The best time to visit Houston is in the spring and fall months. The weather in Houston is warm for most of the year, but in the peak summer months, the heat and humidity can make your trip uncomfortable.
Houston is close to the Gulf of Mexico and is known as a hot and humid destination, with rain throughout the year. The winters can be a little chilly, and most locals choose to escape the heat of the city in the summers. February to April and September to November offer the most pleasant temperatures to take in all that Houston has to offer.
Ready to plan the perfect vacation? Discover when to go to Texas’s largest city with this handy Houston weather guide, broken down by season and by month!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Houston Travel Guide and Texas Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Weather in Houston
By season
Spring
Houston is rated among the best springtime cities in the US. Some of Houston’s most famous festivals, like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, take place in the spring months.
Temperatures are comfortable, making spring the ideal season to take part in Houston’s plentiful outdoor activities. The humidity levels remain bearable until the summer, so you’ll want to be outside as much as possible.
Wildflowers are in bloom, and you’ll be able to spot bluebonnets, the official state flower of Texas, throughout the city. Hike, bike, and kayak your way around the area and plan lots of exciting Houston day trips.
Houston’s food scene thrives in the spring, too. Pick up fresh produce at the local farmer’s markets or pick your own fruit.
Spring is also crawfish season on the Texas Gulf Coast, so expect to be eating endless Southern crawfish boils. With pleasant evening temperatures, you’ll likely be eating most of your meals al fresco.
Summer
Summer is hurricane season in Houston, bringing rainy days and the potential for storms. Be prepared to be flexible with your travel plans at this time of year.
At the height of summer, the humidity and temperatures are decidedly high. Concentrate your Houston itinerary around waterside locations so you’ll have plenty of time to cool off. Luckily, Houston has easy access to beaches, pools, and lakes. Enjoy days at the waterpark or seek shelter from the heat at some of Houston’s most popular museums in the Houston Museum District.
There’s a reason they call Houston the air-conditioned city. You’ll want to wear cool, loose-fitting clothing to walk around, but if you’re planning to spend time indoors, make sure you bring a sweater.
Assess how many strenuous activities you can handle and make sure you drink enough water. Temperatures peak between 10 am and 3 pm, so you might want to plan your outdoor adventures earlier or later in the day.
The stormy cloud cover can offer some relief from the sun and heat, but you should continue to apply a high-SPF sunscreen. Mosquitos will be out in force, too; pack plenty of bug spray!
Fall
It’s still hot in Houston in the early fall, with the heat gradually decreasing to pleasant temperatures by the end of the season. If you’re looking to stretch the life of your summer clothes, you’ll be pleased to know you can wear them comfortably for most of the fall. With nighttime temperatures still warm, you can spend your evenings relaxing on a patio in EaDo or a rooftop terrace in Downtown Houston.
Fall is a great time to take part in signature fall festivals and marks the start of the football season without the colder temperatures of other US cities. Most tourists head to New England for the fall colors, but Houston’s rain keeps foliage lush. Stroll the large parks and gardens to admire the golds and browns in the trees.
Be aware that the hurricane season stretches into early fall, and rainfall will be likely if you’re visiting Houston during this time of year.
Winter
Locals are flooded with relief as the Texas heat starts to fade. Winters in Houston are cold but dry, and temperatures are rarely below freezing.
If the heat isn’t a big attraction for you, winter is a great time for walking around the city and seeing all the top tourist attractions in Houston. You can stroll between destinations without the suffocating heat or wrap up in layers and enjoy a crisp winter hike.
While unlikely you’ll get a white Christmas, Houston does see a rare snowstorm or hard frost from time to time. Most winter events are focused around the festive season, with Christmas markets, outdoor ice rinks, and lights adorning the Houston Zoo.
After the peak of the festivities, the true low season hits; expect fewer crowds and cheaper hotel prices.
By month
January
January is the coldest month in Houston, with average temperatures of around 62°F. By the standards of most of the US, these temperatures are pleasant and a welcome break from the Texas humidity.
Days are short, so you can spend cozy evenings in Houston’s diverse restaurant and bar scene. Take part in the annual Sky Lantern Festival, where a fire pit and thousands of colorful lanterns illuminate the night.
The end of the month marks the start of the Lunar New Year. Watch the cultural dances and feast on your favorite Asian foods.
February
The temperature in Houston rises in February to an average of 65°F. It’s also the month with the lowest rainfall, with an average of 3.7 inches. February is a great time to get out and explore the city with a lower risk of getting wet. There’s a chance of some warm days, too; pack lots of layers that’ll help you adapt to all weather conditions.
Aside from the end of the Lunar New Year, there aren’t a lot of events happening in Houston in February. Fortunately, this also means fewer crowds and cheaper hotel deals.
March
March sees a big rise in temperatures in Houston, with the average jumping to 72°F. Showers are more common, so you’ll want to pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella to protect you from the downpours.
