Fourth of July weekend travel predictions could break records, here’s what to expect
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Fourth of July holiday travel week could be record-breaking
Nearly 62 million Americans will be hitting the roads for the weekend, which will be a new record. AAA said North Carolinians represent 2.3 million of those traveling — that’s an increase of 80,000 travelers. Severe storms are complicating travel plans going into the holiday week. Heavy rains, strong winds and even hail forced several ground stops around the country Saturday.Flight Aware is reporting thousands of delays and cancellations as a result of the storms. The best time to head out on the road is in the early mornings. Right now, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.19. That’s 26 cents higher than the average price for fuel here in North Carolina.
AAA predictions for Fourth of July travel weekendWe are less than a week away from Independence Day and more than 70 million people are expected to travel for the holiday, according to AAA.Nearly 62 million Americans will be hitting the roads for the weekend, which will be a new record. AAA said North Carolinians represent 2.3 million of those traveling — that’s an increase of 80,000 travelers.AAA anticipates the busiest days to drive will be between July 2 and July 6, with the heaviest traffic in the afternoons and evenings. They recommend the best time to head out on the road is in the early mornings.Gas prices — what to expectGood news for those driving: AAA reports that gas prices are at their lowest in four years. Right now, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.19. That’s 26 cents higher than the average price for fuel here in North Carolina.Flight delays due to weather — what to expect If you plan on flying, you might want to pack your patience. Severe storms are complicating travel plans going into the holiday week. Heavy rains, strong winds and even hail forced several ground stops around the country Saturday.Flight Aware is reporting thousands of delays and cancellations as a result.You can track delays and cancellations here.
AAA predictions for Fourth of July travel weekend
We are less than a week away from Independence Day and more than 70 million people are expected to travel for the holiday, according to AAA.
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Nearly 62 million Americans will be hitting the roads for the weekend, which will be a new record. AAA said North Carolinians represent 2.3 million of those traveling — that’s an increase of 80,000 travelers.
AAA anticipates the busiest days to drive will be between July 2 and July 6, with the heaviest traffic in the afternoons and evenings. They recommend the best time to head out on the road is in the early mornings.
Gas prices — what to expect
Good news for those driving: AAA reports that gas prices are at their lowest in four years. Right now, the national average for a gallon of regular gas is $3.19. That’s 26 cents higher than the average price for fuel here in North Carolina.
Flight delays due to weather — what to expect
If you plan on flying, you might want to pack your patience.
Severe storms are complicating travel plans going into the holiday week. Heavy rains, strong winds and even hail forced several ground stops around the country Saturday.
Flight Aware is reporting thousands of delays and cancellations as a result.
You can track delays and cancellations here.
AAA predicts record-breaking 72.2 million travelers for Independence Day holiday
A record-breaking 72.2 million travelers across the US, including 3.45 million Ohioans, are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the July 4 holiday. AAA is urging you to give yourself time to get your vehicle up to date. Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 expected to be busiest days on roads for driving. AAA says we’re at the lowest summer gas prices since 2021. The best times to drive are before 11am and after lunch, the worst are during the afternoon and early evening, AAA says. The worst time to drive is during the evening and early morning. The most popular fireworks shows are in New York, Boston and Vancouver.
A record-breaking 72.2 million travelers across the US, including 3.45 million Ohioans, are expected to travel 50 miles or more for the July 4 holiday.
Top Destinations
Alaska cruises are in peak season
Florida and Hawaii are in high demand for their resorts and attractions
New York and Boston host two of the most popular fireworks shows
Vancouver tops international list followed by Europe (Rome, Paris, London, Barcelona)
“We know that people prefer to drive to their destinations, but there are a fair number of people, obviously, who will fly. One interesting thing that I saw here in Ohio is that air travel has actually dropped 1%,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA public affairs manager.
A couple of reasons why travelers might decide to drive rather than fly are cost and airline availability.
“We’re attributing that to the higher cost of airline tickets, because they’ve gone up a bit. Inventories are down on airlines. Because airline companies have shrunk their inventory, they have shrunk their flights. So it’s tougher to get a flight out these days. And we always tell people, if you see something, you might want to get it right away because later on it may not be available,” Hitchens said.
