Knowing when to book a motorcycle tour is never easy, especially when travelling to a new country. So, here are a few ideas to take into consideration so you can ensure you're driving Route 66 without a care in the world.
Spring
From March to May, Spring has a hold of Route 66. At this time of year it can still be cold in places along the road (in March it's not unheard of to spot snow), and there's always a good chance of rain. Don't discount it just yet though – the relative lack of tourists, fresh smells of spring, and being able to avoid those scorching hot days may just yet persuade you that this is the perfect time for you to be setting out on your great American road trip route.
Summer
With high temperature averages sitting between 27 – 38 degrees Celsius, summer will give you beautiful sun-filled days to cruise along Route 66, from June to August. Shops and accommodation are geared up with air conditioning, so as long as you dress to combat the heat, summer means incredible weather with which to see all the sights.
However, be prepared to fight the influx of tourists to do so. Summer here, as with most places, is prime travelling time. Don't let that stop you following the call of those hot, sunny days though, if that's what you're craving. Just ensure you allow yourself more time to deal with the crowds, and be aware that in some places rates may go up with the demand.
And don't forget … Summer also means the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, one of the biggest bike festivals of all time.
Autumn
Fall, as Americans refer to it, settles in over September to November. Leaves change colour, and those hot days that send heat waves up from the tarmac will soften into warmer temperatures. After September and the Labor day long weekend, traffic dies down due to the school year beginning, and the peak travel season will have passed. Now is a great time to enjoy the clear open roads, knowing that as the days grow cooler, summer is approaching back home in Australia.
Just don't forget Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November – the quickly cooling weather won't stop the rise in traffic once more for this popular public holiday.
Winter
December to March, winter has a hold of Route 66. And along the Mother Road (a nickname for this highway from 'The Grapes of Wrath' by John Steinbeck), this does not mean anything mild. Plummeting to as low as negative 40 degrees Celsius, Route 66 becomes a place of bone-chilling winds, sleet, icy roads, and snow. The sun rises late and sets early, and road closures can create delays.
Route 66 is mostly inhospitable during the winter months, and a lot of businesses close down over this period. However, with the lack of tourists willing to brave the cold, empty roads will stretch out in front of you. Winter has a stark beauty to it, but just be prepared for the harsh conditions.
Timeless hints
No matter the time of year, there are a few basic things that the weather is always going to influence for your trip. Rain gear is essential, as even in the height of summer there's always a good chance of rain. Light, warm bases are important to pack as well. With the changes in elevation and desert stretches, mornings and evenings can hold quite a chill.
When choosing a time to drive Route 66, don't forget to take your work schedule into account. As much as you might want to travel at a certain time of year, knowing work is piling up back home due to a busy period is the kind of stress that can take the enjoyment out of travel.
Whether you wish to travel spring, summer, or fall, we offer bucket list tours that can be tailored to suit you. Reach out, and let us know when hitting the open road works for you.
