In just three weeks, the Christmas holiday will be here, and millions of Americans are expected to travel across the U.S., and beyond, to make their way to see family and friends. In 2024, the research from the AAA projected 119.3 million people would travel 50 miles or more from home from Dec. 21 to Jan. 1, and if this year’s travel patterns are like Thanksgiving, there will be even more travelers in 2025.
Traveling means making sure condition are safe on the roads. Over the Thanksgiving holiday, AAA projected at least 73 million people would travel by car, accounting for 90 percent of Thanksgiving travelers and an additional 1.3 million people on the road compared to Thanksgiving 2024.
So, will the roads be safe or snowy and icy over the Christmas holiday? Even though we’re still weeks out, the experts at the Farmer’s Almanac has an idea of what to expect.
Official Christmas 2025 Weather Forecast From the Farmer’s Almanac
The Farmer’s Almanac has released its official Christmas 2025 weather forecast, which looks at conditions across the U.S. and Canada. In it, they say that weather conditions in the U.S. could make “traveling a challenge” in certain areas.
“Snow is expected across many areas of the United States, including the Northeast, Upper Midwest, Lower Lakes, the eastern Ohio Valley, and Alaska—where scattered snow showers and flurries may make traveling a challenge statewide—leading to a chance for a white Christmas,” the Almanac notes in their annual holiday weather feature.”
While snow is an issue, storms and rain are also expected in the northern Pacific Northwest during Christmas week, according to their report.
But, some areas of the U.S. will get lucky. “Sunny skies and minimal precipitation are forecast for the Atlantic Corridor, Southeast, Florida, Heartland, Texas–Oklahoma, and Hawaii—ideal for smooth holiday travel,” they note.
Areas With Mixed Christmas Weather
Mixed weather conditions are expected for the rest of the country, with the Almanac calling for “varied weather” in the Deep South, Atlantic Corridor, Appalachians and Desert Southwest. In Canada, the Farmer’s Almanac says to expect snowy conditions for most of the country.
In general, “From snowy mountain passes to sunny southern roads, Christmas week 2025 will bring a variety of winter conditions across North America.” So, be prepared for anything, but these regional predictions should help travelers get a feel for what to expect when they hit the road for the holiday.
Also, even with good conditions, remember that Christmas week is one of the busiest travel periods, so allow for plenty of extra time, whether or not there’s snow on the ground.
