Best States to Ride a Motorcycle Year-Round

Nov 9, 2024

For motorcycle riders, finding the perfect location to enjoy scenic, year-round riding is essential. While places like California and Florida are often at the top of the list, there are several other states where you can hit the open road no matter the season. This guide will help you explore the best states for year-round riding, considering weather, scenic beauty, and riding conditions.

1. California

California is a dream destination for motorcyclists thanks to its varying landscapes, mild weather, and famous motorcycle routes. While cities like Los Angeles can get congested, riding along the Pacific Coast Highway is an unforgettable experience.

Cities like Redding and Sacramento boast sunshine rates as high as 88%, and the central region near Fresno also offers clear weather much of the year. Be mindful of the summer heat in the southern part of the state, but otherwise, California is a top destination for year-round riding with coastal, desert, and mountain landscapes to explore.

2. Arizona

Arizona is known for its year-round riding opportunities, thanks to its arid climate and abundant sunshine. Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma rank among the sunniest cities in the U.S., with sunshine levels between 85% and 90%.

While the desert can get scorching during the summer, heading north to Flagstaff or exploring scenic highways like State Route 89A offers a cool escape. Arizona's varied geography means you can enjoy the heat in the lower desert or retreat to higher elevations for cooler rides. Just watch out for the monsoon season, which can bring flash floods to the region.

3. Texas

Texas offers a variety of climates for motorcycle riders. El Paso is a great location for year-round riding in the western part of the state, boasting 84% sunshine. However, spring brings high winds, and summer temperatures can soar.

Try routes around the Franklin Mountains or through the rolling hills near Austin for scenic rides. Be cautious of heavy traffic on I-35, but Texas generally provides vast open spaces and great riding conditions for much of the year.

4. Nevada

While Nevada is known for its dry climate, it’s also a fantastic state for motorcycle riders who want to enjoy year-round riding. Las Vegas is sunny 85% of the time, and routes like those through Valley of Fire and Red Rock Canyon offer stunning desert landscapes.

If you prefer cooler temperatures, head north to Reno or ride around Lake Tahoe and Carson City. These regions can see snow in the winter, but much of the year offers beautiful weather and scenic mountain routes.

5. Florida

Good mostly for year-round, but you may want to avoid the summer months and early fall when the weather is sometimes insufferable during hurricane season.

Florida lives up to its nickname as the Sunshine State. Cities like Key West enjoy sunshine 76% of the year, making it a top destination for riders seeking tropical routes. The Florida Keys offer scenic rides along U.S. Route 1, including the stunning Seven Mile Bridge.

However, Florida’s summer months can bring hurricanes, thunderstorms, and extreme heat. If you time it right and avoid hurricane season, the state offers excellent riding conditions, with plenty of coastal routes and the famous Daytona Bike Week rally drawing thousands of riders every year.

Want a Local to Show You the Best Roads in These States?

Each of these states has more riding than you can cover in a single trip, and knowing which routes to prioritize takes local knowledge. Riders Share offers guided motorcycle tours across the country, led by riders who know the roads, the timing, and the stops that turn a good ride into a great one. Whether you're headed to California, Florida, Arizona, or anywhere else on this list, a guided tour is an easy way to see the best of what each state has to offer.

6. New Mexico

New Mexico may not always be top of mind for motorcycle riders, but it offers excellent year-round riding conditions. Cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe experience mild winters and low humidity. With its expansive desert landscape, you can enjoy peaceful rides along routes like The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway or The Turquoise Trail.

Although the state sees snow in some higher-elevation areas, much of New Mexico is rideable throughout the year, making it a hidden gem for motorcyclists.

7. Hawaii

Beautiful and well worth the trip, but the cost of living is higher, and its quite far away compared to the other states.

For those seeking an exotic, year-round riding destination, Hawaii offers the perfect combination of warm weather and scenic roads. The island of Oahu features some of the best routes, such as the North Shore Loop and rides along Hana Highway in Maui.

While Hawaii's small island size limits long-distance riding, the coastal scenery and tropical landscapes make up for it, with temperatures rarely dipping below 60°F, you can enjoy riding in shorts and a light jacket nearly every day of the year.

8. Utah

Overall good, but if you travel to Northern Utah, you may get some snow. 

Utah is a state known for its incredible landscapes, including red rock deserts and high mountain peaks. While northern Utah experiences snowy winters, southern Utah's desert regions, such as St. George, offer mild winters and stunning rides.

Popular routes include Scenic Byway 12, which runs through Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. For riders who don’t mind a little chill in the air, Utah is rideable most of the year, particularly in the southern part of the state.

9. Oregon

Well… rainy… but rideable. 

While Oregon is known for its rainy winters, the state still offers year-round riding opportunities, especially in the coastal and southern regions. Cities like Medford and Grants Pass experience milder winters compared to the northern part of the state. The Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (U.S. 101) is one of the most picturesque coastal routes in the U.S.

With the right rain gear, you can enjoy Oregon’s mix of coastal, forest, and mountain scenery nearly any time of the year.

10. Georgia

Georgia is another great state for year-round motorcycle riding, especially if you’re in the southern region. Savannah and Augusta offer mild winters, while northern areas like Helen provide scenic routes through the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Northern Georgia’s Tail of the Dragon is a famous ride for motorcyclists, featuring 318 curves in just 11 miles. The state’s varying geography ensures that there’s something for every rider, whether you prefer coastal roads or mountainous terrains.

Honorable Mentions: More Year-Round Riding Destinations

1. South Carolina: With mild winters and scenic rides like those through Charleston and the Blue Ridge Parkway, South Carolina is a great option for year-round riding.
2. Mississippi: The state has mild winters and scenic byways like the Natchez Trace Parkway, perfect for quiet, relaxed rides.

Tips for Year-Round Riding

No matter where you live or travel, having the right gear and preparation is key to year-round motorcycle riding. Here are a few tips to make the most of your rides:

• Invest in Gear: Heated gloves, jackets, and grips for cold climates and cooling vests for hot, arid areas like Arizona or Nevada.
• Check the Weather: Always monitor weather conditions, especially in regions prone to sudden changes, such as monsoon areas in the Southwest or Florida during hurricane season.
• Stay Hydrated: In hotter climates like Texas or Arizona, ensure you carry enough water and take breaks to stay cool.

Rent a Motorcycle in One of These Warmer-Weather States and Continue Riding Year-Round with Riders Share

Rent a motorcycle in one of these warmer-weather states and ride year-round with Riders Share. Whether you're exploring the roads of California, Florida, or Texas, Riders Share helps you find the right bike for your trip. With a wide selection of motorcycles and flexible rental options, you can keep riding no matter the season.

Conclusion: Where Is the Best State to Ride a Motorcycle Year-Round?

Whether you're cruising along the Pacific Coast in California or taking in Arizona's desert landscapes, plenty of states offer perfect riding conditions year-round. From the tropical roads of Hawaii to the wide-open highways of Texas, your next adventure is out there, waiting for you to explore.