If you’re locking in flights or plotting a long drive, the Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving 2025 Forecast, Frosty North, Mild South, and Travel Outlook Across the U.S. points to a split-screen holiday: brisk to frosty across northern states with spotty snow, mild and largely cooperative across much of the South, and wetter systems lining up for the Pacific states. That means more regional potholes than a nationwide mess, with clear travel windows in the East, limited snow mainly up north and in higher terrain, and pass-by-pass planning in the West.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving 2025 Forecast, Frosty North, Mild South, and Travel Outlook Across the U.S. suggests colder pushes in the North and West, mild and sunny stretches in the Southeast and Deep South, and generally fair holiday timing east of the Mississippi. Expect Pacific storm bands to run periodic rain into the Northwest and California, while the snow footprint stays narrow, tied mostly to northern New England, the Upper Midwest, the Intermountain high country, and Alaska.
Table of Contents
Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving 2025
| Region | Temperature Trend | Precipitation/Type | Travel Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast & New England | Cooler than normal north; crisp elsewhere | Light early snow north; clearing by the holiday | Good overall; watch slick spots early |
| Mid-Atlantic & I‑95 | Seasonable to cooler late | Mostly dry and bright | Smooth driving; fewer delays |
| Great Lakes & Upper Midwest | Near to cooler | A few flurries; fair by Thanksgiving | Manageable; brief slick periods possible |
| Ohio Valley & Midwest | Near to mild late | Spotty showers then fair | Favorable holiday timing |
| Southeast & Deep South | Mild to warm | Fair, then rain, then clearing | Mostly smooth; time around midweek showers |
| Florida | Cool start, then mild | Mainly dry/sunny by the holiday | Very good for travel/outdoor plans |
| High Plains & North-Central | Chilly | Light snow Plains/Rockies | Pass caution; plains manageable |
| Texas & Oklahoma | Mild; warm pockets | Unsettled; Texas fair then rain; OK drier | Use clear gaps between showers |
| Intermountain West | Cooler than normal | Rain/snow mix; higher-elevation snow | Add buffer on mountain passes |
| Desert Southwest | Warmer in deserts | Scattered showers; light high-country snow | Lower deserts mostly fine |
| Pacific Northwest | Chilly | Wet and showery; heavier at times | Delays possible in peak bands |
| California | Seasonable to cool | Episodes of rain/showers | Slowdowns on I‑5/coastal routes |
| Alaska | Cold | Snow in places | Winter prep essential |
Headlines To Know
- East Clears Out: Thanksgiving Day itself trends fair across many eastern corridors, helping both road trips and airport operations.
- Snow Stays Focused: Snow risk concentrates in northern New England, parts of the Upper Midwest, high Intermountain terrain, and Alaska; most others see rain or dry weather.
- Wettest Out West: The Pacific Northwest and parts of California face showery to outright rainy windows; plan around heavier bands.
Regional Breakdowns
Northeast And New England
Look for a classic chill, with a shot at light snow early in northern zones before skies improve into Thanksgiving. Parades and outdoor plans benefit from calmer, brighter conditions on the day, while early slick spots north of the Massachusetts–Vermont/New Hampshire line deserve caution.
Mid-Atlantic And Appalachians
A cooler step-down pairs with mainly dry skies, creating high-confidence travel windows along I‑95 and through mountain valleys. Expect cooperative winds and decent visibility on the holiday, with only localized mountain variability.
Great Lakes and Upper Midwest
Lake belts can catch quick flurries before a fairer turn arrives in time for Thanksgiving. Watch bridges and overpasses if a burst aligns with peak travel, but signals lean manageable over disruptive.
Ohio Valley And Broader Midwest
A few early-week showers can slide through, then timing improves for the holiday. With temperatures near seasonal, ground operations and road conditions generally hold up well.
Southeast And Florida
A fair-then-rain-then-clearing pattern still nets a mild, bright holiday period for most of the Southeast. Florida trends cool early but turns sunny and comfortable by Thanksgiving—good news for both beach plans and return drives.
High Plains and North-Central
Chillier air and light snow chances stretch from the Rockies into the Plains. The main impacts track elevation and timing across passes; otherwise, long stretches remain very drivable with winter basics.
Texas, Oklahoma, And the Heartland
Unsettled overall, with Texas likely fair early then turning showery; Oklahoma leans relatively drier. Keep plans flexible and use the clear gaps for longer hauls and outdoor prep.
Intermountain West
Cooler-than-normal air meets a rain-and-snow mix. Higher terrain grabs the snow; valleys see rain or slush with intermittent breaks. Daylight driving and extra margin time make mountain passes markedly safer.
Southwest And Desert Southwest
Lower deserts stay comparatively warm and workable, while Nevada, Utah, and Arizona high country pick up showers and light snow. Rim-country routes warrant closer checks, but low-elevation interstates largely cooperate.
Pacific Northwest and California
Expect a wet, showery theme with heavier bursts at times. Pad airport connections, plan around the worst bands, and anticipate slower runs on I‑5 and coastal highways during peak rain.
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Travel Tactics That Work
- Aim For Fair Windows In The East: Holiday timing aligns with calmer conditions—book departures to match those clear stretches.
- Add Elevation Buffers In The West: Carry traction gear and plan daylight crossings when rain–snow transitions can spike spinouts.
- Build Margin On Pacific Corridors: Heavier rain bands stack delays; midday flights offer better recovery room for ground holds.
- Use The Southern Advantage: Front-load long drives before midweek showers, or wait for quick clearing behind them.
FAQs on Old Farmer’s Almanac Thanksgiving 2025
Is Thanksgiving 2025 a good week to fly?
Yes, especially for many eastern routes on the holiday itself. The West has wetter windows, so add buffer time and avoid peak rain bands where possible.
Where is snow most likely during Thanksgiving week?
Northern New England, portions of the Upper Midwest, higher Intermountain elevations, and Alaska carry the highest odds; most other regions lean rain or dry.
Will the Southeast be mild and sunny?
Largely yes. A quick rain pass midweek is followed by clearing and mild air by Thanksgiving Day across much of the Southeast and Florida.
Are California and the Pacific Northwest tougher for travel this year?
Yes. Expect showery to rainy stretches with occasional heavier bursts that slow highways and can ripple through airport schedules.
