When's the best time to visit Texas?

Considering the wide geography of the Lone Star State, there’s really no such thing as a bad time to visit Texas. While you may want to skip the soaring temperatures of the Santa Elena Canyon in summer months, winter in Amarillo is not the best time to visit the Great Plains.

Here are our tips and a seasonal guide to help you decide the best time for your visit to different places across Texas.

High season: March and October 

Best time to visit for music festivals, football games and fall activities

High season comes and goes in Texas, with multiple peak tourist seasons occurring between March and October. Music lovers flock to Austin in October and March for two of the state’s biggest festivals, Austin City Limits (two weekends in October) and South by Southwest (nearly two weeks in March). Both festivals attract musicians and music lovers from all over the world, while the SXSW festival has grown to include programming in technology, politics, entertainment and entrepreneurship. In general, these are the two months that attract the most visitors to all cities in Texas with milder temps and plenty of outdoor fun.

Football season is also in full swing by October: catch the Friday night lights at a local high school, cheer on a college football team, gather pumpkins at a harvest festival or brave the crowds at Austin City Limits music festival.

Shoulder season: February, April, September and November

Best time to visit for wildflowers and outdoor recreation

Fewer tourists flock to Texas in April and September, but with slightly cooler temps than summer, these are both great months to make the most of outdoor activities. Regardless of your destination, it’s generally a safer bet to plan a hike outside the months of May to August. due to the heat.

Though they often blossom toward the end of March, the peak season for spying Texas wildflowers is in April. Before embarking on a walk among the fresh blooms, check the weather. Texas’ rainy season comes in spring and fall.

For the best weather, visit Texas in late autumn, when the rain has passed and temperatures are lower. While you’ll miss out on spring wildflowers, clear skies and milder temperatures will make outdoor recreation more comfortable.

Low season: May-August and December-January

Best time to visit for summer festivals or winter hikes

While there’s really no such thing as a low season in Texas, tourists often avoid the hotter months (May to August) when average temps across the state range from 90°F to 113°F (32°C to 45°C). That said, The Lone Star State offers plenty of museums and galleries for indoor fun, while locals beat the heat by taking a dip in the state's many rivers, lakes, and beaches.

Travelers can also build a trip around summer festivals like the Texas Crab Festival in Crystal City in May, and Juneteenth parades in Austin, Houston and other centres. Or head to the Fredericksburg Peach Festival in July, peak peach season.

Cooler winter temperatures are here to stay by December, making a trip out to West Texas ideal: hike Big Bend National Park, browse the art galleries in Alpine or slow down in Marfa. Texas weather can be unpredictable over winter: one day could be 70°F (21°C) and ideal for a hike, the next could be cold and blustery and ideal for browsing museums or aquariums.

Texans also love their holiday lights, and you can find extravagant displays in neighborhoods, parks and on courthouses across the state for the whole month of December.

Visiting Texas: a month-by-month guide

Here's a guide to the best times to visit and what you can expect throughout the year in Texas. All events are subject to change.

January

January ushers in the coldest temps of the year for Texas. While prices may drop after the holidays, you’ll have to watch for specific deals. During this low season month, travelers may also encounter fewer crowds. Plan around events in major cities (like the ones listed below in Arlington, San Antonio and Fort Worth) or head out to see what Texas Hill Country looks like in winter.

Key events: Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Six Flags Fiesta Texas Mardi Gras Festival, Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

February

Expect cool and dry weather in Texas in February. Brace for possible freezes, like the February 2021 Great Texas Freeze. This month also marks the end of any low-season price dips, so budget-conscious travelers will want to book stays before March. Couples can spend Valentine’s in Valentine, Texas, or hit up big festivals throughout the month in cities like Dallas and San Antonio.

Key events: Dallas Open, Texas Lunar Festival, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

March

March marks the height of high season in Texas, with the multi-day South by Southwest (SXSW) festival taking over Austin. Expect bustling streets in any city you visit, so be sure to read up on what to know before traveling to Texas. If you'd rather skip the crowds, focus on outdoor activities and enjoy the late-March wildflowers. Don’t miss the local festivals and celebrations for a true taste of the season.

