Oakland, CA → Phoenix, AZ
646 mi · 12h 55m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Extreme Heat Watch in effect — consider delaying
Oakland
58°
36.7°
76°
35.6°
68°
34.5°
79°
Phoenix
76°
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 646 mi · 12h 56m
Weather
☀️ Clear sky
76°F, wind 6 mph
Rest Stops
16
Restrooms, Truck svc, water
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Alameda County Industries 🚻
- ● Boyd Service Center 🚻
- ● Westley Rest Area 🚻 🥤 🪑
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via I-980 East → I-580 East → ... → I-215 South → I-10
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-10: (277) Cypress Ave
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I-10: (280) 0.7 mi w/o Yucaipa Blvd
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I-10 : (282) Yucaipa Blvd. EB Onramp
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I-10 : (487) Singleton Road Onramp
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I-10 : (528) Smokey Gulsh
Indio, CA ·
(390) 1 mile w/o Rte 78
Blythe, CA
I-10 - I-10 @New Hope
AZ
I-10 - I-10 @Palo Verde Pkwy
AZ
Rest Stops Along Your Route
72 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 72
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Aug 11: Heavy rain expected near 35.6° - consider afternoon departure
Don't miss the next alert →
Driving from Oakland, CA to Phoenix, AZ covers 646 miles in roughly 12h 55m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 72 rest areas and 1 active weather alert along this corridor so you can plan around them. On a drive this length, weather can change dramatically between stops. Use the segment-by-segment forecast below to time your route.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Aug 13
68° / 56°
1% precip
Tomorrow
Aug 14
67° / 57°
6% precip
Sat
Aug 15
70° / 54°
1% precip
Sun
Aug 16
80° / 53°
No precip
Mon
Aug 17
76° / 54°
1% precip
Tue
Aug 18
78° / 55°
1% precip
Wed
Aug 19
77° / 54°
1% precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
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Current Conditions
Oakland, CA
58°F
Wind: 5 mph
Phoenix, AZ
76°F
Wind: 10 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Oakland, CA to Phoenix, AZ
The 646-mile drive from Oakland, California to Phoenix, Arizona takes approximately 12h 55m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from California into Arizona, connecting Oakland and Phoenix. Covering 646 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
- Extreme heat and dust storms in desert regions
- Flash floods during monsoon season (July through September)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Mountain passes along this corridor can be treacherous from October through May, with chain requirements, road closures, and whiteout conditions at higher elevations. Summer brings its own challenges — afternoon thunderstorms are common above 7,000 feet, and construction season narrows lanes on key highways. Always check pass conditions before departing, and carry emergency supplies during the colder months.
Best Time to Drive Oakland to Phoenix
For long drives like this 646-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.
Driving Strategy
Covering 646 miles from Oakland to Phoenix is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Oakland to Phoenix?
The drive is approximately 646 miles and takes about 12h 55m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Wednesday, Aug 19 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Oakland to Phoenix today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.
Are there rest areas on the Oakland to Phoenix route?
Yes, there are 72 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-10. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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🛡️Road Safety Features: Real-Time Conditions for Your Route
Real-time traffic incidents from 12 states, highway message signs, road conditions, and 25,000+ traffic cameras--integrated into your route planning.
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