Winter trends and weather-driven demand for Dashers
From cozy takeout nights to last-minute holiday shopping, cold weather often means more dashing — and higher earning potential.
Between November and February, various sports and holidays help create even more opportunities.
DoorDash internal data shows:
Thanksgiving and Christmas bring more Shop & Deliver grocery offers.
New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day often mean more alcohol, gift, and flower deliveries.
Plan around these high-demand times to make the most of your dashes.
How can Dashers stay safe during winter?
Seasoned Dashers know that dashing safely in winter takes preparation. Here’s how to protect yourself and your vehicle, no matter how you dash.
Winter brings unique challenges like poor visibility, icy roads, and shorter daylight hours. Before you dash:
Check local weather alerts and power outage notifications. DoorDash’s Severe Weather Protocol and Real-Time Safety Alerts also work to keep you safe in changing conditions.
Give yourself extra time to drive safely and avoid rushing, especially when driving in fog or snow or over icy roads.
Dress in layers, and take breaks to stay warm and alert.
Most importantly, only dash when conditions feel safe for you.
Vehicle safety
Your car is your lifeline, so make sure it’s ready for winter.
Inspect tires, antifreeze, and your car battery regularly. Consider winter or all-weather tires for extra traction.
Always clear snow and ice from mirrors, windows, and lights before heading out.
Adjust your driving for slick roads and beware of black ice driving hazards, especially on bridges and shaded areas.
Keep an emergency kit with a scraper, shovel, flashlight, and blanket in your car.
Stick to main roads when possible, since they’re more likely to be plowed and well-lit.
If you ever have major car trouble while dashing, prioritize your safety first. Once you're in a safe spot off the road, contact DoorDash support and let them know what's happening. Make sure you are offline so you don't get new orders, and work with support to handle both the delivery and repairs for your car. If it’s an emergency, call 911 first.
Bike and scooter safety
If you dash without a car during the winter, take a few extra precautions:
Avoid icy or snowy paths.
Use studded or winter tires, and slightly lower your tire pressure to improve grip.
Brake early, and ride predictably — drivers take longer to react on slippery roads.
Dress warmly and visibly, wearing reflective gear and gloves.
Cold weather affects batteries, so plan your dashes around shorter routes or carry an extra battery pack. Avoid charging or storing your battery in extreme temperatures.
Remember, stay visible and safe in traffic.
For questions about vehicle and insurance requirements for Dashers, see these FAQs.
Delivery tips
Protect your delivery from temperature changes by using insulated bags to keep food hot or cold.
Anticipate delays, as stores and Merchants may also be impacted by the weather, and communicate proactively with customers.
Monitor local radio or weather apps for changing conditions.
Consider Shop & Deliver orders for longer breaks from the cold.
Delivering during the holidays? Check out DoorDash's Holiday Dashing tips.
Patience is going to be one of the keys to your success. [Dashers] have different recipes for success. Pick the one that tastes best to you!
Stay safe and ready on the road
Winter dashing takes preparation, patience, and the right tools. DoorDash gives you the flexibility to choose when and how you dash, and provides resources designed to help you stay safe while earning on your own terms.
Ready to start your winter dash?
