The best time to visit Dallas is between March and May and between September and November. Out of the four distinct seasons Dallas experiences, these times of the year offer the best weather, with mild, sunny days and cool evenings.
Spring begins in March and continues into May, with balmy days ranging between the mid-60s°F (mid-teens°C) and mid-80s°F (mid-high 20s°C). Wildflowers burst into bloom, and skies are cloudless and blue.
September through November welcomes fall and sees similar weather with temperatures in the 70s°F and 80s°F (20s°C). The summer crowds have quietened down, and the State Fair of Texas is in full swing.
Summer in Dallas is extremely hot. The mercury hangs in the 90s°F (30s°C) and 100s°F (high 30s°C), and everything seems to radiate heat. Winters tend to be cold with freezing rain, although it’s not common for snow to fall.
Can’t decide on when to visit Dallas? Here’s the complete low-down on Dallas weather by season and by month!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Texas Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Weather in Dallas
By season
Spring
Spring has sprung! The bleak, gray winter months begin to disappear, and skies become bright and blue once again. In spring, you can expect pleasantly warm temperatures, blooming wildflowers in all the parks, and a host of festivals.
Temperatures range between lows of 42°F (6°C) and highs of 69°F (21°C) in March to lows of 60°F (16°C) and highs of 84°F (29°C) in May.
A little rain can be expected around this time, with the odd thunderstorm in May, but nothing to put a dampener on plans. Carry a light rain jacket or an umbrella as a precaution.
Festivals begin to happen in spring. Events worth checking out include the Dallas Blooms floral festival held at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and the Deep Ellum Arts Festival in April.
Spring is a popular time to visit the Big D, so expect slightly higher airfares and hotel rates.
Summer
If you like the heat, then summer in Dallas is heaven. Bright sunny days bake, with temperatures reaching triple digits in July and August. August is a furnace with several days of 100-degree plus Fahrenheit heat (40s°C) and little to no rain.
Temperatures range between lows of 67°F (19°C) and highs of 91°F (33°C) in June to lows of 71°F (22°C) and highs of 100°F (38°C) in August. And not a drop of rain in sight!
The heat, however, doesn’t seem to turn tourists away, and Dallas is packed with visitors during the summer as schools are out.
Expect airfares to increase, hotel prices to be more expensive than normal, and the most popular Dallas tourist attractions to be busy. Be sure to book yourself accommodations and activities well in advance.
Events to check out during summer in Dallas include the foodie festival Taste of Dallas, the nine-day North Texas Fair & Rodeo in nearby Denton, and the popular three-day Riverfront Jazz Festival.
Fall
Fall in Dallas is a breath of fresh air after the stifling heat and crazy crowds of summer. This magical time of year brings cool fronts and comfortable temperatures with the odd drizzle here and there. Temperatures range between lows of 64°F (18°C) and highs of 89°F (32°C) in September to lows of 43°F (6°C) and highs of 68°F (20°C) in November.
Hotel, airfare, and attraction prices tend to drop during the fall; however, hotel prices can rise on certain weekends when the Cowboys are playing football on home ground.
Cool events happening in the fall include the hugely popular State Fair of Texas and Autumn at the Arboretum.
Winter
Dallas winters are fairly mild compared to other major US metropolises further north; however, it can still get quite cold for Texas. Days are pleasant and cool, and nights crisp with the odd snowfall.
Temperatures range between lows of 32°F (0°C) and highs of 58°F (14°C) in December to lows of 35°F (1.5°C) and highs of 61°F (16°C) in February. Heavy snowfall is rare; the city may only see a few inches in the coldest months.
Winter is the cheapest time to visit Dallas; if you don’t mind bundling up and carrying an umbrella, then this season is your best bet for a budget trip.
You’ll find plenty to do in Dallas in winter, with events such as the 12 Days of Christmas outdoor exhibit happening at The Arboretum from early November through the end of December.
Get into the Christmas spirit, watch the Holiday Show and Tree Lighting at Klyde Warren Park and the Annual Candlelight at the Dallas Heritage Village.
By Month
January
Dallas has a cool start to the year, with average temperatures ranging between 35°F (1.6°C) and 56°F (13°C). Even with the chilly temps, the chance of snow is rare, and days are generally dry and crisp. If you don’t mind the cold, a visit in January offers a variety of seasonal events to enjoy, as well as reasonable airfare and hotel prices.
