When is the best time to go on a long journey by car: optimal hours and seasons

Are you planning a long trip by car, but not sure when is the best time to hit the road? Choosing the right time to leave can save hours on the road, reduce the risk of accidents and make your trip more comfortable. Traffic police statistics show that 38% of accidents on highways occur due to driver fatigue, and traffic jams leaving cities increase travel time by 20-40%. In this article, we will look at how to choose the optimal time for a trip, taking into account the time of day, days of the week, season and even weather conditions.

We analyzed the data Rosavtodor, Yandex.Traffic and insurance company reports to identify patterns. It turns out that departure to 4-5 a.m. on weekdays reduces the likelihood of getting stuck in traffic jams by 87% compared to evening rush hours. And traveling at night, despite the free roads, requires special preparation - we’ll also tell you about this.

It is important to take into account not only traffic, but also human biorhythms. For example, from 14:00 to 16:00 the maximum number of people falling asleep while driving is recorded, and at 3 a.m. the driver’s reaction slows down by 30%. These and other nuances will help you plan your route so that the road brings pleasure and not stress.

1. Optimal time of day to leave: traffic and security analysis

The choice of time of day to travel directly affects three key factors: traffic congestion, driver fatigue level and visibility on the highway. Let's look at the pros and cons of each time interval.

The most popular option among experienced drivers is early check-out (4:00–6:00). At this time:

• 🚗 The roads are practically empty: even in Moscow and St. Petersburg, traffic jams on the Moscow Ring Road do not exceed 2 points (according to Yandex.Maps).
• ☀️ The sun is not blinding yet, and visibility is better than at night.
• 💤 The body is as alert as possible after sleep (peak concentration occurs at 5–7 am).

However, there are also disadvantages to traveling early. For example, in winter it is possible on the roads ice (especially dangerous from 5:00 to 7:00 when the temperature rises above zero). In addition, not all gas stations and cafes are open 24 hours a day; you will have to refuel in advance and take food with you.

Daytime travel (10:00–16:00) seems safer due to good visibility, but there are other risks:

• 🚛 There are a lot of trucks on the highways (peak cargo transportation occurs between 11:00–15:00).
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family cars with children who often maneuver unexpectedly.
• 🌡️ During the summer, the temperature in the salon can be up to +40°C, which accelerates fatigue.

⚠️ Attention: If you travel during the day in July-August, be sure to check the tire pressure - at an air temperature of +30°C it increases by 0.3–0.5 bar. This may lead to tire rupture at high speed.

2. The best days of the week for long trips: when the roads are clearer

The day of the week is no less important than the time of day. Data Analysis traffic police for 2023 shows that Friday and Sunday - the most emergency days for long trips. On Friday, drivers rush to their dachas or on vacation, and on Sunday they return, which creates traffic jams on the way out of cities.

Optimal days for travel:

Day of the week	Traffic level (on a 10-point scale)	Accident risk (relative to average)	Benefits
Monday	4/10	–15%	Minimal traffic after the weekend, few trucks
Tuesday	3/10	–20%	Quiet day on the roads
Wednesday	5/10	±0%	Normal traffic, but no peak loads
Thursday	6/10	+10%	“Summer residents” are starting to leave, but it’s not critical yet
Friday	9/10	+35%	Maximum traffic, many drunk drivers in the evening

If possible, it is better to plan a trip to Tuesday or Wednesday. These days, even on toll roads (for example, M-11 "Neva" or M-4 "Don") traffic jams are minimal. But trips to holidays (especially during the May or New Year holidays) require special caution - traffic increases 2-3 times.

3. Seasonal features: when is it better to go in summer, winter, autumn and spring

The time of year dictates its own rules for long trips. For example, in winter it is critical to avoid late evening departures (after 20:00) when the temperature drops below -10°C: risk icing of the route increases by 5 times. In summer, the main danger is engine overheating and sun glare.

Let's look at each season in more detail:

• ❄️ Winter (December–February):
  • Best time to go: 7:00–9:00 (the roads have already been cleared, but have not yet become icy again).
  • Worst time: 16:00–19:00 (it’s getting dark, snow showers are possible).
  • Be sure to check: battery, winter tires, antifreeze level.
• 🌸 Spring (March–May):
  • Danger: ice in the morning (until 10:00) and fog in the lowlands.
  • Best time: 10:00–14:00 (the sun has warmed the road, but is not blinding yet).
  • Check: work fog lights and the condition of the wipers.
• ☀️ Summer (June–August):
  • Main problem: traffic jams leaving cities (especially on Fridays).
  • Optimal departure: 5:00–6:00 or after 21:00 (when the heat subsides).
  • Don't forget: air conditioning, sunglasses, water supply.
• 🍂 Autumn (September–November):
  • Dangers: early twilight (it gets dark already at 17:00) and leaf fall (decreases grip).
  • Best time: 8:00–15:00 (maximum visibility).
  • Check: work low/high beam headlights and braking system.

