Inflation be damned: Americans are serious about their summer travel this year, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). In fact, in a recent news release, the organization estimates that 42.3 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day weekend (Thursday, May 25 through Monday, May 29)—a 7% increase over last year.
In addition to air travel likely surpassing pre-pandemic levels, an estimated 37.1 million people will drive to their holiday destinations, which is up 6% from 2022. In other words, if you thought traffic was bad last year, get ready to share the road with more than two million additional drivers.
Fortunately, AAA has made some predictions as to the best and worst times to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend. Here’s what to know.
The best and worst times to drive this Memorial Day weekend
Using data from INRIX, a firm providing transportation insights, experts at AAA have determined that these are the best and worst times to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend:
Thursday, May 25
Worst time: 3—6 p.m.Best time: Before 1 p.m.Friday, May 26
Worst time: 3—6 p.m.Best time: Before 12 p.m.Saturday, May 27
Minimal traffic impact expectedSunday, May 28
Minimal traffic impact expectedMonday, May 29
Worst time: 12—3 p.m.Best time: Before 10 a.m.Tuesday, May 30
Worst time: 4—6 p.m.Best time: Before 2 p.m. / After 6 p.m.Overall, traffic is expected to be worst on Friday, so plan accordingly. Also, if your road trip takes you anywhere near one or more of the country’s major metropolitan areas, AAA has additional information available on peak congestion periods by city and route.
The good news is that holiday travelers won’t be spending as much on gas this year. During the 2022 Memorial Day weekend, the national average was more than $4 a gallon; currently, it’s around $3.55 a gallon. Having said that, as Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX points out, that also comes with a downside.
“With lower fuel prices and more travelers on the road compared to last year, drivers should expect long delays this holiday weekend, especially in and around major metros, as commuters mix with Memorial Day travelers,” he explained in the AAA news release.
