Skip to main content
 
 

Climate & Weather Expectations

Location 
Spring High/Low 
Summer High/Low 
Fall High/Low 
Chicago, IL 62°F / 44°F 84°F / 64°F 63°F / 47°F
St. Louis, MO 68°F / 48°F 89°F / 70°F 69°F / 50°F
Tulsa, OK 72°F / 51°F 93°F / 72°F 74°F / 53°F
Amarillo, TX 68°F / 42°F 91°F / 65°F 70°F / 44°F
Albuquerque, NM 66°F / 40°F 92°F / 64°F 70°F / 44°F
Flagstaff, AZ 56°F / 30°F 81°F / 50°F 62°F / 35°F
Santa Monica, CA 67°F / 52°F 75°F / 62°F 72°F / 58°F 


Spring brings wildflower blooms across desert regions. Fall delivers spectacular light for photography and comfortable temperatures throughout. 

Best Time to Travel Route 66

Spring (April through May): Ideal conditions with desert wildflowers blooming. Temperatures remain comfortable and crowds manageable. 

Summer (June through August): Maximum daylight hours, but desert temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. Campgrounds require reservations. 

Fall (September through October): Route 66's finest season. Comfortable temperatures, spectacular light quality, and thinner crowds. 

Winter (November through March): Lowest rates, but snow is possible in Flagstaff. Some attractions reduce hours. 

RV Rental Requirements & Considerations

Class C Motorhomes provide optimal Route 66 balance: comfortable for ten days yet maneuverable through small towns. Full kitchens and bathrooms ensure self-sufficiency. 

Class A Motorhomes deliver maximum comfort, but tight turns in Oatman, Seligman, and Williams can challenge larger rigs. 

Class B Campervans work well for couples seeking fuel efficiency and easy parking. 

Explore options at El Monte RV Rentals

Essential Features

Air conditioning is critical for desert sections. All El Monte RV rentals include unlimited generator use. Backup cameras help navigate tight vintage parking lots. 

Mileage & Fuel Planning

Total Distance: 2,448 miles
Average Daily Distance: 245 miles
RV Fuel Economy: 8–12 MPG
Estimated Fuel Cost: $800–$1,200 

Additional miles available through Travel Extras

Practical Road Trip Tips

Start early (7:00 or 8:00 AM) to beat the afternoon heat. Complete driving by mid-afternoon. Keep daily distances under 300 miles. 

Stock groceries in major cities: Chicago, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. Rural areas have limited options. 

All El Monte RV rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance. 

Route 66 FAQs

Ten days provide excellent pacing. You'll average 245 miles daily with ample time for attractions and spontaneous discoveries. 

New Mexico and Arizona deliver the most dramatic landscapes, but every state offers a unique appeal. 

Yes, with exceptions. The Oatman road challenges RVs over 30 feet. Bypass via Interstate 40 if concerned. 

Yes, especially for summer. Reserve KOA campgrounds 2–3 months in advance during peak season. 

Absolutely. Roadside attractions, museums, and quirky stops engage children naturally. The 10-day pace prevents overwhelming kids. 

Conclusion

Route 66 represents freedom, opportunity, and American adventure. This ten-day classic journey provides the perfect timeframe: long enough to savor experiences and structured sufficiently to cover the full length. 

From Chicago's urban energy through agricultural heartland, across endless plains to dramatic deserts, then through mountain forests to Pacific shores, Route 66 delivers unmatched variety. 

Traveling in an El Monte RV means experiencing Route 66 with legendary freedom. Best for families, couples, and first-time RV travelers, this itinerary balances must-see highlights with spontaneous discovery opportunities. 

Ready to start planning? Explore RV options at El Monte RV Rentals and check promotions at Rental Deals