Michigan Travel: Here Are the Best and Worst Times to Travel

AAA has revealed their 2021 holiday travel predictions, and in it, they give us insight into when to travel- and when to stay home. I’ve been caught in many traffic jams over holiday weekends over the years, and I’m sure you have, too, so this advice is very welcomed.

There are only two days in the upcoming weeks that will have low traffic, according to AAA: Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

If you’re traveling outside of those days, AAA has some suggestions of when to hit the road, which you’ll find below.

When it comes to the “Worst Corridors and Times to Travel,” AAA says Michiganders traveling through Detroit should avoid US-23 North between 8 Mile Rd to I-96 on Thursday (Dec. 23) from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. That actually surprises me, because I figured most people would be on the road Christmas Eve.

Read on for the best and worst times to travel this holiday season. Drive safe!

Daily Worst and Best Times to Travel (via AAA):

12/23/21

WORST: 12:00–6:00pm

BEST: After 7:00pm

12/24/21

WORST: 2:00–6:00pm

BEST: Before 1:00pm

12/25/21

Minimal congestion expected

12/26/21

WORST: 1:00–7:00pm

BEST: Before 12:00pm

12/27/21

WORST: 5:00–6:00pm

BEST: Before 1:00pm

12/28/21

WORST: 1:00–7:00pm

BEST: Before 12:00pm

12/29/21

WORST: 1:00–7:00pm

BEST: Before 11:00am

12/30/21

WORST: 1:00–7:00pm

BEST: Before 12:00pm

12/31/21

WORST: 2:00–4:00pm

BEST: Before 1:00pm, after 5:00pm

1/1/22

Minimal congestion expected

1/2/22

WORST: 2:00–6:00pm

BEST: Before 1:00pm

Why We Love About Michigan in the Winter:

• Skiing, sledding and winter activities: As mentioned in the snow section of this post, if you love now, skiing and sledding, then Michigan is a great state to be in the winter. With so much of the white stuff, Michigan offers boundless opportunities to sled and ski all winter long.

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  (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

• Upper Peninsula fun: Plenty of people visit the Upper Peninsula during the warm months, but winter is also a great time to visit. You don’t have to fight the crowds, plus winter is extra beautiful Up North, thanks to all the fresh snow.

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  (Photo by Hugh Pinney/Getty Images)

• Winter fun with friends: Sure, the southern U.S. states avoid freezing cold temperatures, but what’s the fun of a fire pit in 70-degree weather? When it’s cold out, fire up the fire pit and invite friends over for a special experience.

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  (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
• Winter hiking: You never know what you’ll find during a Michigan winter hike. Perhaps some deer or a beautiful snow bank?

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  (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

• Watching wildlife: Michigan has some beautiful wildlife in the spring and summer months, but the state also offers a plethora of winter wildlife that’s fun to watch, from birds to deer.

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  (Photo by Phil Cole/Getty Images)

• Watching winter sports: Can we say, “Hockey?!” Michiganders love their Michigan sports, and hockey is right up there. Let’s hope the Red Wings deliver this season.

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  (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
• Snow: If you’re someone who loves snow, then boy, you’re in the right place. Michigan is full of the cold stuff in the winter. Snow can be beautiful and lends itself to plenty of fun winter activities.

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  (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)

• Hot chocolate: Whether you like your hot chocolate with marshmallows or whipped cream (Marshmallows for me!), winter in Michigan is the perfect time to enjoy a nice, piping hot cup of hot cocoa. If that’s not your thing, coffee works, too!

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  (Photo by Giorgio Perottino/Getty Images)