Thanksgiving Travel in Southern California Expected to Break Records

Experts warn of severe traffic on Tuesday and Wednesday, with 6.6 million Californians set to travel during the holiday period.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving is projected to see the worst traffic in Southern California, with travel times increasing by up to 38%, especially between 1 to 7 p.m.
A record-breaking 6.6 million Southern Californians are expected to travel for the holiday, a 2.8% increase from last year and 3.3% higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The 405 Freeway and Interstate 5 northbound between Los Angeles and Bakersfield are among the most congested routes, with Wednesday night also seeing significant delays.
The Automobile Club of Southern California advises drivers to travel during off-peak hours or on Thanksgiving Day itself to avoid heavy congestion.
Rain earlier in the week may contribute to slippery road conditions, but Thursday and Friday are expected to bring clearer skies for travelers.