San Mateo, CA → Los Angeles, CA
331 mi · 6h 37m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
San Mateo
58°
36.4°
62°
35.2°
67°
Los Angeles
67°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 331 mi · 6h 37m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
62°F, wind 7 mph
Rest Stops
7
Restrooms, Truck svc, water
Cameras
4 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Crystal Springs Safety Roadside Rest Area 🚻 🥤 🪑
- ● Love's Travel Stop
- ● TA
Normal Traffic
No traffic incidents reported
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.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via US-101 South → I-5 South → ... → US-66 Hist (Arroyo Seco Parkway) → US-99 Hist (Arroyo Seco Parkway)
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
TVB76 -- I-880 : The Alameda
San Jose, CA · SB
TVB86 -- I-280 : 10th Street
San Jose, CA · SB
73 - EB SR-152 W/O Casa de Fruta
Hollister, CA · EB
53 - EB SR-152 San Luis Res
Gustine, CA · EB
FRE-5-SHIELDS AVE
Firebaugh, CA
FRE-5-AT RTE 33/145 SEP
Coalinga, CA · SB
FRE-5-AT RTE 269
Avenal, CA · SB
KER-5-N/O RTE 58
Buttonwillow, CA · SB
KER-5-N/O RTE 43
Tupman, CA · SB
KER-5-AT GRAPEVINE UC
Lebec, CA · SB
SR-126 : (940) Commerce Ctr Dr
Valencia, CA · EB
I-5: (30) SO Colorado Blvd
Griffith Park, CA · SB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
31 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 31
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: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Aug 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Aug 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
The 331-mile full-day drive from San Mateo to Los Angeles stays within CA and takes about 6h 37m without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 31 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Aug 13
72° / 55°
1% precip
Tomorrow
Aug 14
70° / 57°
6% precip
Sat
Aug 15
75° / 59°
3% precip
Sun
Aug 16
83° / 58°
1% precip
Mon
Aug 17
83° / 58°
1% precip
Tue
Aug 18
83° / 59°
1% precip
Wed
Aug 19
81° / 58°
1% precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☀️ Clear sky at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
See if current slowdowns affect your drive time
Free • No sign-up required
Current Conditions
San Mateo, CA
58°F
Wind: 4 mph
Los Angeles, CA
67°F
Wind: 2 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from San Mateo, CA to Los Angeles, CA
The 331-mile drive from San Mateo, California to Los Angeles, California takes approximately 6h 37m 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 stays within California, connecting San Mateo and Los Angeles. Covering 331 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
Desert driving on this route demands respect for extreme temperatures. Summer heat regularly exceeds 110°F in low-elevation stretches, stressing both vehicles and drivers. The monsoon season from July through September brings sudden flash floods that can make washes impassable within minutes. Winter is the most pleasant driving season, with mild temperatures and clear skies, though nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing in elevated desert areas.
Best Time to Drive San Mateo to Los Angeles
For medium-distance drives like this 331-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 331-mile drive from San Mateo to Los Angeles takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
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 San Mateo to Los Angeles?
The drive is approximately 331 miles and takes about 6h 37m 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 San Mateo to Los Angeles today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the San Mateo to Los Angeles route?
Yes, there are 31 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 Other. 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.
Related Driving Guides
Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
Learn how 4D trajectory analysis can help you find the optimal departure time to avoid dangerous weather and traffic.
🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
A practical guide to every method for checking driving conditions--weather apps, 511 sites, traffic cameras, radio, and more. Pros, cons, and when to use each.
🧠Route Intelligence: The Smarter Way to Plan Road Trips
Stop checking weather at your destination. Start knowing what you'll actually drive through--and when. Here's how Route Intelligence changes everything.
Road Trip Guides Through This Area
California Wine Country: Napa and Sonoma
World-Class Wines in a Stunning Valley Setting
Route 66: Chicago to Santa Monica
The Mother Road — America's Most Famous Highway
Pacific Coast Highway: San Francisco to San Diego
One of America's Most Iconic Coastal Drives
Explore More Routes
More routes from San Mateo
More routes to Los Angeles
Similar-distance drives
More routes starting in CA
Don't Drive Blind Into Weather
Route Outlook shows you conditions at every point along your route—at the exact time you'll be there.
Open Planner