Despite heavy rain forecasts, Californians and travelers across the U.S. are expected to hit the roads and skies in record numbers over the end-of-year holiday season.
An estimated 122.4 million people — more than a third of the national population — are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). That would mark a 2.2% increase over last year’s record of 119.7 million travelers.
“Year-end travel is a mix of family road trips, friend getaways and tropical vacations,” said Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel. “A common thread is the desire to travel, whether it’s returning to your hometown or exploring new destinations.”
Stormy weather ahead
Winter weather could complicate some trips. A Pacific storm is forecast to bring heavy rain to Southern California over the Christmas holiday, potentially causing travel delays and flooding, said Adam Roser, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Diego.
“The storm will move through the region from north to south, starting as early as Tuesday,” Roser said. Slick roads and possible aviation disruptions are expected due to heavy rain.
Bryan Lewis, meteorologist with the NWS office in Oxnard, said the peak of the storm in Southern California is likely to start Tuesday and continue through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego County, light showers may begin Tuesday, with the heaviest rain expected on Christmas Eve. Light to moderate showers are expected on Christmas Day and into the weekend.
Record travel numbers expected
AAA projects increases across all modes of travel this holiday season. Approximately 109.5 million people are expected to travel by car, up 2% from last year. Gas prices in California average $4.33 per gallon this week, a slight increase from last year.
About 8.03 million travelers will fly domestically, a 2.3% increase from last year. This marks the first time more than 8 million people are expected to travel by air over the holidays. Round-trip domestic flights average nearly $900 this year, a 7% increase over 2024.
Additionally, roughly 4.9 million people will use alternative modes of transportation, such as buses, trains, or cruises, to reach their holiday destinations.
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