Thanksgiving Holiday Travel 2023: Best and Worst Times to Drive
Are you ready to embark on a road trip this Thanksgiving holiday? You won’t be alone! According to AAA, approximately 55.4 million travelers will be venturing 50 miles or more from home during the holiday travel period, with the majority opting to drive to their destinations. To ensure a smooth journey, here are the best and worst times to hit the road over the holiday weekend.
WASHINGTON – Are you ready to embark on a road trip this Thanksgiving holiday? You won’t be alone! According to AAA, approximately 55.4 million travelers will be venturing 50 miles or more from home during the holiday travel period, with the majority opting to drive to their destinations.
The day before Thanksgiving is notoriously one of the most congested days on the roadways – and this year is no different. Data predictions indicate that Wednesday, November 22, will be the busiest day on the roads during the travel period, with average travel times reaching up to 80 percent higher than normal in some metropolitan areas.
For the most part, drivers should aim to leave early in the morning if possible or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest areas of congestion.
Thanksgiving Holiday Travel 2023: Best and Worst Times to Drive
Overall Busiest Day to Drive
Wednesday, Nov 22 | Peak Traffic between 2:00 – 6:00 PM
Best and Worst Times to Drive
Wednesday, Nov 22 | Worst 2:00 – 6:00 PM | Best Before 11:00 AM
Thursday, Nov 23 | Worst 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Best Before 10:00 AM, After 5:00 PM
Friday, Nov 24 | Worst 12:00 – 4:00 PM | Best Before 11:00 AM, After 7:00 PM
Saturday, Nov 25 | Worst 3:00 – 5:00 PM | Best Before 12:00 PM
Sunday, Nov 26 | Worst 3:00 – 5:00 PM | Best Before 12:00 PM
Thanksgiving Holiday Travel 2023: Best and Worst Times to Drive
The peak congestion period in our area will be around 2 p.m. on Wednesday, from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore via the Baltimore/Washington Parkway. This represents a 71 percent increase compared to normal traffic.
Locally, AAA reports that over 1.25 million residents in the D.C. area will be driving to their destinations during the holiday, marking the third-highest number in the region’s history.
READ MORE: DC area airports feel crush of Thanksgiving holiday travelers
One positive aspect is that travelers can expect lower gas prices this Thanksgiving. The national average per gallon currently stands at $3.28, compared to $3.58 at the same time last year.
Locally, gas prices per gallon average $3.12 in Virginia, $3.28 in Maryland, and $3.48 in D.C. as of Wednesday morning.
THANKSGIVING EVE FORECAST
Wednesday is expected to be partly sunny with highs near 58 degrees, providing favorable driving conditions. The evening will be mostly cloudy with lows around 40. Thanksgiving Day is forecasted to be sunny, with a high near 54.
FOX 5 Weather Forecast for Wednesday, November 22
Taylor Grenda has the FOX 5 Weather forecast for Wednesday, November 22
Author’s Quote
“Thanksgiving Holiday Travel 2023: Best and Worst Times to Drive”
Conclusion
Plan your Thanksgiving holiday travel wisely to avoid heavy congestion on the roads. The busiest day is expected to be Wednesday, November 22, with peak traffic between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Leaving early in the morning or after 6 p.m. is recommended to minimize delays. Gas prices are lower this year, providing some relief for travelers. Enjoy your road trip and have a safe journey!
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