If you are driving, AAA is urging you to give yourself time to get your vehicle up to date.
Best/Worst Times to Drive
Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 expected to be busiest days on roads
If you wait until after lunch to leave, you will sit in traffic
Morning departures before 11am are ideal
“Check things like your battery, and check your tires for the air pressure and for the tread depth. You want to make sure that all your fluids are topped off, your engine oil and your coolant,” Hitchens said.
AAA is also reminding drivers not to be distracted.
“Phones should be set to ‘do not disturb,’” reminds Hitchens. “Set the navigation, climate control, and infotainment controls before leaving the driveway. Instead of going through a fast-food drive-through, take a break from the road and go inside the restaurant to eat. Not only will that cut down on driving fatigue, but it will also keep food and beverage from becoming a distraction.”
A big positive for driving: AAA says we’re at the lowest summer gas prices since 2021.
“It’s hard to say what gas prices will be next week because we’re still a week out, but gas prices are looking really good, and I think that’s what is prompting people to drive,” Hitchens said.
Keep in mind law enforcement and construction workers will also be out and about, so keep your eyes out for that.
Fourth of July forecast includes stormy weather for these travel hotspots
Long-range forecasts indicate that a cold front may bring widespread storms to the northern Plains and Southeastern US on the Fourth of July. There is even an outside potential for a home-grown tropical system to develop close to the Southeast coast during the holiday weekend. A record-breaking 72.2 million Americans are preparing to travel for the holiday, according to AAA. thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Northeastern portion of the Interstate 95 corridor on Tuesday and could potentially impact flights at some of the country’s busiest air travel hubs. Independence Day fireworks displays and barbecues could be dampened in the front-range of the Rockies, the Midwest, and the Southeast.
However, long-range forecasts indicate that a cold front may bring widespread storms to the northern Plains and Southeastern US on the Fourth, and there is even an outside potential for a home-grown tropical system to develop close to the Southeast coast during the holiday weekend, according to the FOX Forecast Center.
The record-breaking number of expected travelers is due in part to the holiday falling on a Friday this year, creating a built-in three-day weekend for many, Melanie Fish, a travel expert with Vrbo, told FOX Weather.
CARIBBEAN MONITORED FOR POSSIBLE TROPICAL DEVELOPMENT AHEAD OF FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY
Long-range forecast for Independence Day, 2025.
(FOX Weather)
Ahead of America’s 249th birthday, thunderstorms are expected to develop across the Northeastern portion of the Interstate 95 corridor on Tuesday and could potentially impact flights at some of the country’s busiest air travel hubs.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the nation’s busiest, could also see storms on Tuesday as afternoon thunderstorms could fire across the Southeast and southern Plains ahead of the aforementioned cold front.
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Dry conditions are expected to return to the Northeast, Midwest and northern Plains by Wednesday.
The Northeast, mid-Atlantic and most of the country west of the Rocky Mountains will be dry on the holiday itself.
Meanwhile, Independence Day fireworks displays and barbecues could be dampened in the front-range of the Rockies, the Midwest, and the Southeast.
The vast majority of the country will not see extreme heat during the holiday weekend.
Wet holiday weekend for Southeastern US, tropical system could potentially form
According to the FOX Forecast Center, early forecast models show that a stalled cold front will drape over the southeastern US, from Louisiana to North Carolina, beginning on the Fourth of July and lasting through the weekend.
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(FOX Weather)
While it has been a slow start to the hurricane season in the Atlantic basin, warm waters conducive for tropical development remain in the Gulf and off the coast of the southeastern US.
The presence of an area of low pressure in this region has created a non-zero chance for the development of a tropical system.
Regardless of development, tropical moisture will enhance rainfall totals through Independence Day weekend for the Southeast.
BRYAN NORCROSS: AN AREA TO WATCH IN THE SOUTHERN GULF
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Experts Anticipate Record-Breaking July 4th Travel Via Car And Plane – What To Know
Experts are predicting a record-breaking travel period for this year’s July 4th holiday. The American Automobile Association (AAA) anticipates record-setting numbers of car and plane travelers. To avoid traffic, drivers should hit the road as early as possible. Early to late mornings will have the least congestion, whereas the afternoons and evenings will likely have peak traffic. The busiest days to travel by car will be Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6.
