ago during Thanksgiving.

December snow highlights the impact of a plow blade driver scarcity on road travel this winter in cases of holiday travel. On the other hand, the travel weather forecast will inform you of what airlines owe you if your flight is canceled or delayed. As a result, if you want to avoid traffic, it is best to leave early. It is also critical to leave before midday traffic begins to build up.

Between December 23 and January 2 and worst times for traffic are:

• December 23: the best time is after 7 p.m., and the worst is between noon and 6 p.m.
• December 24: the best time is before 1 p.m., and the worst is between 2 and 6 p.m.
• December 25: minimal traffic congestion.
• December 26: the best time is before noon, and the worst is between 1 and 7 p.m.
• December 27: the best time is before 1 p.m., and the worst is between 5 and 6 p.m.
• December 28: the best time is before noon, and the worst is between 1 and 7 p.m.
• December 29: the best time is before 11 a.m., and the worst is between 1 and 7 p.m.
• December 30: the best time is before noon, and the worst is between 1 and 7 p.m.
• December 31: the best time is before 1 p.m. or after 5 p.m., worst between 2 and 4 p.m.
• January 1: should be little traffic.
• January 2: the best time is before 1 p.m., and the worst is between 2 and 6 p.m.

Final Word 

Traveling for Christmas can be challenging because many people are primarily on the road. Nevertheless, you can improve your travel experience by choosing your departure and return days wisely.