NORTH SOUND, MAY 22: It is almost here; the Memorial Day Weekend. Some call it the official ‘start’ of summer. Many people head out of town for the holiday weekend, and others participate in outdoor activities like ball games and hikes.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates 44 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend, matching 2005’s record of 44 million travelers. In Washington State, over one million residents plan to travel on the road during the holiday weekend, Friday, May 23, to Monday, May 26.
Nearly 90% of all travel will involve a car. Another 8% is expected to be through the air, according to AAA.
Fortunately, gas prices in the State are lower than they were a year ago, yet remain higher than neighboring states. The average price of a gallon of regular gas across the nation is around $3.18, about 25 cents lower than a year ago. In the western U.S., though, the price of gas remains higher than the national average.
Washington is currently at about $4.36 per gallon, down about 24 cents from a year ago. California sits around $4.90 per gallon, Oregon $3.97, Idaho $3.32, and British Columbia $6.94 per gallon (converted from liters).
Here are some holiday travel tips heading into the holiday weekend.
Weather
Memorial Day Weekend has the stigma that it always rains over the holiday weekend. So far this century, there have been 10 years with no rain at all, including 2023, and seven more years where it rained but just one day during the three-day weekend. Last year, it rained a total of nearly three-tenths of an inch on Saturday and Sunday. The holiday itself was dry. Yet high temperatures were quite cool, hovering on either side of 60 degrees through the weekend.
The weather during the holiday weekend was exceptional in 2017. Under brilliant sunshine, high temperatures soared to around 80 degrees each day.
This year looks to be one of those holiday weekends with plenty of sunshine and warm weather. High temperatures are forecast to climb into the 70s across much of the North Sound. Shoreline areas will likely be cooler, in the 60s. Yet, the weather will offer pleasant conditions for outdoor activities throughout the weekend.
If heading into the Cascades or Olympics for the weekend, expect a mix of sun and clouds with the freezing level around 10,000 feet.
East of the Cascades weather will also offer warm sunshine through the holiday weekend. High temperatures each day will climb into the 70s and 80s, depending on the location.
On the Road
The Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) strongly suggests traveling during non-peak hours during the weekend.
If you are planning to head north toward the Canadian border, drive east of the Cascades, head south toward Portland, or take a ferry going west. Friday from about midday through about sunset is the busiest and slowest drive time period. WSDOT suggests hitting the road before 10 a.m. on getaway Friday. On Saturday, in all directions, another peak in traffic volumes is late morning through mid-afternoon.
Returning from the holiday weekend will also be a chore. The peak times start late in the morning on Monday, Memorial Day and continue through to about sundown. Again, WSDOT suggests leaving Sunday, early Monday morning or wait until later Monday night, or even on Tuesday.
For the details of expected peak travel times heading north, south or east, as well as the return from your destination, the state DOT has a Memorial Day Weekend Travel Times webpage.
For those driving east of Ellensburg and the Columbia River, WSDOT will pause the bridge construction project and open all lanes at Vantage along I-90. Other road work projects across the state will also be on hold over the holiday weekend.
The Washington State Ferries simply says expect long terminal wait times on Thursday into Saturday heading westbound, and again for eastbound sailings on both Sunday and Monday. The latest ferry information, including crossing schedules, ticket information, and ferry alerts is on their website.
Flying
For those flying out of Everett-Paine Field or Sea-Tac Airport, be sure to have your Real-ID, passport, or military ID handy when going through security. And arrive early to avoid any potential delays.
Wherever you go this holiday weekend, drive safely and pack your patience. Your nerves will feel better by leaving way early or much later to avoid those peak travel periods. And remember and honor those who paid the ultimate price for our country and freedom.
