They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but holiday travel might convince you otherwise.
While the likes of Rockefeller Center and holiday markets in Midtown are full to the brim with crowds, cross-country treks aren’t going to be any less hectic. AAA predicts that a record-breaking 122.4 million travelers will venture over 50 miles this holiday season between Christmas and New Year’s. Naturally, that means some of us are bound to experience a few hiccups from Mother Nature.
If you’re packing your bags and spending December 25th somewhere other than NYC, we’ll tell you what you need to know.
What New Yorkers need to know about 2025 holiday travel
Christmas Day itself will be fairly mild in NYC — record-breaking in fact, according to the AccuWeather Forecast. Naturally, this not necessarily mean those making their way to and from the NYC are in the clear.
NYC & the northeast
While we might not see a white Christmas on the 25th, we’ll potentially see some flurries on the Monday or Tuesday beforehand, December 22nd and 23rd. AccuWeather predicts a snow and icy mix from the northern tier and the Pocono Mountains to upstate New York and central and northern New England.
All in all, those in the northeast making their way up and down the coast should be mindful that we could see some wintry conditions at the beginning of the week before temperatures warm up on the big day itself.
U.S./Canada border
Those who are heading to the Great White North can certainly expect snow from our Canadian neighbors.
“The strengthening of the polar vortex is locking up the coldest air in Canada with the main track of storms near the U.S./Canada border for the week ahead,” AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said in a statement.
Although the pros say the snow will remain up north, it looks like the midwest and potentially the northeast could expect a few temperature dips because of this before it ultimately warms up on Christmas day.
The west coast
The west coast, and California in particular, are likely to be problematic this holiday season, according to AccuWeather. Cali will mirror that torrential rain NYC experienced on Friday the 19th, so make sure you have an umbrella handy if you’re heading cross-country.
The middle of the country
While there’s snow up north, rain out west, the middle of the country is going to have higher-than-usual temps, per AccuWeather’s findings with daily record highs in the zone from Texas to Kansas, Missouri and Georgia on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, per the report.
To learn more about what to expect as you head towards family and loved ones this holiday season, read the AccuWeather forecast in full. Stay safe!