Skip to main content
 
October 13th 2025 | 8 mins

When planning an RV getaway, timing can make a big difference—especially when it comes to pricing. RV rental costs often shift throughout the year, influenced by everything from weather and school breaks to large-scale events like Burning Man or EDC Las Vegas.

How Seasonality Affects RV Rental Prices

Just like flights and hotel rooms, RV rentals follow a seasonal rhythm. Prices are typically higher when more people are hitting the road, whether it's for a family vacation, a music festival, or a major sporting event. 

There are three general pricing seasons: 

  • Peak Season (late spring to early fall): High demand, higher prices
  • Shoulder Season (early spring and late fall): Moderate demand, competitive rates
  • Off-Season (winter months): Lower demand, best opportunity for deals

But there's more to it than just the weather. Special events across the country also play a big role in pricing, especially when RVs become part of the event culture itself—think tailgating, music festivals, or remote gatherings like Burning Man, where an RV is part of your experience. 

Nationwide RV Rental Trends by Month & Event

To help you better understand when RV rentals are in highest demand, we’ve created a month-by-month guide showing typical pricing trends alongside major events that drive RV usage. 

Month 

Season 

Demand Level 

Key Events Impacting RV Rentals 

Regions Affected 

January 

Off-Season 

Low 

Quartzsite RV Show 

Arizona, Southwest 

February 

Off-Season 

Low to Moderate 

Daytona 500 

Florida 

March 

Shoulder 

Moderate 

Spring Break, SXSW 

Florida, Texas, Southwest 

April 

Shoulder 

Moderate 

Coachella, Stagecoach 

Southern California 

May 

Peak 

High 

Memorial Day Weekend, Indy 500 

Nationwide 

June 

Peak 

High 

CMA Fest, National Parks Travel 

Midwest, West 

July 

Peak 

Very High 

Independence Day, Family Vacations 

Nationwide 

August 

Peak 

Very High 

Burning Man, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 

Nevada, South Dakota 

September 

Shoulder 

High 

EDC Las Vegas, Labor Day, NFL Kickoff 

Nevada, South, Midwest 

October 

Shoulder 

Moderate 

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Fall Color Trips 

New Mexico, Northeast 

November 

Off-Season 

Moderate 

Thanksgiving, Football Tailgates 

Nationwide 

December 

Off-Season 

Low to Moderate 

Snowbird Migration, Holiday Travel 

Florida, Southwest 

Planning Around High-Demand Events

Events like Burning Man, Coachella, and EDC Las Vegas aren't just entertainment—they're cultural movements where having an RV is part of the full experience. During these windows, demand skyrockets and so do rental prices. El Monte RV often sees vehicles booked out months in advance for these occasions, especially for: 

  • Burning Man (Nevada – Late August)
  • EDC Las Vegas (May or September, depending on the year)
  • Coachella & Stagecoach (April – Southern California)
  • Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (South Dakota – August)
  • Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta (New Mexico – October)

If you're planning to attend any of these events, it’s best to reserve your RV early to lock in availability and competitive pricing. 

Tips to Save on RV Rentals Year-Round

At El Monte RV, we want to help you make the most of your budget. Here are some smart strategies to find the best value: 

  • Book in Advance: Especially important for peak seasons and event-heavy months.
  • Travel Off-Peak: Consider shoulder or off-season travel to get lower rates and fewer crowds.
  • Watch for Deals: We regularly post special offers and discounts on our site.
  • Explore One-Way Trips: Flexibility with pick-up/drop-off locations can open up lower rates.
  • Choose Longer Rentals: Weekly or monthly rentals often come with better per-day pricing.

Hit the Road with Confidence

Understanding how RV rental prices fluctuate throughout the year—based on both seasonality and major events—can help you plan a more cost-effective and rewarding trip. Whether you're chasing sunsets in summer or campfires in the winter, El Monte RV offers dependable, comfortable RV Rentals to get you there. 

Browse our fleet and book your next road trip today at ElMonteRV.com

Open Chat