Notably, AAA expects travel by other modes of transportation – bus, train, and cruise – to increase by 7.4% over last year. This year’s designated travel report forecasted travel from June 28 through July 6, which includes two weekends.
“Summertime is one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and July 4th is one of the most popular times to get away,” said the Vice President of AAA Travel, Stacey Barber. “Following Memorial Day’s record forecast, AAA is seeing strong demand for road trips and air travel over Independence Day week. With the holiday falling on a Friday, travelers have the option of making it a long weekend or taking the entire week to make memories with family and friends.”
What Else Should I Know About July 4th Travel This Year?
Transportation data and insights provider INRIX believes that the busiest days to travel by car will be Wednesday, July 2, and Sunday, July 6. To avoid traffic, drivers should hit the road as early as possible. Early to late mornings will have the least congestion, whereas the afternoons and evenings will likely have peak traffic.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) also anticipates a busy travel period around this Fourth of July. It estimates that 18.5 million will embark on air travel from Tuesday, July 1, through Monday, July 7. The governmental authority anticipates that the busiest air travel day for 2025’s Independence Day will be Sunday, July 6, when it expects 2.9 million travelers.
Texas, US expected to see record-breaking travel the week of the Fourth of July, AAA says
Trips around the Fourth of July are projected to increase by 2.2% compared to last year. A total of 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes between Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, July 6. Of those, 5.7 million will be Texans. AAA Texas urges drivers to watch for stopped vehicles and to slow down and move over for emergency responders. The 2025 domestic travel forecast. reports an increase of 369,000 Texas travelers compared to. last year and a increase of 521,000 from 2019. This year’s Independence Day travel is anticipated to break records for total travel as well as travel by car and by air.
Trips around the Fourth of July are projected to increase by 2.2% compared to last year, according to the American Automobile Association Texas. A total of 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their homes between Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, July 6. Of those, 5.7 million will be Texans.
The 2025 domestic travel forecast reports an increase of 369,000 Texas travelers compared to last year and an increase of 521,000 from 2019.
“Summer is one of the busiest travel seasons, and Independence Day consistently ranks among the most popular times for a getaway,” said Galen Grillo, Vice President and General Manager of AAA Texas. “Following a record-setting Memorial Day forecast, AAA Texas is seeing continued strong demand for both road trips and air travel during the July Fourth holiday period. With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, many travelers are planning extended weekends or full-week vacations to spend quality time with family and friends.”
Nationally, this year’s Independence Day travel is anticipated to break records for total travel as well as travel by car and by air. AAA Texas reports 85% of those traveling for leisure over the holiday will do so by car. This can be at least partly attributed to summer gas prices, which are at their lowest since 2021. Gas is about 30 cents cheaper than it was last summer.
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Experts say Wednesday, July 2 and Sunday, July 6 will be the busiest days for travelers on the road. Afternoon hours will also be more congested, so driving in the morning may help travelers avoid the worst traffic. However, this will change in areas with construction, crashes or severe weather. AAA Texas urges drivers to watch for stopped vehicles and to slow down and move over for emergency responders.
Independence Day 2025 travel forecast: Texas
Mode of Travel Leisure Travelers Change from 2024 Change from 2019 Total Travel Volume 5.7 million +2.2% +10% Auto 4.9 million +2.1% +10.3% Air 564,000 +1.2% +17% Other (bus, train, cruise) 244,000 +4.5% -7.4% Table by Alexis Simmerman/American-Statesman | Data by AAA Texas
Independence Day 2025 travel forecast: US
Mode of Travel Leisure Travelers Change from 2024 Change from 2019 Total Travel Volume 72.2 million +2.4% +10.7% Auto 61.6 million +2.2% +11.3% Air 5.84 million +1.4% +14.2% Other (bus, train, cruise) 4.78 million +7.4% -0.1% Table by Alexis Simmerman/American-Statesman | Data by AAA Texas
More Independence Day 2025 travel statistics
In addition to travel volume by vehicle, AAA Texas provides the following information about Fourth of July travel:
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/fourth-july-weekend-travel-predictions-033508964.html