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Thanksgiving 2025 Travel & Weather Guide: 81.8 Million Americans Expected to Travel
Thanksgiving 2025 Travel Alert

Thanksgiving 2025: 81.8 Million Americans Expected to Travel Amid Storm Warnings

Real-time weather forecasts, travel intelligence, and expert safety guidance for record-breaking holiday travel

Thanksgiving travelers at New York Penn Station during holiday rush
Thanksgiving travelers navigate New York’s Penn Station during a previous holiday surge. Photo by pmailletblogs / Flickr – CC BY 2.0

AAA projects a record 81.8 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving period (November 25 – December 1, 2025), creating one of the busiest holiday travel seasons in U.S. history. Approximately 73 million people will drive—nearly 90% of all travelers—representing an additional 1.3 million drivers compared to 2024.

However, two major storm systems are expected to impact large swaths of the country during peak travel days. The first system develops Monday, November 24, bringing rain to the southern Plains, Southeast, and potentially the mid-Atlantic or Northeast through Tuesday. A second system will affect the Pacific Northwest before diving across the country by midweek.

About 6 million people will fly—a 2% increase from last year—though average round-trip domestic airfare remains around $700. Following recent FAA flight reductions during government disruptions, Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed optimism that airline operations will return to normal before the holiday.

81.8M Total Travelers
73M Driving (90%)
6M Flying
2.5M Bus/Train/Cruise

Day-by-Day Weather & Travel Impact Forecast

Friday, November 21

High Impact Day

According to the FOX Forecast Center, Friday marks a potentially challenging day for early Thanksgiving travel, with active weather systems creating delays across multiple regions. Travelers should monitor local National Weather Service forecasts for real-time updates.

Middle Third of Country
Low-pressure system bringing storms across Gulf Coast, heavy rain in Mississippi and Ohio Valleys, Central Plains snow in Central Rockies
Atlanta (ATL) Dallas (DFW)
Northeast
Frontal system causing wintry precipitation for Interior New England, icy conditions in Green and White Mountains
New York (JFK) Boston (BOS) Washington (IAD)
Southwest
Storm system bringing rain and mountain snow into SoCal and desert Southwest
Los Angeles (LAX) Seattle (SEA)

Saturday, November 22

Moderate Impact

Weekend travel conditions improve overall, though some regions still face precipitation challenges.

Gulf Coast & Mid-Atlantic
Cold front bringing rain from eastern Texas to Delaware. Heaviest rainfall around southern Appalachians
Atlanta (ATL) Charlotte (CLT) Houston (IAH)
Western States
Lingering showers and high-elevation snow in Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest
Seattle (SEA)

Sunday, November 23

Moderate Impact

Most of the East is expected to see fewer weather impacts, while the South and Southwest will continue to face travel challenges according to forecast models.

Southern Tier
Developing low-pressure system bringing rain and mountain snow to Southern Rockies, stormy conditions in Southern Plains
Dallas (DFW) Houston (IAH)
Pacific Northwest
Continued rain and mountain snow
Seattle (SEA)

Monday, November 24

High Impact Day

The first major storm system develops, bringing significant weather impacts across the South and northern tier.

Deep South & Southern Plains
Soggy conditions with possible thunderstorm threat
Dallas (DFW) Houston (IAH)
Northern Tier
Wintry mix possible in northern New England
Seattle (SEA)

Tuesday, November 25 – Peak Travel Day

High Impact Day

AAA and INRIX warn that Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning represents the most congested period on U.S. roads before Thanksgiving. The AAA-defined travel window runs Tuesday, November 25 through Monday, December 1, 2025. More widespread weather impacts expected across the eastern half of the country during this peak period.

Eastern Half of U.S.
Widespread rainfall with possible thunderstorms extending from Northeast to Deep South and Upper Midwest
Houston (IAH) Chicago (ORD) New York (JFK) Atlanta (ATL) Washington (IAD)
Upper Midwest
Wintry weather possible in northern Minnesota
Minneapolis (MSP)

Thanksgiving Day, November 27

Favorable for Most

According to long-range forecasts, the West, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and much of the Southeast should enjoy dry conditions. East Coast parades will experience unseasonably warm temperatures.

