Christmas weekend travel charts - I-5 U.S.-Canada border
Christmas weekend travel charts showing when I-5 at the U.S.-Canada border is expected to be the most congested to help plan your travel.
Reading the charts
The colors
WSDOT traffic analysts looked at how many cars were on the road past Christmas weekends. Based on this historical data, the graphs shows how many cars (vertical axis) we project to be on the road each hour (horizontal axis) for Christmas weekend 2023. As the graphs turn from green to yellow, drivers can expect some congestion. During the red hours, traffic analysts predict travel will reach roadway capacity. Once a roadway reaches capacity, any small incident can cause significant backups.
The black line
The black line running from left to right shows typical traffic. This gives drivers more information on how the Christmas 2023 holiday weekend travel may relate to a typical weekend.
Northbound
December 21
December 22
December 23
December 24
December 25
December 26
Southbound
December 21
December 22
December 23
December 24
December 25
December 26
Slow down on ice and snow.
It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.
Carry chains, practice installing them.
Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.
Pack your winter car kit.
Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.