Spring has officially arrived in March, with a lively atmosphere returning to the patios and parks. The Bluebonnets are blooming, and you’ll have the chance to spot the migrating birds. You’ll see the crowds ramp up towards the end of March, so visit early in the month for quiet days and low humidity.
March is a lively time, with Holi Festival, Mardi Gras, and St Patricks Day filling the streets with life. The highlight of the month is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a must-see event if you want to soak up some southern culture.
April
If you want the spring weather without the price tag, April is the cheapest spring month for deals at the best hotels in Houston. Temperatures are climbing, with an average of 72°F, but average rainfall remains around 3.4 inches.
The outdoor events season is in full bloom, with art parades and food festivals filling the city. Sample some of the tastiest food in Houston at the Houston BBQ Festival or stroll the pretty stalls along the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, one of the top fine arts festivals in the country.
May
May makes Houston one of the warmest spring seasons in the US. The average temperature is 84°F, and humidity levels rise from 53% to 85% by the end of the month. This also brings an increase in rainfall, with the average rising to 4.5 inches. Expect more families as the school holidays begin. Hotels will also be more expensive during the Memorial Day celebrations.
Visit the strawberry capital of the South for the Pasadena Strawberry Festival. With a cook-off and the world’s largest strawberry cheesecake, you’ll be in food heaven! Or transport yourself to Southern Europe at the Mediterranean Festival, featuring traditional food, camel rides, and Greek dance performances.
June
June marks the start of hurricane season in Houston, bringing high temperatures and humidity. Expect it to hit the low 90s and for the humidity to fluctuate to highs of 90%. The chance of rain and afternoon thunderstorms is high, but you’ll appreciate the cooling showers.
Summer is officially here in June, and the heat doesn’t put a stop to the fun. Beaches and waterparks are filling up, and your long summer evenings will be filled with late-night parties and barbeques.
June is a great month to celebrate Houston’s fantastic diversity with vibrant Pride and Juneteenth celebrations.
July
Temperatures continue to climb in July, reaching averages of 92°F. Days are long and humid, with rainfall reaching an average of 5.2 inches. Sunscreen, mosquito spray, and breathable clothing are a must.
Fourth of July parties are in full swing at the beginning of the month, and you’ll be fighting to find the best spots in the city to watch the fireworks.
Embrace the hot weather with the Houston Caribbean Festival. With 16 different countries showing off their cuisine, music, and culture, you can transport yourself to paradise islands without leaving the US.
August
August is the hottest month of the year in Houston, with temperatures averaging 93°F. Hurricanes are likely, so it may be a good idea to have a backup for any outdoor plans.
Luckily, you can use the rainy days to sample Houston’s top cuisine during Restaurant Week. The fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank gives you deals on restaurants across the city.
Make sure to pack your favorite linen shirt, not just to keep you cool but so you have an outfit for White Linen Night. It’s a gathering at Houston Heights with parties and pop-up events from small local businesses.
September
The average temperature drops to 88°F in September, but humidity remains high, peaking at 93% in the mornings. It’s the most likely month for hurricanes. Being flexible with your plans or booking last minute may be the best option. Schools are back, so the crowds have thinned, and you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere at the water parks and Houston’s most popular beaches.
The energy is higher in Houston than in other US cities at this time of year. Instead of wrapping up for the fall, most locals are celebrating the end of the sweltering summer and getting ready for a busy shoulder season. Join in the colorful celebrations for Fiestas Patrias, a party for Mexico’s independence from Spain.
October
October and November are the most expensive time to visit Houston. The rest of the country is coming to stretch out the last of their summer and make the most of the pleasant Houston fall. Average temperatures are 88°F, and you’ll get around 229 hours of sunshine.
Attend classic fall events like Oktoberfest and Dia de Muertos in a comfortably warm setting. For a unique experience, attend the annual Renaissance Festival. The themed weekends take you back to a 16th-century English village, complete with period costumes and performances.
November
November drops to a comfortable 71°F, making Houston a pleasant destination to enjoy the last vestiges of the warm weather. Hurricane season is officially over, and the city is still buzzing with tourists. Hotels are busy at this time, so you might want to book early to avoid disappointment.
The month of November is a melting pot of cultural events. Dia de Muertos continues into the early days of November, dance competitions begin for the Native American Pow Wow, and the annual Puerto Rican and Cuban Festival takes place.
December
December gets cooler in Houston but is still pleasant. Temperatures average at 63°F so it’s a great place to enjoy twinkling festivities if you’re averse to the frost. Spend your days in the wineries in nearby Hill County or wandering the free Christmas markets.
Alongside the classic holiday festivities, enjoy quirky seasonal events throughout the city. Sink into a hybrid of Texan and Latino culture at Tamale Festival Houston. Or, watch the beautiful boats on the Clear Lake Channel at the Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade.
