Making Memorial Day travel plans? See the worst times to drive in California
If you’re planning a summer getaway for Memorial Day weekend, brace yourself for packed highways.
In 2026, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25.
Millions of travelers are expected to head out as the summer travel season begins.
“This year’s domestic travel forecast is slightly higher than last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record,” AAA said in a May 11 news release.
AAA said an estimated 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home between Thursday, May 21 and Monday, May 25.
“Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, and for most Americans, it’s a three-day weekend,” Stacey Barber, vice president of AAA Travel, said in the release. “Travel demand remains strong, and despite higher fuel prices, many people are prioritizing leisure travel during holiday breaks.”
If you’re planning to travel for Memorial Day weekend, here are the best — and worst — times to hit the road in California:
How expensive are gas prices in California?
According to AAA, approximately 39.1 million people are expected to travel by car during the holiday weekend.
“Driving is the most popular way to travel and makes up 87% of the share of Memorial Day travelers,” AAA said.
Travelers are paying significantly more at the pump this year compared to Memorial Day 2025, when a gallon of regular gasoline cost $3.17 a gallon nationwide on average.
As of Monday, May 18, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in California was about $6.15 — about $1.63 more than the national average of $4.52.
“The national average is at the same range as it was in 2022, the year gas prices hit record highs,” AAA said in a May 14 news release.
In May 2022, California’s average price for regular gas climbed to $5.87 per gallon before continuing to rise later that summer to a record high of $6.44, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
“Drivers will be facing the highest Memorial Day gas prices in four years,” AAA said.
According to AAA, the cheapest gas in California could be found in Tehama County, where regular gas cost about $5.81 per gallon on average. The highest price was in Mono County, where gas was averaging roughly $7.07 per gallon.
Drivers can check the AAA website for current fuel prices in their area.
How much are flight tickets for Memorial Day 2026?
“While gas prices are higher than last Memorial Day weekend, average ticket prices for flights are lower than last year for those who booked early,” AAA said.
AAA said about 3.7 million travelers will fly domestically over Memorial Day weekend, making air travel about 8% of holiday trips.
On average, roundtrip tickets to domestic destinations are down about 6% compared to Memorial Day 2025, with average fares around $800.
“Most of those trips were booked before rising jet fuel prices started affecting airfare,” AAA said.
What are the worst days to drive for Memorial Day 2026?
According to AAA, these are the worst days and times to hit the road in California during Memorial Day weekend:
- Thursday, May 21 — Noon to 9 p.m.
- Friday, May 22 — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 23 — Noon to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 24 — Minimal traffic expected
- Monday, May 25 — Noon to 5 p.m.
When are the best times to drive for Memorial Day 2026?
AAA said these are the best days and times to drive for Memorial Day weekend in 2026:
- Thursday, May 21 — After 9 p.m.
- Friday, May 22 — Before 11 a.m.
- Saturday, May 23 — Before 11 a.m.
- Sunday, May 24 — Minimal traffic expected
- Monday, May 25 — Before 10 a.m.
