I-81 from Washington DC to Charlotte
 

We are a group of 7 who will be arriving in Washington DC from South Africa on 25 December. We will be driving from Washington to Orlando with a 1 night stop enroute. We were considering driving the I-81 and stopping in Charlotte for the night. What I would like to know is what the weather conditions are like on that road in late December and is this a good idea or would another route be better. Our return journey will be on the I-95 and we were hoping not to do the same route twice. I would appreciate some advice.

You are probably going to be "repeating" at least part of the I-95 segment if you go to Charlotte first. From there the fastest route to Orlando eventually takes you to I-95 south anyway. Going via Charlotte adds about 100 miles to your trip.

You could possibly hit some winter precipitation - snow or a greater concern - ice. Pay attention to the weather forecast. Ice storms in western VA and NC are awful, as they do not have a lot of equipment to treat the roads. This type of weather is a possibility, not a certainty - so just pay attention. Also, at that time of year we have the least amount of daylight per day. Much of this road is rather isolated and not well lit - so plan your travel day accordingly.

This route also has a lot of truck traffic - but on 12/25 it should be much less. They don't really bother me, but looking into your rear view mirror and seeing a monster truck grill on your tail can be a little disconcerting to some.

You did not ask, but I am guessing you are renting a 7-8 passenger mini-van. Some of these are not great in bad weather, others are OK, but none are great. And be aware that these type vehicles do not have a lot of room for luggage and seating for those in the back is cramped.

It would be interesting to know what vehicle is being used, if it is only one. A "mini-van" would be inadequate even if there are some children in the group.
Not sure I agree that they are not good in all weather--they are very heavy vehicles--rented in Colorado and they do fine.
On a major holiday there is probably not much to be gained from not just heading right down I95--the traffic around the cities should be minimal and the higher elevations on I81 north of Charlotte could be iffy for weather.
With a group of 7, two cars might be more useful in the long run so everyone doesn't have to go everywhere all the time once you are at your destination.

Why are you driving rather than flying? The drive across SC is a screaming bore, and while there may not be much traffic going south on the 25th there probably will be coming back. If I wanted an interesting route I would take a few days and go down the coast.

If I wanted an interesting route I would take a few days and go down the coast.

Well, if it is meant to really go down the coast rather than stay on I95, I will helpfully offer the way to do it.

Come south on I95 and at I40 go east to Wilmington, NC, and then head down the coast on Route 17. You'll go through Myrtle Beach, Georgetown (a lovely Revolutionary War era town worth a drive through of the historic district), Charleston, where you can again access I95. This will add very little time or distance to your trip, but will be a lot more interesting.

Don't overlook the chance to have some real southern US BBQ on the way! Let us know what your route will be and we'll let you know some choices.

@Gretchen - good plan! Although I would be inclined to add Savannah, even closer to I-95.

You will be leaving on Boxing Day, December 26, then?

Good, because many services will be on very limited schedules -- if not non-existent -- on Christmas Day.

This is true enough on I-95 but even more true on I-81, which is much more attractive but much more rural for much of its length.

Reverse your journey and return via I-81.

Boxing Day doesn't exist in the US, I think that's a British holiday. It isn't an American one that is observed.

I'd bet Ack knows that and was trying to be "inclusive" to the South Africans who may indeed celebrate it. LOL

What type of vehicle will you rent to move 7 from Washington DC to Florida?
The coastal route is much less likely to have winter weather than the I-81 route.
How many of the 7 will be allowed to drive?

Listen to Gretchen - One way on I 95 and the other way on 17 up the coast. It is a good ride with interesting places to stop.

I-81 is a beautiful drive for 2-3 hours (and runs the risk of being a challenge if there is bad weather)...Charlotte isn't particularly exciting to see - listen to Gretchen.