What’s The Best Time Of Year To Ride Route 66? People ask us this question all the time. The season starts in May and runs through October – before or after that, you risk running into cold weather, especially in the midwest and the higher elevation portions of 66. We’re ridden Route 66 as early as the beginning of April, and had to deal with pouring rain, hailstorms, even a blizzard! Here are our thoughts on what’s the best time of year to ride Route 66:
1) Weather: Really anytime between mid-May and mid-October you should have a lovely ride. There’s always a good chance you’ll see rain, as Route 66 is more than 2,300 miles long through varied terrain. Be sure to bring rain gear, and if you’re riding in the high summer, also consider a cooling vest, which can make your ride far more comfortable and safe. And even if you’re riding in the summer, bring a warm, light base layer – it can be quite cold in the desert in the morning and evenings. And in the midwest, there’s always the risk of a tornado -plenty of excitement on The Mother Road.
Want to get an idea of the temperature in one of the highest elevated portions of Route 66? Click here for the current weather forecast in Williams, Arizona (and pay close attention to the lows).
2) Tourist Traffic: Let’s face it, Route 66 is growing in popularity, and not only motorcycles but even large tour groups in buses are traveling The Mother Road. While 66 is inherently never going to be as busy as any given Interstate in America, chances are you’ll encounter more fellow travelers in June, July and August. From the first week of September on, there will be less people on the roads as the summer’s over and people return to work. May is a good month too, although the spring weather can be more of a risk. Don’t get us wrong, a ride down Route 66 in the summer months is wonderful, just expect to see more people than you would in the off months.
3) When do you have the time? Really, this is the most important question of all. We all seem to have little things in our lives like work, family, health and other obligations that interfere with our riding! Guided tours have preset dates (click here for the current schedule we offer), but if those dates don’t work, you can always hire a bike and arrange your own trip, and/or do a self-drive tour, where the hotels are pre-booked for you. Just make sure to ride anywhere between May and October; November to April the weather is a bit too risky.
So if pressed, in our opinion, what’s the best time of year to ride Route 66? Mid September – mid October is our favorite time, but really, we’d ride it any time between May and October. It’s the ride of a lifetime no matter what the weather’s like.
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have your route 66 m/cycle tours starting october 2014, around the 7th for 3 weeks?
Hello Yvonne – our last departure for a 2014 Route 66 Guided Tour is October 2nd, and that’s 15 days/14 nights. If you want a longer tour we can arrange a self-drive tour, where you do not have a guide but your accommodations are pre-booked and you’re supplied a bike. I’ll send you an email with this same information – many thanks for enquiring! Jim
Jim are there some good places to tent camp along Route 66?
I’m planning to ride up from Ms. this summer and hit 66 at the Missouri and Kansas line, and ride to the California line.
Having trouble finding reasonable camp sites. Can you give me a good site or two in each state?
Thanks for any help you give.
Thomas, camping is one of those things that we’ve never really done since we were pretty young. We tend to ride pretty hard when we’re not leading groups, doing long days in the saddle, and at the end of the day we need a stiff drink and a warm bed! There are absolutely better resources out there for camping on a motorcycle than us – you might want to join the forums at http://www.advrider.com as there are plenty of folks who camp and ride minimal there. Also, some areas of 66 can be quite desolate, especially out west. Great to ride during the day but camping would be a little spooky. Wish we could be of more help.
Many thanks,
Jim McDermott
Thanks for the reminder to look at the weather charts. I’m just going to be doing portions of 66 over the winter, but still mornings can be quite cool! The kinds of days I’m glad you guys gave me tips on layered pieces for riding!
I’m going to plan a total length Route 66 trip for myself and two buddies to occur during 2015. Any info you can provide regarding car/motorcycle rentals, trip details, etc. will be much appreciated.
Our ages are 60, 71, 79.
Thanks,
Doug
Hi Doug
I have emailed you details on our Self guided tour. This can be adjusted to suit your plans but gives a good starting point for planning.
Cheers
Tim
Hi Tim
The information you emailed to Doug re:. self guided tour..Could you possibly send to me? Planning on the same trip June 2016.
Many thanks
Ive sent it to you Carole
Tim my father n law and myself are planning a self guided ride at the end of May first of June of 2016. We live in Illinois and could you send me info on the in and outs on the trip whats the weather like what to expect and will be taken our time where he is 77 years old and loves to ride. thank you so much.
what is the best rout 66 tour ? ………….. chrisw.