Key events: South by Southwest, Shamrock St. Patrick's Celebration, Houston Holi

April

April is the perfect time to experience Texas' shoulder season with a wildflower-filled getaway. Spring rains and warmer temperatures transform the landscape, bringing vibrant blooms like the bluebonnet, the state’s official flower. To avoid price hikes around Easter, plan ahead or enjoy the Easter Eggstravaganza festivities in Denton, known for its charming atmosphere. Texas beaches also attract spring break vacationers seeking a coastal retreat, so be prepared for larger crowds.

Key events: Denton's Easter Eggstravaganza, Fiesta San Antonio, Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival

May

May in Texas marks the start of scorching summer temperatures. While the heat can be intense, it also signals the beginning of low season, offering travelers lower prices and fewer crowds. The warm weather brings locals outdoors for festivals, including the Texas Crab Festival in Crystal City and Cinco de Mayo celebrations across the state. It’s a great time to enjoy Texas’ lively events and cultural experiences without the typical summer crowds.

Key events: Texas Crab Festival, Fiesta West Texas, Cinco de Mayo Mesquite

June

Hurricane season starts in June, and the intense heat continues, with temperatures often soaring into the 100s °F. However, the low season persists, offering fewer crowds and better prices as many fair-weather travelers steer clear of the Texas heat. Make the most of summer by relaxing at Galveston’s beaches, joining the vibrant Juneteenth parades in cities like Austin and Houston, or heading to Nacogdoches to celebrate blueberry season.

Key events: Juneteenth Houston, Galveston Island Revue Weekend, Texas Blueberry Festival

July

While temperatures stay high in Texas through July, the height of summer also brings tons of activity to the state. Families can cool off at water parks like Schlitterbahn or beaches like Padre Island National Seashore during the day, then watch fireworks at night during Fourth of July celebrations. July also welcomes seasonal produce like peaches, bringing themed celebrations to towns like Fredericksburg and Weatherford.

Key events: Fredericksburg Peach Festival, Addison Kaboom Town, Fair Park Fourth

August

Low season continues as temperatures rise, making travel tough for outdoorsy visitors who don’t love the heat. In August, opt for indoor attractions with air conditioning or cool off by taking a dip in spots like the Texas Hill Preserve or one of Texas Hill Country's many natural swimming holes. For those 21 and over, enjoy frozen margaritas at popular spots like Guero’s in Austin, or for families, pack a blanket and head to one of the many after-dark outdoor movie screenings across the state.

Key events: WestFest, Marfa Lights Festival, Summers Last Blast

September

Temperatures remain high and hurricane season concerns stay active until November. Despite the weather, September can be a fun month to visit Texas. As a shoulder season, September presents travelers with mid-range prices and average crowd sizes. Outside of Labor Day weekend and State Fair season in Dallas, Texas visitors may be able to find good prices on flights and accommodations. 

Key events: State Fair of Texas, Dallas Chocolate Festival, Fort Worth Oktoberfest 

October

October in Texas brings cooler autumn temperatures, though the state isn’t known for fall foliage. The more comfortable weather, however, ushers in high season, leading to an influx of tourists. Expect large crowds in Austin as the Austin City Limits festival kicks off. Football season energizes towns across the state, causing traffic jams on game days.

Key events: Austin City Limits, Texas Renaissance Festival, EnPleinAirTEXAS

November

Hurricane season ends and the weather cools off, making Texas perfect for traveling. If you missed out in October, visit the Texas Renaissance Festival, which runs until the end of the month. For cultural experiences, travelers can visit New Braunfels for Wurstfest or San Antonio for Diwali celebrations. This shoulder season month is also perfect for outdoor recreation in places like Lost Maples State Natural Area and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Toward the end of the month, watch the weather, as this is often when Texas experiences its first winter freezes.

Key events: Wurstfest, Terlingua Chili Cook Off, Diwali San Antonio

December

December brings low season and more cool weather. The month also has the best conditions for visitors who want to try Texas hikes without fear of impending heat. While not known for snow, Texas has a few spots where travelers can find winter weather. For frosty conditions, head to cities like Amarillo or parks like Palo Duro Canyon State Park. If you’re fine with artificial snow, the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine hosts indoor snow tubing for the holidays. 

Key events: Santa's Wonderland, Old West Christmas Light Fest, Fiesta de las Luminarias