(photo credit: pexels.com)
Route 66 is the quintessential road trip in the U.S. The historic route crosses 8 states and spans a total of 2,400 miles that begin at Chicago and ends at Santa Monica. You'll be able to see plenty of natural landscapes, including grasslands, mountains, plains, deserts and experience around 6 climate zones that range from Mediterranean to alpine and desert climates, too.
Most Route 66 goers choose months between May to late September, which is arguably the best timeframe to experience the wonderful vistas. Moreover, it's the time most people and their families are available, as there won't be any school and the weather is at its best.
If you have young ones or plan to ride by motorcycle, it's best to avoid winter months, e.g., mid-February to mid-November as you're more likely to encounter snow and frozen roads, which can put a damper in your plans. Moreover, some roads become impassable, most notably the mountain roads of New Mexico, Arizona and California.
Also, some of the must-see attractions along Route 66 will be closed or unavailable during these months. At best, they may have reduced hours, which won't help at all if you're looking to maximize your road trip. As with any vacation plan, consider going during peak season, when the weather is perfect and there's no danger of frost, strong winds or freezing weather.
Make sure to pack necessities, such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, emergency road tools and load up your smartphone with safety apps.
Here's a breakdown of the Route 66 weather, month by month.
January
We wouldn't recommend taking a road trip to Route 66 in January, as most of the roads are still covered in snow and the weather is unstable.
February
Since February is considered a winter month some of the roads may still be closed and the shops may be closed. Some stretches, including the ones in Arizona and California may be traversed by motorcycle.
Most Route 66 goers choose months between May to late September, which is arguably the best timeframe to experience the wonderful vistas. Moreover, it's the time most people and their families are available, as there won't be any school and the weather is at its best.
If you have young ones or plan to ride by motorcycle, it's best to avoid winter months, e.g., mid-February to mid-November as you're more likely to encounter snow and frozen roads, which can put a damper in your plans. Moreover, some roads become impassable, most notably the mountain roads of New Mexico, Arizona and California.
Also, some of the must-see attractions along Route 66 will be closed or unavailable during these months. At best, they may have reduced hours, which won't help at all if you're looking to maximize your road trip. As with any vacation plan, consider going during peak season, when the weather is perfect and there's no danger of frost, strong winds or freezing weather.
Make sure to pack necessities, such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, emergency road tools and load up your smartphone with safety apps.
Here's a breakdown of the Route 66 weather, month by month.
January
We wouldn't recommend taking a road trip to Route 66 in January, as most of the roads are still covered in snow and the weather is unstable.
February
Since February is considered a winter month some of the roads may still be closed and the shops may be closed. Some stretches, including the ones in Arizona and California may be traversed by motorcycle.
(Photo credit: pixabay.com)
March
March is the start of road trip season, but that will depend on the prevailing weather. Temperatures start to get warm, especially in the Western sections.
April
The Eastern parts of Route 66 get warmed up, but there could still be ice and snow, especially in the high parts of Arizona.
May
The fun starts in May as visitors can finally get a chance to enjoy Route 66 in all its entirety. Make sure to check the weather and see if it's a go for your desired day.
June
The weather in June will become more stable. Start making plans to get your friends, family or loved ones prepared for a wonderful and scenic road trip.
July
Route 66 season will be in full blast during the month of July. Granted, it will be hotter than previous months, but nothing that can't be fixed with sunscreen and constant hydration. There may be scattered summer rains and strong winds, but most of the month it will be fair skies.
March is the start of road trip season, but that will depend on the prevailing weather. Temperatures start to get warm, especially in the Western sections.
April
The Eastern parts of Route 66 get warmed up, but there could still be ice and snow, especially in the high parts of Arizona.
May
The fun starts in May as visitors can finally get a chance to enjoy Route 66 in all its entirety. Make sure to check the weather and see if it's a go for your desired day.
June
The weather in June will become more stable. Start making plans to get your friends, family or loved ones prepared for a wonderful and scenic road trip.
July
Route 66 season will be in full blast during the month of July. Granted, it will be hotter than previous months, but nothing that can't be fixed with sunscreen and constant hydration. There may be scattered summer rains and strong winds, but most of the month it will be fair skies.
(photo credit: pexels.com/Pedro Sandrini)
August
Route 66 in August is quite similar to July, with the hottest prevailing weather coming in at the Western and Eastern parts. Travelers will be greeted by winds and dry weather and high humidity in the west and east, respectively.
September
September weather is one of the best and nicest parts of the year when you're traveling on Route 66. Most of the roads are still sunny and warm, and there aren't any major fluctuations.
October
The Eastern routes get cooler, and you might be caught off-guard with the presence of snow. Fluctuations and quick weather changes mark the October Route 66 weather. In the rare chance of an Indian summer, you can still enjoy the whole route and all the features that come with it.
November
November is the month where the weather starts to get chilly. There may be presences of fog, drizzle and light rain, especially in parts such as Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois. You can still try and visit the Western part of Route 66, with its mild temperature and winds. It's best to leave Arizona's high parts as it may already have begun to snow.
December
Most of Route 66 will be covered in snow by December, but there are days that allow for cars to pass through. If you're keen on taking pictures of beautiful Christmas decorations on scenic routes, this is the time to do so.
Our Route 66 weather is just a quick guide to help you plan in advance for your one-of-a-kind road trip. The best time of the year will be the time when you're available. Since Route 66 encompasses several states, be prepared for weather changes, especially if you're planning to ride a motorcycle or look to cover the entire route in a week or two. A weather app on your smartphone can prove to be useful, especially if you're taking the off-season chance of seeing Route 66 in its uncrowded glory.
Route 66 in August is quite similar to July, with the hottest prevailing weather coming in at the Western and Eastern parts. Travelers will be greeted by winds and dry weather and high humidity in the west and east, respectively.
September
September weather is one of the best and nicest parts of the year when you're traveling on Route 66. Most of the roads are still sunny and warm, and there aren't any major fluctuations.
October
The Eastern routes get cooler, and you might be caught off-guard with the presence of snow. Fluctuations and quick weather changes mark the October Route 66 weather. In the rare chance of an Indian summer, you can still enjoy the whole route and all the features that come with it.
November
November is the month where the weather starts to get chilly. There may be presences of fog, drizzle and light rain, especially in parts such as Oklahoma, Missouri and Illinois. You can still try and visit the Western part of Route 66, with its mild temperature and winds. It's best to leave Arizona's high parts as it may already have begun to snow.
December
Most of Route 66 will be covered in snow by December, but there are days that allow for cars to pass through. If you're keen on taking pictures of beautiful Christmas decorations on scenic routes, this is the time to do so.
Our Route 66 weather is just a quick guide to help you plan in advance for your one-of-a-kind road trip. The best time of the year will be the time when you're available. Since Route 66 encompasses several states, be prepared for weather changes, especially if you're planning to ride a motorcycle or look to cover the entire route in a week or two. A weather app on your smartphone can prove to be useful, especially if you're taking the off-season chance of seeing Route 66 in its uncrowded glory.
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Guest Writer: Richard Jackson
Richard Jackson is a seasoned writer with extensive knowledge of weather, climate and the environment. He focuses on bring accurate forecasts and conditions to the public whether it be for leisure, business or travel. Richard works with World Weather Online dedicated to providing accurate global forecasts. |
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