During the weekends preceding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, drivers can anticipate significant traffic delays, according to forecasts by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and INRIX, a leading provider of transportation data and insights. The analysis indicates that major urban centers such as Boston, New York City, Seattle, and Washington, DC may encounter congestion levels approximately twice the norm. Nationally, travel durations are projected to extend by as much as 30% during these periods.
“With a near record number of auto travelers expected this holiday season, drivers should expect delays in and around major metro areas, with Sunday, December 22 expected to be the nation’s worst day to travel,” says Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Our advice is to avoid traveling during peak commuting hours during the week. If schedules allow, leave bright and early or after the evening commute.”
Best and Worst Times to Travel by Car
| Date | Worst Travel Time | Best Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, December 19 | 3:00 – 8:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
| Friday, December 20 | 1:00 – 8:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
| Saturday, December 21 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM |
| Sunday, December 22 | 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Before 12:00 PM |
| Monday, December 23 | 1:00 – 6:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
| Tuesday, December 24 | Minimal Traffic Expected | Minimal Traffic Expected |
| Wednesday, December 25 | Minimal Traffic Expected | Minimal Traffic Expected |
| Thursday, December 26 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
| Friday, December 27 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM |
| Saturday, December 28 | 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
| Sunday, December 29 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Before 11:00 AM |
| Monday, December 30 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Before 2:00 PM |
| Tuesday, December 31 | Minimal Traffic Expected | Minimal Traffic Expected |
| Wednesday, January 1 | Minimal Traffic Expected | Minimal Traffic Expected |
| Thursday, January 2 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Before 3:00 PM |
| Source: INRIX |
Year-End Holiday Travel Period
For this forecast, the year-end holiday travel period is defined as the twelve-day period from Saturday, December 21 to Wednesday, January 1. AAA’s year-end holiday travel period can range from 10 to 13 days, depending on which day of the week Christmas and New Year’s Day fall. This year’s holiday travel period is two days longer than last year. While a longer holiday travel period can offer more options for departures and return trips, all the year-end holiday periods contain two weekends.
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