

The high altitude causes greater snowfall than locations further east: 17” per year on average (with peaks of about 40”) - 43 to 102 cm.ĭuring winter, cold winds from the north can drop the temperatures below freezing and provoke blizzard conditions. It can snow in the Texas Panhandle at any time between September and May (first snow is usually on the first week of December). During winter the highs average 50☏ (10☌) with lows below freezing: 25☏ (-4☌). Summer highs (June through September) average over 90☏ (30☌) and the average lows are about 65☏ (19☌). This area has a Semiarid Steppe Climate, and is rather dry but very sunny: rainfall averages 20 in per year (500 mm). 12 cm per year) in the Mojave Desert region in California and also in Western Arizona.Īverage High ⁄ Low Temperatures in Winter and Summer: There is less rainfall in the Southwest, and it reaches its lowest values (less than 5 in. There is a clear gradient with a decreasing trend of rainfall as you head west once you reach central Oklahoma. In the maps below, we show the alignment of Route 66 with a black line linking Chicago in the east with Los Angeles in the west. Learn More.Įnable Javascript for a better user experience, and to see the images on this webpage Detailed Seasonal Weather info on US66 1. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. National Weather Service: Forecasts & alerts.State of the Climate: National Climatic Data Center (NCDC).You can also check some official websites with weather alerts, forecasts and snow ⁄ rainfall information: In each of our "Town" web pages, we include a summary of the town's weather and the current forecast. We had to take a detour (via US 95, Laughling Nevada and US93) to reach Kingman as the highway was flooded passing Needles!

Traffic slowed down and even stopped on I-40, pulling over onto the shoulder. The day we took the picture shown above, on Jit poured rain fell like cats and dogs and visibility was virtually zero. Summer thunderstorm over the Mojave desert in California. Thunderstorm looms over the Mojave in California. Should be expected and planned for, summer is the monsoon period in the Southwestern US take rain gear with you, don't let it spoil your outdoor activities during your trip. Just dress comfortably for the hot weather and keep hydrated. Heat and summer storms: Summer can be pretty warm in the Western areas of Route 66, but that is no problem with air-conditioned cars, motels, hotels, restaurants and diners. Snow on Route 66, winter 2019 Car driving under 40 inches of snow, Flagstaff, AZ. Carry a light jacket with you, even in summer. In the West, there is a large swing between day time and night time temperatures. More on Tornados below.Ĭold weather and low temperatures can be encountered even in summer. Tornados (visit our page on tornadoes) can and do take place east of the Rocky Mountains during any month of the year,īut they are less frequent in winter and more common during spring and early summer (March to June). If you travel earlier (January to April), or later (November and December), you run the risk of encountering snow and cold weather.īear in mind that US 66 runs all the way from Chicago in the North of the US to balmy Los Angeles in the Southwest, so it crosses several climate zones. The best season for your Route 66 Road Trip is the period of the year that spans from the middle of spring until mid-fall, including summer (May to October).

Your Route 66 roadtrip will be a pleasant adventure if the weather is good. Service stations, and of course driving Route 66, so weather plays a very important role. Parks), sightseeing and taking photos of classic motels and The outdoor activites along the mother highway include visiting National Parks (Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest Nat. The time of the year you choose for your Route 66 roadtrip is very important.