Missouri to Texas
Some rain expected on Wednesday into Thanksgiving Day, with potential for snow where colder air takes hold
St. Louis (STL) Kansas City (MCI)
Most of U.S.
Dry, favorable conditions for celebrations and parades
New York (JFK) Los Angeles (LAX)

How Americans Are Traveling This Thanksgiving

🚗
By Car
73 Million
Nearly 90% of Thanksgiving travelers, representing an additional 1.3 million drivers compared to 2024. According to AAA booking data, domestic car rentals are 15% cheaper this year, with Wednesday being the busiest pick-up day. At the pump, drivers are paying about the same as last year—AAA noted the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline was about $3.06 on Thanksgiving Day 2024.
✈️
By Air
6 Million
A 2% increase from 2024, though some travelers opted to drive following recent flight cancellations during the government shutdown. Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed optimism that operations would normalize before the holiday. Average round-trip domestic flight cost: $700.
🚌
Bus/Train/Cruise
2.5 Million
An 8.5% increase, with buses and trains seeing upticks in last-minute bookings. Cruising continues post-pandemic growth with 20.7 million American cruise passengers projected for 2025. Thanksgiving cruises to the Caribbean are especially popular for families seeking mild weather and all-inclusive convenience.

Expert Travel Tips for a Smooth Journey

⏰
Time Your Departure
Avoid Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning—the peak congestion window. If possible, travel on Thanksgiving Day itself for clearer roads and cheaper flights. Early morning departures typically face less traffic.
🔧
Vehicle Preparation
Check tire pressure, battery health, and fluid levels. Fill up the night before departure. Keep emergency supplies including blankets, water, snacks, and phone chargers in case of weather-related delays.
📱
Stay Informed
Download weather apps and enable flight tracking notifications. Follow airport social media accounts for real-time updates. Sign up for airline text alerts about gate changes and delays.
🧳
Pack Smart
Allow extra time for TSA security lines. Pack medications in carry-on bags. Consider shipping gifts ahead to avoid baggage fees and security hassles with wrapped packages.
💰
Budget Wisely
Take advantage of 15% cheaper car rentals this year. Flying on Thanksgiving Day is cheaper, though return flights on Sunday/Monday drive up overall ticket prices. Consider alternative airports for better deals.
❤️
Health Considerations
Long drives, traffic delays, and weather stress can affect those with cardiovascular conditions. Take frequent rest breaks, stay hydrated, keep warm, and ensure medication is easily accessible. The American Heart Association recommends that older travelers and those with heart conditions plan for extra rest time and consult their physician before long trips.

Stay Safe This Thanksgiving

With record-breaking travel numbers and challenging weather across multiple regions, preparation is key to a safe and enjoyable holiday. Monitor forecasts closely, allow extra travel time, and prioritize safety over strict schedules.

Official Data Sources & Authorities:

Primary Sources: AAA Travel Forecast (Nov 17, 2025) | FOX Weather Forecast Center | National Weather Service | Federal Aviation Administration | Delta Air Lines Operations Update | U.S. Energy Information Administration

Health & Safety: American Heart Association Travel Guidance | Transportation Security Administration

Image Credit: Featured image by pmailletblogs / Flickr – CC BY 2.0

Note: Weather forecasts are dynamic. The AAA-defined Thanksgiving travel window is Tuesday, November 25 through Monday, December 1, 2025. Travelers should check local National Weather Service forecasts and airline notifications for real-time updates.

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Govind Tekale

Embarking on a new journey post-retirement, Govind, once a dedicated teacher, has transformed his enduring passion for current affairs and general knowledge into a conduit for expression through writing. His historical love affair with reading, which borders on addiction, has evolved into a medium to articulate his thoughts and disseminate vital information. Govind pens down his insights on a myriad of crucial topics, including the environment, wildlife, energy, sustainability, and health, weaving through every aspect that is quintessential for both our existence and that of our planet. His writings not only mirror his profound understanding and curiosity but also serve as a valuable resource, offering a deep dive into issues that are critical to our collective future and well-being.

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