Southern Texas might not impress visitors with its fall foliage. This region is dominated by brown, green, and rarely red and yellow shades of trees. Most of the parks are occupied by pines and other evergreens. But if you know where to look, you can witness plenty of oaks, black gum, and crape myrtles change color right before the winter season.
When is the best time to see fall foliage in Houston
Weather in Houston affects the fall foliage season, which arrives here later than in North Texas. Leaves transform from mid-October to mid-November, and sometimes even till early December. The average air temperature during the fall foliage season in Houston is from 73 °F to 52 °F (23 °C-11°C).
Parks in Houston
Buffalo Bayou Park stretches along the Buffalo Bayou river and covers about 130 ac (52.6 ha). It features kids' playgrounds, bridges, and multiple trails for walking and biking. Another famous fall foliage spot is a 1466 ac (593.3 ha) Memorial Park. It can surprise you with stunning shades of red and yellow. The park also has plenty of possibilities for family time: hiking trails, sports grounds, restaurants, etc. Hermann Park is known for Shumard oaks that turn red and the crape myrtles, painted in every autumn shade. Among other locations within Houston, you can check out Mason Park, Spotts Park, Cullen Park, and Houston Arboretum.
Parks near Houston
Houston is located next to the Gulf of Mexico and enjoys a tropical climate. So there are not that many locations for leaf-peeping. But if you drive north, you can spot more deciduous trees. Huntsville State Park, located 75 minutes drive from Houston, is a mixed pine-hardwood forest with beautiful red, white, and water oaks. The 210 ac (85 ha) Lake Raven, located right in the park, is great for photography due to the beautiful reflections of autumnal trees. Angelina and Sabine National Forests are located just next to each other. Although both parks are mostly covered with conifers—there are still hardwoods like oaks and black gum.
Practical info
What is fall foliage season like in Houston?
The fall foliage season in Houston brings the city to life with a variety of colors. Houston has plenty of trees, dominated by browns and greens, but there are still oaks, black gum, and crape myrtles to change colors before winter. Visitors can witness shades of red and yellow in parks like Hermann Park and Memorial Park, but there are also evergreens and pines worth exploring. Show more
When is the ideal time to visit Houston for fall colors?
Mid-October to early December is the best time to witness fall foliage in Houston. The leaves turn from mid-October to mid-November, and sometimes extend to early December, slightly later than North Texas. Visitors can enjoy an average temperature of 73°F to 52°F (23°C-11°C), making it perfect for outdoor activities in the parks. Show more
Which parks in Houston are the best for fall colors?
Hermann Park is known for the Shumard oaks that turn red, crape myrtles painted in various autumn shades, and black gum. Memorial Park has beautiful shades of red and yellow, as well as hiking trails, sports grounds, and restaurants. Buffalo Bayou Park offers multiple bridges and trails for biking and walking, kids' playgrounds, and stunning views of fall colors. Visitors can also explore Mason Park, Spotts Park, Cullen Park, and Houston Arboretum. Show more
What special features do Houston parks have for viewing fall foliage?
Houston parks offer unique features for visitors to enjoy fall foliage, such as Buffalo Bayou Park with its multiple walking and biking trails and bridges. Memorial Park is an excellent setting with numerous recreational activities like hiking, sports, and dining opportunities, along with beautiful shades of red and yellow. Hermann Park has Shumard oaks that turn red and painted crape myrtles. Visitors can also explore various evergreens and oaks in the parks. Show more
What nearby parks or areas can I visit for leaf-peeping while in Houston?
Visitors can drive 75 minutes north of Houston to reach Huntsville State Park, which is a mixed pine-hardwood forest with beautiful red, white, and water oaks around the 210-acre Lake Raven. Angelina and Sabine National Forests lie next to each other, mostly covered with conifers, but they also have oaks and black gum worth exploring for leaf-peeping enthusiasts. Show more
