Millions of Britons embarking on their Christmas getaway on Monday 22 December 2025 are set to face a perfect storm of congestion, as they compete for road space with regular commuters and business traffic.
A Peak Day for Festive Congestion
The AA predicts there will be approximately 24 million cars on UK roads, making it one of the busiest days of the festive period for traffic. This figure is only slightly lower than the peak recorded the previous Friday. The RAC notes that while the number of purely leisure journeys may dip on Monday and Tuesday compared to the weekend, the combination of festive travel with the usual weekday rush will likely lead to significant delays in many areas.
Weather Woes Add to Travel Troubles
Drivers are being urged to exercise extra caution due to challenging weather conditions. Following a misty Sunday, which marked the shortest day of the year, low pressure is forecast to dominate the early part of the week. The Met Office predicts showers for northern Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland on Monday.
Furthermore, the Environment Agency had 15 flood warnings in place for England on Sunday, alongside dozens more flood alerts across the country. The national weather forecaster strongly advises motorists to find an alternative route if they encounter a flooded road. When heavy rain is forecast, they recommend delaying journeys until conditions clear.
Expert Advice for Safer Festive Travel
AA patrol expert Shaun Jones offered clear guidance for drivers navigating the difficult conditions. "With wet and misty conditions expected, take extra care," he said. "Slow down, increase your following distance, and make sure your lights are on — and if visibility drops below 100 metres, switch on your fog lights. Avoid sudden braking and keep your windscreen clear to prevent misting inside the car."
Looking ahead, the RAC forecasts that Christmas Eve will see the single busiest day for getaway journeys, with an estimated 4.2 million trips planned. However, with far fewer commuters on the roads, overall traffic may flow more freely. The data also reveals drivers intend to make a further 4.2 million journeys between Monday and Christmas Eve for last-minute shopping and festive visits.
"Drivers will be heading out for all sorts of festive fun — from pantomimes and Christmas markets to family visits and scenic walks," added Mr Jones. "But with so many sleighs on the tarmac, patience is the best present you can give yourself. Pack essentials, keep your fuel tank or EV charge topped up, and don’t let congestion steal your Christmas sparkle."
He also offered advice for those leaving their cars parked over the holidays: "Start it for a few minutes every couple of days to ensure it’s ready for January."
