San Mateo, CA → Los Angeles, CA
331 mi · 6h 37m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Heavy rain near San Mateo
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San Mateo
58°
San Benito County
52°
Kern County
58°
Los Angeles
57°
Wind gusts up to 19 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 331 mi · 6h 37m
Weather
🌦️ Slight rain showers
52°F, wind 19 mph
Incidents
2
2 critical
Rest Stops
7
Restrooms, Truck svc, water
Cameras
4 live
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Crystal Springs Safety Roadside Rest Area 🚻 🥤 🪑
- ● Love's Travel Stop
- ● TA
Hazards Ahead
2 road closures may affect your route · 8 construction zones on route
8 Construction Zones on Route
CA-82 southbound: Lane 1 of 2 closed for miscellaneous work between Peninsula Ave and Hilltop Rd
San Mateo, CA
CA-82 southbound: Alternating lane closures (lanes 1, 2, 3, Left Turn, Left Turn, Right Turn of 6) for electrical work between Sherman Ave and Lambert Ave
Santa Clara, CA
CA-82: Lanes 2, 3, Bike Lane, Sidewalk of 4 closed for utility work between Matadero Ave - Rt and Route 82
Santa Clara, CA
I-680 southbound: RShoulder closed for tree work between Trimble Rd Ped and Cropley Av Oc
Santa Clara, CA
CA-198 eastbound: RShoulder closed for electrical work between Amador Avenue and Route 5
Fresno, CA
CA-46 eastbound: RShoulder closed for utility work at Aloma Street
Kern, CA
+ 2 more zones along the route — see map for full list
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?
US-101 - TV426 -- US-101 : AT JSO RALSTON AV - South
Belmont, CA · SB
US-101 - TVC18 -- US-101 : AT SOF TULLY RD OC - South
San Jose, CA · SB
CA-152 - 73 - EB SR-152 W/O Casa de Fruta - East
Hollister, CA · EB
CA-152 - 53 - EB SR-152 San Luis Res - East
Gustine, CA · EB
I-5 - FRE-5-SHIELDS AVE
Firebaugh, CA ·
I-5 - FRE-5-AT RTE 33/145 SEP - South
Coalinga, CA · SB
I-5 - FRE-5-AT RTE 269 - South
Avenal, CA · SB
I-5 - KER-5-N/O RTE 58 - South
Buttonwillow, CA · SB
I-5 - KER-5-N/O RTE 43 - South
Tupman, CA · SB
I-5 - KER-5-AT GRAPEVINE UC - South
Lebec, CA · SB
I-5 - I-5 : (949) N/O Templin Hwy - South
Elysian Park, CA · SB
I-5 - I-5 : (25) Meadowdale - South
Elysian Park, CA · SB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
31 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 31
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Heavy rain expected near Kern County - consider afternoon departure
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, 31 rest areas, 2 reported incidents and 1 active weather alert 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
Nov 13
60° / 57°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
65° / 50°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
64° / 52°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
59° / 53°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
58° / 51°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
58° / 50°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
55° / 51°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌦️ Moderate rain showers at origin, 🌦️ Moderate rain showers at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌦️ Slight rain showers at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
San Mateo, CA
58°F
Wind: 16 mph
Los Angeles, CA
57°F
Wind: 5 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, Sunday, Nov 15 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from San Mateo to Los Angeles today?
Current conditions show medium risk along this route. Consider delaying your trip if possible. If you must travel, reduce speed significantly and be prepared for rapidly 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 US-101 South, CA 152, I-5 South. 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?
There are currently 2 active incidents along this route that may affect your drive. Check the incident details above for specific locations and expected durations.
Related Driving Guides
Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
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🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
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🧠Route Intelligence: The Smarter Way to Plan Road Trips
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