Memorial Day Traffic 2026

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and this year, AAA projects that 45 million Americans will hit the roads during the three-day weekend.

Your Ultimate 2026 Guide to the Best and Worst Times to Travel

Because most Americans are anticipated to kick off their Memorial Day weekend getaways, this will be one of the busiest travel periods of the year. According to AAA, approximately 39.1 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles, accounting for 87% of all Memorial Day travelers.

To ease the natural stress that comes with holiday travel—especially on the consistently congested California freeways—we’ve compiled a helpful traffic guide highlighting the best times to head out to your destination, as well as helpful tips to dodge any unforeseen road bumps.

The Best Times to Travel for Memorial Day Weekend

For those traveling by car, to avoid hours of traffic and peak congestion times, it is best to travel during the following hours:

• Thursday, May 21: Before noon or after 9:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 22: Before 11:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23: Before 11:00 a.m. or after 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
• Monday, May 25: Before 10:00 a.m. or after 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Bonus Tip: Sunday, May 24, is expected to be the lightest day for traffic, making it the single best day to travel during the holiday weekend. Using popular GPS apps such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze is a powerful resource to find real-time detours and alternate routes.

The Worst Times to Hit the Road for Memorial Day Weekend

To best navigate traffic, avoid major metro areas on Thursday and Friday between noon and 9:00 p.m., as travel time increases by 50% to 90% during peak congestion on the worst routes. The worst times to drive are:

• Thursday, May 21: Noon to 9:00 p.m.
• Friday, May 22: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 23: Noon to 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, May 25: Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 21, is expected to be the single worst day to drive during the Memorial Day weekend. Friday may also be the busiest day for outbound road trip traffic, while Monday afternoon will be especially difficult for return trips into major US cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Major California Hotspots for Memorial Day Traffic

Expect potential traffic jams on routes that combine commuters, tourists, and holiday beachgoers. This may include:

• I-5 and 405 through Los Angeles and Orange County
• I-15 from San Bernardino and Riverside counties toward Las Vegas
• US 101 and Pacific Coast Highway heading to Malibu, Ventura, and Santa Barbara
• I-80 from the Bay Bridge toward Sacramento and Lake Tahoe
• US 101 and I-280 between San Jose, San Francisco, and the North Bay wine country, including the popular San Francisco to Napa corridor
• I-580 and I-680 for East Bay and Central Valley trips

2026 AAA Travel Data Overview for Major US Cities

Memorial Day Weekend runs from Saturday, May 23, to Monday, May 25, extending the typical two-day weekend to three full days and signaling the unofficial start of summer. The holiday weekend, compared with a normal weekend, brings the highest demand, heavier traffic, and larger crowds at popular destinations across the country.

In a press release, Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel, stated that travel demand remains strong, with more Americans planning getaways than in recent years. Therefore, despite higher fuel prices, consumers are prioritizing leisure travel this season.

Domestic flights are also expected to see an increase, with around 3.66 million people will travel by plane. While other modes of transportation account for the remainder, transportation data shows that driving remains the dominant choice for Memorial Day travelers. As USA Today has reported in prior years, the volume of Memorial Day traffic consistently rivals Thanksgiving travel in terms of road congestion.

Memorial Day Weekend Destinations and Travel Trends

Various parts of California will experience heavy traffic, as travelers flock to popular Memorial Day weekend destinations across beach towns, mountains, and desert routes. Despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks, driving strong travel demand across the state.

Typically, Southern California drivers head toward I-15 and I-10, while Bay Area drivers crowd I-80, Highway 50, US-101, and the scenic routes from San Francisco to Napa. Popular Memorial Day weekend destinations include:

• Lake Tahoe
• Las Vegas
• Monterey
• Napa
• Palm Springs
• San Diego
• Santa Barbara
• Yosemite

Broader national transportation data also points to New York, the Jersey Shore, and Fort Collins as top destination spots for Memorial Day travelers across the country.

How to Reduce Travel Costs with Spiking Gas Prices

California gas prices remain among the highest in the country. Due to higher fuel prices, many people may opt for shorter leisure travel during holiday breaks rather than longer, scenic routes. To save money and preserve gas during your next road trip:

• Plan one efficient route with few detours
• Fill up before remote stretches
• Check tire pressure before heading out
• Avoid excessive idling
• Compare fuel stops before entering coastal or resort areas

For those renting cars, the busiest pick-up days are usually Thursday and Friday before long holiday weekends. The holiday weekend, compared with normal weekends, brings the highest demand, popular destinations, and fewer affordable options—so booking early is essential.

Back to Basics: Staying Safe on Crowded California Roads

Heavy Memorial Day traffic increases the risk of rear-end crashes, DUI accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare crashes involving Uber or Lyft, and other very avoidable motor vehicle collisions. From hit-and-runs to sudden lane changes to unanticipated vehicle maneuvering, unexpected events happen more frequently during high-volume holiday travel.

While long hours on the road can make us anxious, it’s vital to remember these basic driving rules during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend:

• Leave extra following distance and avoid tailgating.
• Never text or use your phone while driving.
• Watch for motorcycles and smaller vehicles, especially on mountain and coastal roads.
• Coordinate with a designated driver or order a rideshare if you’re planning on drinking.
• Always anticipate unexpected maneuvers, sudden stops, and lane changes.

If You’re in a Crash, Contact Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer

Even the most cautious of drivers can find themselves in the middle of a serious car accident due to someone else’s negligence.

Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer represents injured car accident victims only — never the insurance companies. When working with an experienced car accident attorney from our personal injury law firm, we will:

• Gather and Preserve Valuable Evidence: Obtain police reports, traffic camera footage, witness statements, and medical records
• Deal with the Insurance Companies: Aggressive negotiations for injury and wrongful death claims
• Provide Affordable Legal Representation: Free case evaluations and a contingency fee arrangement, so ZERO attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered

If you are hurt in a car crash during this Memorial Day weekend, Jeff’s got you. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today. 

Written By

Michelle Jaco

A content strategist and copywriter based in Orange County, she possesses over ten years of professional writing experience. A graduate of San Diego State University with a B.A. in English, she specializes in building brand identity and enhancing reader engagement, with expertise spanning legal content, software startup copy, and lifestyle branding. When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Michelle is typically traveling, running along the beach, and indulging her sports fandom by cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Dodgers (she maintains that she is not a bandwagoner).