Hi guys,
My brother and I are planning to ride from Miami to Vegas leaving 27th March and arriving Vegas 15th April. We would be grateful of any advice regarding weather. We plan to ride through Florida, Alabama,Miss.Louisiana,Texas,N.Mex.Arizona and vegas! What is weather like in these states at this time. Anything to be aware of? What about riding gear,hoping to travel relatively light.
Really appreciate any help and advice guys! Thanking you, Mickey.

 

I rode from southern Utah south to Tucson then across AZ to Florida about 6 years ago. Went in mid-April and early May. The worst of it was just rain. I stayed far enough south that daytime temps were in the 70s and 80s mostly.

I also run Route 66 (mid-AZ and NM into Texas panhandle and Oklahoma) about every year in mid to late May. Last year I got rained on horribly from around the AZ/NM border all the way to Weatherford, OK. Had it been in March I would have had to turn south to avoid the colder temps and freezing rain. The middle to norther part of those states can still get pretty cold in March.

Vegas will be very nice in March/April. That's some of my favorite riding time around the area. If you get a chance, run up to Death Valley as well. It can be really great in early April (though it will be getting hot!).

I have also done southern AZ in early through mid-March. In fact, one of my favorite rides in the last couple years was during "spring break" week around March 15 when I rode down through Flagstaff, Phoenix, Tucson, and then east to the NM border before coming back up the east side of AZ/NM. Froze my azz off coming through Flagstaff (hit a snowstorm over the peaks north of town) but once we got south of that we did great.

Bring 2 pair of boots. You'll likely get enough rain that you'll soak one pair completely at least once on the trip. You can let them dry out overnight and the next day while you wear the 2nd pair. A good rain suit is also a good idea.

 

Thank you doc, some very good and much appreciated advice there.

 

Travel light??? I have been in Las Vegas when it was snowing on Mar 31, but it can be 75-80. Flagstaff is always a crapshoot, but it won't be warm. My advice ,treat it like Sturgis, bring all your leather and rain gear. And did I mention that the wind will be blowing continuously once you get west of San Antonio?

Bwana

 

Thanks for the advice bwana1. Really appreciate your help.Might have a rethink.
Any advice on best time to go? Thanks again guys.

 

If possible, I would slip the trip one month. Reduces the chances of real cold wx and beats the heat of the summer.

Bwana

 

Some of the more interesting roads in the area's you are interested in riding will be in the mountains, therefore cooler. Flagstaff is 7,000'. It will not be unusual to experience a light snow in April at those altitudes. If I had the choice I would plan on leaving mid to late April. Regardless, it sounds like a great ride!

 

Really pleased with the help and advice guys. Yeah sounds like a good idea to move it to late April early May.
Again many thanks,regards Mickey.