⚠️ Attention: In October–November, they are often found on the highways wild animals (elk, wild boar), especially at dusk (17:00–20:00). Slow down in forested areas - hitting a moose at 90 km/h is like hitting a concrete wall.

4. Night travel: benefits and deadly risks

Many drivers choose to travel at night because the roads are empty, but this decision requires a balanced approach. According to Rosavtodor, at night (from 23:00 to 5:00) there are 2 times more fatal accidents per kilometer of travelthan during the day. Main reasons:

• 😴 Drowsiness — 60% of accidents occur due to falling asleep while driving.
• 🚜 Poor visibility — even with good headlights, the viewing range is reduced by 30%.
• 🚔 Drunk drivers — the peak of arrests for alcohol intoxication occurs between 2:00 and 4:00.

If you still decide to drive at night, follow these rules:

Get enough sleep in advance (at least 7 hours of sleep)|Take a thermos of coffee or energy drink (but no more than 2 cans)|Check that all headlights and brake lights are working|Set the climate control to +20..+22°C (cold invigorates)|Every 2 hours, stop for 10 minutes to warm up-->

It is especially dangerous to travel at night monotonous terrain (for example, along steppe routes M-6 "Caspian" or R-217 "Caucasus"). The monotonous landscape lulls the driver - in such cases it helps loud music or conversation with a passenger.

5. How to avoid traffic jams: secrets of the route and time

Traffic jams are the main enemy of long trips. According to Yandex.Maps, the average driver loses up to 4 hours in traffic jams when leaving Moscow on Friday evening. To avoid this, use these techniques:

1. Alternative routes. For example, instead of M-1 "Belarus" (which is often busy) you can go by A-107 (Small Moscow Ring) and then go to M-9 "Baltia". This will add 30–40 km, but will save 1–2 hours.

2. Online monitoring. Applications like Yandex.Maps, Google Maps or Waze show traffic jams in real time. However, they do not take into account accidents and renovation work — it’s better to check this information on websites Rosavtodor or Avtodor.

3. Time to overtake peak loads. If you leave the city, try to be on the highway until 6:00 or after 21:00. For example, in St. Petersburg there are traffic jams WHSD start as early as 16:30, and in Moscow at TTK - at 17:00.

City	Peak traffic hours (weekdays)	Best time to leave	Alternative route
Moscow	7:00–10:00, 17:00–20:00	5:00–6:00 or 21:00–22:00	A-107 instead of MKAD
St. Petersburg	8:00–11:00, 16:30–19:30	6:00–7:00 or 20:00–21:00	WHSD (paid, but no traffic jams)
Yekaterinburg	7:30–9:30, 17:00–19:00	5:30–6:30 or 19:30–20:30	Detour along the Serovsky tract
Novosibirsk	8:00–10:00, 17:30–19:30	6:00–7:00 or 20:00–21:00	Bypass road through Koltsovo

⚠️ Attention: If you see it in the navigator red line traffic jams longer than 5 km, do not try to “slip through” - most likely, these are the consequences of an accident or repairs. It is better to take the nearest exit and drive around on local roads.

6. Biorhythms and fatigue: when the driver is most focused

The human body has natural peaks and valleys in activity that directly affect concentration while driving. Research Research Institute of Occupational Medicine show that:

• 🌅 5:00–8:00 — peak of vivacity (ideal time for departure).
• ☀️ 10:00–12:00 - stable concentration.
• 😴 14:00–16:00 - “afternoon slump” (the risk of falling asleep increases 3 times).
• 🌙 2:00–4:00 — minimal reaction (time of the most severe accidents).

To stay focused, follow these tips:

• 🍫 Eat something sweet every 2 hours (glucose improves brain activity).
• ☕ Drink coffee in small portions (200 ml every 3-4 hours), but not before bed.
• 🚶 Stop every 200 km for 10-15 minutes to warm up.
• 🎵 Turn on podcasts or audiobooks - they keep your brain toned better than music.

