Best time to visit Texas

The start of the year in Texas is the coldest time, with the temperatures plunging below freezing in some places. The arid and semi-arid areas in the north-west are especially prone to frost. While the subtropical southeast experiences milder temperatures with the lows just above freezing and also higher precipitation. Northern plains can face strong winds that blow during cold waves. January boasts a sufficient amount of sunshine with 16 sunny days. Overall, mid-winter in Texas ranges from mild to cold, but nights are chilly even after the warmest days. For a visit in January, pack warm winter garments, especially for the cooler nights. Bring a heavy coat or a down jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves—standard essentials for the cold season.

After the coldest month of January, February brings a consistent rise in average temperatures, even though cold fronts are still possible in the north. The subtropical southeast is markedly milder than the rest of the state. In the capital city of Austin, the average lows and highs range from 45°F (7°C) to 65°F (18°C). To compare the values, the westernmost El Paso on the border with New Mexico state and Mexico has slightly milder days and colder nights that plunge to 37°F (3°C). February is quite a dry month with clear and sunny days prevailing in the majority of the state. The humid coastal areas are an exception. Also, snowfalls regularly occur in the Guadalupe Mountains stretching in the west. When visiting Texas in February, pack accordingly to the place you visit. Warm clothes are necessary regardless of the area, as nights remain fairly cold. Pack a heavy jacket for the mountains and an umbrella for the coastline.

The first month of spring brings further warming up along with the pickup in the rainfall. The majority of the state, except for the arid west, sees growing precipitation when it rains often. However, clouds don't shield the sun for a long time, so the month boasts ample sunshine with 18 sunny days on average. The days are pleasantly warm in the majority of the state, with the average temperatures reaching 68°F (20°C) and above. The nights are colder but milder than in winter with the average temperatures hovering between 40°F (4°C) to 50°F (10°C). At the same time, March is not immune to the cold fronts that usually strike the northern areas of the state. March visitors won't need heavy winter clothing, but some coat or jacket can be practical in the evening. Also, it's prudent to wear a raincoat or carry an umbrella.

Overall, April is a pleasantly warm and one of the rainiest months in Texas. The precipitation and rainfall vary dramatically across the state, progressively growing from the arid El Paso in the west to the humid and subtropical Port Arthur in the east. The sunshine and daylight hours are adequate despite the rain. The day temperatures also differ depending on the area being higher in the Northcentral Dallas, and milder in the Southcentral San Antonio. Hot fronts bring scorching temperatures, often followed by thunderstorms. Another woe of the season is tornadoes, which are most likely to happen in the Red River Valley of North Texas. If you come in April, dress in layers to be ready for unpredictable weather. Bring short- and long-sleeved shirts as well as a sweatshirt for the cooler temperatures. Your best accessories will be a raincoat and an umbrella.

May is a turbulent month, sunny and bright, yet hot and rainy, on the other hand. Hot fronts result in frequent thunderstorms with hail in addition to rain and lightning. Tornadoes occur mainly in the north, while wildfires and flooding—in many places around Texas. Precipitation is well-distributed across the state with slight variations. McKinney in north-central Texas, for example, registers the highest precipitation. The second place goes to the coastal areas. While days in May sometimes get uncomfortably hot, the nights are pleasantly warm. The cities on the Gulf coast boast relatively milder temperatures. In Houston, it hovers between 68°F (20°C) to 86°F (30°C). Light summer clothing needs to be packed, along with a raincoat or an umbrella. Also, keep an open eye on the weather forecast for possible alerts.

With the onset of summer, the sun becomes relentless, raising the temperatures to the more uncomfortable levels. The average highs hover in the sweltering zone above 86°F (30°C), occasionally reaching 98°F (37°C). The average lows are warm ranging from 67°F (19°C) to 76°F (24°C). The east is hot and humid, while the arid areas in the west have even higher temperatures. The coastal south is also hot and muggy. Only the north is slightly colder than average. Rainfall is still abundant throughout the state with high chances of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes, especially in the southeastern regions. If you choose the summer season, bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen to survive the heat. Light and loose clothing of natural fibers will do the best. A raincoat or an umbrella will be invaluable.

