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.
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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.
