Best Time to Drive: Goodman, MS to Olive Branch, MS
The best overall window to drive from Goodman, MS to Olive Branch, MS is May to October. June is especially comfortable, and 7 AM to 10 AM is usually the easiest departure window. The main things to watch are tropical weather window.
Best overall window
May to October
This stretch gives the steadiest mix of comfort, daylight, and lower weather friction.
Easiest departure pattern
7 AM to 10 AM
This is short enough that a mid-morning departure still keeps the whole drive comfortable.
Most challenging stretch
November to December
November is one of the harder months for this route because the weather friction stacks up faster.
Why This Route Scores Differently
This is a same-day corridor, so departure timing matters almost as much as the month you choose.
The current best window is May to October, when the drive is more likely to feel steady end to end.
This score uses multiple NOAA sample points along the route instead of a single state-wide climate average.
Month-by-Month Driving Conditions
Average Conditions by Month
January
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
February
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
March
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
April
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
May
Best departure
7 AM to 10 AM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
June
Best departure
7 AM to 10 AM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
July
Best departure
7 AM to 10 AM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
August
Best departure
7 AM to 10 AM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Rain disruption is usually limited compared with wetter months.
September
Best departure
7 AM to 10 AM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Rain disruption is usually limited compared with wetter months.
October
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
November
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
December
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
Seasonal Hazards on This Route
Tropical weather window
Jun - NovTrack tropical systems and leftover Gulf moisture closely, especially if your travel day is not flexible.
Best Departure Time by Season
Spring
9 AM to 12 PM
Waiting for a little daylight and warmer pavement usually makes the drive easier.
Summer
7 AM to 10 AM
This is short enough that a mid-morning departure still keeps the whole drive comfortable.
Fall
9 AM to 12 PM
Waiting for a little daylight and warmer pavement usually makes the drive easier.
Winter
9 AM to 12 PM
Waiting for a little daylight and warmer pavement usually makes the drive easier.
How This Score Was Built
Source
Route-sampled NOAA climate normals
High confidence. Built from 3 NOAA-backed route checkpoints rather than a single statewide estimate.
Origin zone
Southeast
Destination zone
Southeast
Route sample points
Late route
Late route checkpoint
MS PICKENS (6.9 mi away)
Late route
Late route checkpoint
MS BATESVILLE 2.2 SSE (4.2 mi away)
Destination
Olive Branch, MS
MS OLIVE BRANCH (0.6 mi away)
Ready to plan? See the full trip plan from Goodman, MS to Olive Branch, MS with stops, fuel costs, and directions.
Considering flying instead? Compare driving vs flying for this route.