Surprise, AZ → San Diego, CA
286 mi · 5h 43m (driving)
Current Risk
Medium Risk
Heavy rain near San Diego
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Surprise
61°
Yuma County
56°
Imperial County
74°
San Diego
64°
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 286 mi · 5h 44m
Weather
🌦️ Slight rain showers
56°F, wind 14 mph
Rest Stops
7
Truck svc, Restrooms, water
Cameras
8 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Buc-ee's 🚻
- ● Love's Travel Stop
- ● QuikTrip
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel · 38 construction zones on route
38 Construction Zones on Route
Westbrook Pkwy: Road construction - Road work, one lane road, be prepared to stopSlow down in work zones
Westbrook Pkwy: Road construction - Road work, one lane road, be prepared to stopSlow down in work zones
Peoria Ave: Road construction - Road work, eastbound and westbound lanes restrictedSlow down in work zones
Peoria Ave: Road construction - Road work, eastbound and westbound lanes restrictedSlow down in work zones
Peoria Ave: Road construction - Road work, eastbound and westbound lanes restrictedSlow down in work zones
Peoria Ave: Road construction - Road work, eastbound and westbound lanes restrictedSlow down in work zones
+ 32 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 AZ 303 Loop (Bob Stump Memorial Parkway) → I-10 → I-8 West
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-10 @Estrella Pkwy
AZ ·
I-10 @Sarival Ave
AZ ·
I-10 @SR-303
AZ ·
I-10 @Citrus Rd
AZ ·
I-10 @Perryville Rd
AZ ·
I-10 @Verrado Way
AZ ·
I-10 @W of Verrado Way
AZ ·
I-10 @E of Watson Rd
AZ ·
I-8 @Foothills
AZ ·
I-8 @Yuma border
AZ ·
I-8 - (C320) WB 8 : Dogwood_T
El Centro, CA ·
I-8 - (C315) I-8 :Lake Jennings T - West
El Cajon, CA · WB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
20 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 20
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Heavy rain expected near Imperial County - consider afternoon departure
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Driving from Surprise, AZ to San Diego, CA covers 286 miles in roughly 5h 43m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 20 rest areas 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
71° / 60°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
68° / 55°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
73° / 53°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
70° / 55°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
73° / 59°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
62° / 46°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
61° / 47°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌦️ Slight rain showers at origin, 🌦️ Moderate rain showers at destination
Sunday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
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Current Conditions
Surprise, AZ
61°F
Wind: 6 mph
San Diego, CA
64°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Surprise, AZ to San Diego, CA
The 286-mile drive from Surprise, Arizona to San Diego, California takes approximately 5h 43m 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 moderate route crosses state lines from Arizona into California, connecting Surprise and San Diego. A drive of 286 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the 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 Surprise to San Diego
For medium-distance drives like this 286-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 286-mile drive from Surprise to San Diego 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 Surprise to San Diego?
The drive is approximately 286 miles and takes about 5h 43m 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, Nov 18 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Surprise to San Diego 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 Surprise to San Diego route?
Yes, there are 20 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, I-8 West. 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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