Summer is in full swing with 24 sunny days per month on average. The day temperatures are sweltering in most of Texas with the average highs hovering between 92°F (33°C) to 100°F (38°C). The night temperatures decrease to comfortably warm range of 67°F (19°C) to 75°F (24°C). Some areas though, are relatively cooler and hence more enjoyable. In particular, Guadalupe Mountains Park, located in the arid west, is one of the coolest places in this season, with the average max hitting 84°F (29°C). Another relatively cold region in July is the coastal area. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico are also warm. The amount of rainfall decreases to moderate, but thunderstorms and tornadoes can still occur. Also, the likelihood of wildfire is high in hot and dry weather. Summer travelers should load on light, loose clothing, sun hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. If you're planning on camping in the open areas, bring insect repellents too. A raincoat or an umbrella may also be useful.

When June and July were sweltering hot, August still claims to be the hottest month in Texas. The scorching heat spreads all across the state with slight differences in the average daytime highs. The days grow hotter from the north to the west, and even hotter to the south. Central Texas experiences the peak records often crossing the barrier of 100°F (38°C). The average amount of sunshine is 12 hours per day. Rainfall remains moderate in August, but the risk of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes is still present. August nights are warm but also humid in the southeastern part of the state. Visiting Texas in the hottest month, bring plenty of sunscreen, a sun hat, and light cotton or linens. Also, plan your itineraries for the mornings or late afternoons to avoid the heat of the midday sun.

The height of summer recedes by September, and the highs mitigate a little. The average highs range hovers between 85°F (29°C) to 91°F (33°C), and the lows one—60°F (16°C) to 70°F (21°C). The fall comes first to the north of Texas and spreads its wings to the south as the month progresses. Unlike in spring or summer, the weather is mostly calm. There's a small risk of thunderstorms. The rain is moderate, and the sunshine is ample with occasional partly cloudy sky. In terms of weather, fall is considered the very best season to take in the state of Texas. Summer clothing will suffice for the day, while a light sweater or a light jacket may be relevant for the cooler mornings or evenings. A raincoat or an umbrella may also be needed.

A beautiful month with mild temperatures and amiable weather. The average highs decrease to 75°F (24°C)–85°F (29°C) range, while nights please with cooler 55°F (13°C) to 60°F (16°C) temperature range. Rainfall is somewhat higher than moderate. The month of October brings a mix of cloudy and sunny days in most of Texas. The only area where cloudy and humid weather is dominant throughout the month is the subtropical regions in the east and coastal south. One of the best sights of the season is the foliage display that peaks by mid-October. This is a great time to be at the Hill Country or the Piney Woods. Bring light short- and long sleeves for the day, a sweatshirt or a light jacket for the night, and a raincoat or an umbrella for the rainy periods.

The pleasant fall weather continues into November. The temperatures are consistently cooling down with the progress of the month. Days are temperate, and nights are comfortably mild in most of Texas. The northern areas of the state are generally colder than average, while the south, on the contrary, is warmer. The nights in Wichita Falls are three times cooler than in the south-central Laredo. The difference in day temperatures is less dramatic, but noticeable anyways. Also, evenings get more windy, as winter approaches. The rainfall is moderate, while cloudy days alternate with sunny ones. The foliage is splendid until mid-November. Dress in layers to be ready for both sunny and rainy periods. Bring a windbreaker for evenings. Wearing a sweatshirt or a light jacket in the south and a heavier coat in the colder north should be comfy.

Early winter brings cooler temperatures to Texas, yet the weather varies dramatically across the state–from cold to warm. While the northern and western areas experience frost and regular snowfall, the Gulf Coast in the south boasts mild weather. The southernmost Brownsville enjoys a comfortable range of 53°F (12°C) to 72°F (22°C). Rainfall is scarce, and the month is typically clear in most of the state, except the southeast where humidity is high and rain is frequent. Meanwhile, rain is negligible in the arid west. Your luggage will depend on the area you visit in Texas. Bring warm winter clothes for the colder north or east, and lighter clothing along with a raincoat or umbrella for the southeast. To be well-prepared, check the weather precisely for the area you're going to.