If you feel tired, use sleepiness test: Close your eyes for 5 seconds. If during this time you start to fall asleep, stop immediately. According to statistics, A 20-minute nap restores reaction time by 50%, and the sentry - by 90%.

What to do if a passenger falls asleep and you feel sleepy?

If you feel like you're falling asleep and your passenger is sleeping, use the "5 minute method":

1. Turn on your emergency lights and pull over to the side of the road.

2. Drink cold water.

3. Open the window and wash your face.

4. Set the alarm for 5 minutes and close your eyes.

If after this the drowsiness does not go away, sleep for 20 minutes. Don't take risks!

7. Weather conditions: when is it better not to travel?

Some weather conditions make travel extremely dangerous. According to traffic police, 30% of all fatal road accidents occur in adverse weather. Let's figure out when it's better to reschedule your trip:

• 🌨️ Snowfall with wind (>15 m/s):
  • Visibility is reduced to 10–20 meters.
  • The risk of skidding on the highway increases 7 times.
  • It is better to wait 6–12 hours until road services clear the route.
• 🌧️ Heavy rain (>20 mm/h):
  • Arises aquaplaning (loss of traction).
  • The braking distance increases by 2–3 times.
  • If the rain starts suddenly, go to a gas station and wait 30–40 minutes.
• 🌫️ Fog (visibility <50 m):
  • Even with fog lights orientation is difficult.
  • Recommended speed is no more than 40 km/h.
  • If the fog is thick, it is better to stop on the side of the road with your lights on.
• ❄️ Ice:
  • Forms at temperatures around 0°C (often in the morning or evening).
  • Even winter tires does not guarantee grip.
  • If there is ice on the road, reduce the speed to 60 km/h and increase the distance.

If the trip is urgent and cannot be postponed, prepare the car:

• 🔧 Check it out tire tread (for winter - at least 4 mm).
• 🔦 Make sure all headlights and brake lights are working.
• 🧊 Take it scraper, brush and sand (in case of skidding).
• 📱 Download offline maps (the connection may disappear).

⚠️ Attention: If on the highway it started hail, immediately pull under the bridge or into a parking garage. Hailstones the size of a pigeon's egg (3–4 cm) pierce the windshield at a speed of 80 km/h.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ What time is it better to leave Moscow on Friday to avoid traffic jams?

If you are traveling south (for example, along M-4 "Don"), the optimal time is 5:00–6:00 am or after 21:00. Traffic jams leaving Moscow on Friday begin as early as 14:00 and reach their peak at 17:00–20:00. An alternative option is to leave on Thursday evening (after 20:00), when traffic is minimal.

❓ Is it possible to drive at night with a child?

Night travel with children is not recommended, but if there is no other option, follow the rules:

• 🚗 Use child seat with five-point harness.
• 🌡️ Maintain the temperature in the cabin +20..+22°C.
• 🍎 Take a light snack (fruit, cookies) and water.
• 🛌 Stop every 2 hours so your child can warm up.

The best time to travel with children is early morning (5:00–7:00)while they are still sleeping.

❓ What is the most dangerous month for long trips?

According to statistics traffic police, the most emergency month - January (due to ice and early twilight), and the most dangerous for long trips is July. Several factors combine in July:

• 🚗 Maximum traffic (vacations, summer residents).
• 🌡️ High temperature (fatigue, engine overheating).
• 🏖️ Many inexperienced drivers (tourists in rented cars).

If you are traveling in July, avoid traveling to Friday evening and Sunday afternoon.

❓ How long can you drive without stopping according to the law?

In Russia there is no direct limit on the time of continuous driving for passenger cars, but recommendations of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and European standards advise:

• 🚗 Every 2 hours — short stop (5–10 minutes).
• 🛌 Every 4–5 hours — long stop (20–30 minutes).
• 😴After 8–9 hours while driving - proper rest (at least 6 hours of sleep).

For professional drivers (trucks, buses) there are strict rules: no more than 4.5 hours driving without a break.

❓ What time of day is the most dangerous for an accident?

The most dangerous time is from 2:00 to 5:00 am. During this period:

• 😴 40% of accidents occur due to falling asleep while driving.
• 🚔 30% of accidents are related to alcohol intoxication.
• 🌑 Visibility is limited, even with headlights.

The second peak of accidents is 17:00–19:00 (fatigue after work + traffic jams).