Hi Chris
We run this tour from May through to October. It takes in all of the major attractions and a few more besides.
https://www.thelostadventure.com/project/route-66-motorcycle-tour
Hi Jim& Tim
Im planning to do route 66 as a self guided tour with my 65 year old father (Bucket List thing) were both experienced riders but I obviously have concerns about how much hard riding my father could do per day, could you send me any info you have about self guided tours and how long the average time taken would be to cover the iconic route.
I intend to capture the ride using cameras and drones
Kind Regards Jason
Hi Jason
Ive sent you through information on 66 to your email.
Cheers
Tim
Tim,
I’m going to plan a total length Route 66 trip for myself and a friend to occur during 2016 Any info you can provide regarding car/motorcycle rentals, trip details, etc. will be much appreciated.
Hi Bruce
Ive ridden 66 myself around 10 times so should be able to help. Drop me an email at [email protected] with an idea of the length of time you’d like to take and i will get a=some ideas over to you. Id recommend a minimum of 13 days with 21+ being ideal.
Cheers
Tim
Myself & 2 women friends would love to do Route 66 on Harley Davidsons (Bucket List & ‘special birthday). The question I have is are there any tours that would take us as pillion passengers? Look forward to hopefully a positive reply. Many thanks
Hi Jenni
Unless you know the rider it’s unlikely you’ll find anyone who would feel comfortable with a stranger as a pillion. it’s a big responsibility and unless you know the person well the close proximity for multiple days could make or brake a ride. Most riders wouldn’t be prepared to risk that. sorry.
Cheers
Tim
Would love information on the self guided tour. Planning a month long trip in 2016.
Hi Lisa
Ive sent you over details and costs on the self guided tours.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.
Cheers
Tim
could you send me some details route 66 please .. we are thinking of doing this next year. thanks
Hi Nicola
I have sent you the information via email.
Cheers
Tim
My husband and I are interested in doing the drive next year. I am gathering information now. If I understand your site correctly I would be able to book a self guided tour thru you with pre booked hotel reservations with a day by day itinerary? We do ride motorcycles but not sure if that is the plan…For now we are planning on renting a car. However the bike ride sounds so awesome. Please send me more information on what you offer. Thanks, Debbie
Hi Debbie
Sorry for the late reply, Yes you can book a Self Guided tour through us with Bike , Accommodation and Route Plan included.
If you would like more details or costs please mail me at [email protected]
Cheers
Tim
Time, please send me information on self guided tour we are planning on driving the Route 66 October 18th 2016. Thank you
Information sent to you Connie
Me and my husband are wanting to travel route 66 next year 2017 for our honey moon.
Haven’t a clue where to start. Could you possible i possible have information / details please ?
Info sent Clare
Hi Time, Can you please send me the information on self guided tour were planning on driving the Route 66 mid October 2016.
Cheers
Info sent Grant
Please send me some information. Want to take my husband and 2 children for 3 weeks aug/sept time for our anniversary present.
Thank you
Hi Louise
I have forwarded you info on our Route 66 Tour.
Cheers
Tim
Hello! Can you please send me the information on self guided tour were planning on driving the Route 66 mid September 2018. Thanks a lot!
Best regards!!
Luana
Info sent Luana
Would you be kind enough to send info over please? Many thanks
Info sent Jo
Tim can you send me information on route 66 I am going in Oct this year
Sent Herb
Hi could you send us info on Route 66 guided tour
Thanks
Info sent to your email address
Hi there, I’m planning on doing Route 66 In 2019 when I turn 25 and wanted a little help on where to start as I know it takes a lot of planning., any help would be great! Thanks
Ive sent you over some info on our Guided Tour Millie as it’ll give a good picture of the best way to do it.
may we get the guided tour, taking a trip this coming may…thank you so much
Info sent Sylina
Hi
Please may you send me some info on a self guided tour?
Cheers
Rebecca
Thanks Rebecca, Info sent
Hi could u send me more info on a self guided tour? Thinking late September early October 2018.
Thanks
Hi Alan
Ive sent you info on the tour.
Cheers
Tim
My wife and I would like to do a self ride of the Rout 66 but need lots of information on bike hire rates accommodation on the way weather conditions ( generally) where to start from ECT. We live in Australia and know nothing of your great country, we are retired and are free anytime, we have been bike riders for over 40 years, please help. Cheers