Dallas eases into the New Year with a parade honoring Martin Luther King Jr. that ends at the African American Museum on the grounds of Fair Park with plenty of fun and festivities. Another great event is the KidFilm Festival, a fantastic film festival for all ages and the oldest in the country.
Key events in January
- MLK Parade
- American Express Golf Tournament
- KidFilm Festival
February
February sees temperatures in Dallas slowly beginning to rise, and the mercury oscillates between 39°F (4°C) and 60°F (16°C). Days are still fairly cloudy and overcast. You might experience the odd shower; however, days are becoming longer. Towards the end of February, you can enjoy up to 11 hours of daylight.
Following the footsteps of its eastern neighbors, February is Mardi Gras month in Dallas, and the city hosts its own Mardi Gras celebration with live country music at the Historic State Fairgrounds. The month of February also hosts the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest; if you’re a flora fan, the spectacular Dallas Blooms shouldn’t be missed.
Key events in February
- Dallas Blooms
- West End Mardi Gras
March
Spring bursts into bloom in March, and it’s one of the best times of year to visit Dallas. Expect bright blue skies as the clouds begin to disperse and up to 12 hours of daylight. Temperatures are on the rise, with average lows of 47°F (8°C) and highs of 68°F (20°C). March sees quite a bit of rain, but nothing a light rain jacket and an umbrella can’t beat.
Parks burst into color with blooming wildflowers, and festivals start happening. The annual Dallas Blooms festival is still on and is well worth visiting during March to see the incredible display of colors from thousands of blooms.
St Patrick’s Day brings a huge celebration to the city. The annual Irish Festival features Celtic music, traditional dancing, and loads of food, as well as Texan-style horse shows.
Key events in March
- North Texas Irish Festival
- Patrick’s Day Parade
April
The cool spring weather continues into April, and days are bright and dry with the occasional rain shower. Temperatures range between 55°F (12°C) and 76°F (24°C), making days perfect for enjoying the outdoors on your Dallas itinerary.
April is Arts Month in Dallas. You’ll find a packed calendar of events and happenings in and around town, from art talks and gallery showings to true crime theater experiences and other creative attractions.
The Deep Ellum Arts Fest kicks off with a bang, hosting 100 original bands on five stages in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, as well as street performances, juried art shows, and more.
Key events in April
- Dallas Arts Month
- Deep Ellum Arts Festival
- Soluna International Music & Arts Festival
- Dallas Museum of Art’s Art Ball
- Homegrown Music and Arts Festival
May
The beautiful weather of April continues into May, with days becoming sunnier and warmer. You can now enjoy up to 14 hours of sunshine every day, so it’s a great time to go hiking, enjoy picnics in the parks, attend outdoor festivals, and tackle some of the most popular Dallas day trips.
Temperatures are becoming warm during the day, averaging around 83°F (28°C). Hit the golf course in the morning before the heat of the day and laze by the pool in the afternoons. Cool evenings at 64°F (17°C) are perfect for outdoor dining.
As the weather starts to warm up in May, so does the events calendar as Texans head outdoors to celebrate the arts. Savor the last of the spring weather at the Cottonwood Arts Festival in Richardson or rub shoulders with celebs at the world-renowned Dallas International Film Festival.
Key events in May
- Dallas International Film Festival
- Cottonwood Arts Festival
- Wildflower Arts & Music Festival
- So What Music Festival
- Dallas International Guitar Festival
June
Things are beginning to heat up in June, with temperatures reaching the 90s°F (30s°C) by midday. Mornings are comfortable and range between 70°F (21°C) and 75°F (23°C). As the sun rises into the sky, temperatures rise with it; by lunchtime, it can be a very warm 91°F (32°C).
Humidity levels are also on the rise and can leave you feeling sticky and irritable. The best way to escape this heat is to spend the day in the pool or wandering around air-conditioned shops, museums, and art galleries.
June is foodie month in Dallas and time for Taste of Dallas, the beloved celebration of the city’s restaurant scene. The party scene heats up with Reunion Tower in Downtown Dallas hosting parties with live music and plenty of cold beer. June 19th is a big day in the Big D, with venues all around the city celebrating the final emancipation of slaves in Texas.
