Summary
Given the vast geography of the Lone Star State, there is essentially no unfavorable time to visit Texas. While it may be advisable to avoid the elevated temperatures of the Santa Elena Canyon during the summer months, winter in Amarillo may not be the most favorable time to explore the Great Plains.
The following are our recommendations along with a seasonal guide to aid you in determining the optimal times for your visit across various locations in Texas.
October and March are peak times for visitors to Texas
Music enthusiasts flock to Austin during October and March for two of the state’s premier festivals, Austin City Limits (spanning two weekends in October) and South by Southwest (nearly two weeks in March). Both events draw artists and music aficionados from around the globe, while the SXSW festival has expanded to encompass programming in technology, politics, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. Generally, these two months attract the highest number of visitors to various Texas cities, offering milder temperatures and ample opportunities for outdoor activities.
The football season also reaches its peak in October: enjoy the excitement of local high school games under the Friday night lights, support a college football team, partake in pumpkin gathering at a harvest festival, or immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Austin City Limits music festival.
Winter is for hikes, galleries, and holiday festivities
As cooler temperatures settle in by November, a trip to West Texas becomes optimal: explore Big Bend, peruse art galleries in Alpine, or unwind in Marfa. However, Texas weather can be unpredictable in winter; one day could have a temperate 70°F (21°C) suitable for hiking, while another day could be chilly and windy, perfect for visiting museums and galleries.
Texans also take pride in their holiday lighting displays, with extravagant decorations prevalent in neighborhoods, parks, and courthouses across the state throughout December.
Choose the shoulder season for wildflowers and the great outdoors
Fewer travelers visit Texas in April and September; however, with slightly cooler temperatures than summertime, these months offer excellent opportunities for outdoor pursuits. Regardless of your intended destination, it is typically more reliable to arrange a hike outside the period from May to August.
Although Texas wildflowers usually begin blossoming at the end of March, the prime season for observing these beautiful blooms occurs in April.
Expect summer festivals (and hotter temperatures) from May
Although there is essentially no low season in Texas, tourists tend to refrain from visiting during the hotter months (May to August), when temperatures throughout the state can range from 90°F to 113°F (32°C to 45°C) and beyond. Nonetheless, there are numerous museums and galleries across the state that offer enjoyable air-conditioned experiences. Moreover, locals often cope with the heat by taking a dip in the state’s many rivers, lakes, and beaches.
A variety of festivals take place over the summer, allowing you to plan a trip around events such as the Texas Crab Festival in Crystal City in May, Juneteenth parades in Austin, Houston, and other locations, or head to the Fredericksburg Peach Festival in July, coinciding with peak peach season.
This article was initially published on October 7, 2021, and updated on August 8, 2023.