Key events in June
- Taste of Dallas
- Juneteenth
- Reunion Lawn Party
- Dallas PRIDE
July
Dallas shimmers with heat in July, with bright sunshine reflecting off the glass skyscrapers and turning the city into a furnace. The sky is bright and cloudless, and there isn’t a speck of rain in sight.
Temperatures blaze with days of 95°F (35°C), and the only way to escape the heat is to head indoors to air-conditioned sanctuaries. Nights are cooler at 75°F (23°C) and ideal for getting out and about and enjoying outdoor performances in the parks. Check out the live Shakespeare productions at the Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre in East Dallas and the 4th of July celebrations in Fair Park.
Despite the heat, the best places to stay in Dallas are packed with both locals celebrating school vacation and the 4th of July weekend and visitors escaping the Northern Hemisphere for hotter climes.
Key events in July
- Shakespeare Festival
- Fair Park Fourth
August
As July rolls into August, the hot weather doesn’t abate, making for another scorching month. Mornings dawn at 75°F (23°C) and heat up to 96°F (36°C). It’s not uncommon for the city to experience several days of over 100°F (38°C) in a row; if you’re traveling during this time, be prepared for this kind of heat.
A great way to beat the heat of a Dallas summer is by sipping cold craft beer or frozen margaritas by the pool—and August offers plenty of opportunities to do just this. Head to ArtPark in Trinity Groves for icy brews in the colorful art-filled beer garden to celebrate International Beer Day.
The most popular Dallas hotels are generally quite busy during these hot months, with visitors wanting poolside vacations and room rates at a premium.
Key events in August
- Rockin’ the River Tubing Series
- Grand Prairie Hatch Chili Festival
- AnimeFest Dallas
September
The sizzling weather and summer crowds begin to wane in September, and temperatures cool down significantly, making it one of the best months to visit Dallas. Days are still fairly warm at 84°F (28°C), while evenings are lovely and cool at 67°F (19°C) and perfect for alfresco dining.
September marks the beginning of the State Fair of Texas, one of the biggest, longest state fairs in the country and packed full of Lone Star culture. From rodeos and ranching to rooster-crowing contests and livestock shows, this hugely popular and ultra-patriotic event is a one-of-a-kind Texan experience.
Key events in September
- Autumn at the Arboretum
- Riverfront Jazz Festival
- State Fair of Texas
October
Dallas’ love of sport comes alive in October when their beloved Cowboys, Stars, and Mavericks take to the courts and fields for the new season. And the weather plays along with glorious days of 78°F (25°C) and cool evenings of 56°F (13°C) that are perfect for football games.
If sport isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other events happening in October to enjoy, from the musical memoir of the Stevie Ray Vaughn Remembrance Concert to Autumn at the Arboretum, where pumpkins are the stars of the show.
Key events in October
- The Red River Showdown
- Stevie Ray Vaughn Remembrance Concert
- Ferris Wheelers in the Design District
November
Temperatures begin to cool down as Dallas heads into winter. But don’t expect the icy winters of the north – winter in the Big D is fairly mild. Mornings are now a chilly 46°F (7°C) but warm up to around 67°F (19°C) during the day.
November is a fantastic time to discover Dallas’ fall and festive flourishes, from superb restaurants to vibrant market days. You’ll find a wealth of activities and events happening in November to enjoy, from the Dia de los Muertos Concert at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center to the quirky World Food Championships at Fair Park.
Key events in November
- Dia de los Muertos Concert
- Holiday at the Arboretum
- Chi Omega Christmas Market
- World Food Championships
December
By December, winter has set in, and although the winters here aren’t as freezing as they are further north, you’ll still experience cold temperatures and icy rain with a rare chance of snowfall. Temperatures range from lows of 37°F (2°C) to highs of around 56°F (13°C) during the day.
Even with the chilly temps, a winter visit to Dallas is great if you want to city to yourself with the crowds and good hotel rates. A full calendar of holiday events is on, and you can get into the Christmas spirit with several events, such as holiday parades and lighting ceremonies.
Key events in December
- Holiday at the Arboretum
- Klyde Warren Park Tree Lighting Celebration
- Dallas Zoo Lights
- Dallas Holiday Parade
- BMW Dallas Marathon
