Just an hour from the Gulf of Mexico, Houston is known for being hot, humid, and wet – sometimes all at the same time and often for most of the year. That's never deterred the legions of visitors who come to experience Houston's diverse cultural offerings, great food scene, and the outdoor adventures of the Lone Star State’s biggest city.
However, when it comes to prices for accommodation, festivals and weather for getting into the great outdoors, some seasons are definitely better than others. This guide will talk you through the best and most affordable times to visit Houston, as well as tips for staying dry in the rain, dodging hurricane season, and escaping the worst of the summer heat.
Houston is very hot and humid during the summertime, so sunscreen and bottles of water (and an emergency umbrella) are essential gear for city excursions. Daytime temperatures are consistently above 90 degrees F and can climb above 100 degrees, making for uncomfortable days when anyone with any sense heads for the water – be that the hotel pool, state park swimming holes, or the Gulf coast. Even so, it’s the most popular month for visitors as families with children on school break flock from all parts of Texas and the surrounding states to one of the most activity-filled cities in the US.
During the summer months, there are tons of outdoor festivals, which can be a bit tricky to navigate since the high season also happens to be hurricane season. It's been a while since the city saw anything on the scale of the hurricane that flattened Galveston in 1900, but every few years, a big storm will blow in, bringing floods and travel disruption. June is the rainiest month in Houston, and August and September have the highest risk for tropical storms and hurricanes.
Locals don’t let this get in the way of their summer fun, whether that's downtown or out at the beach. Unfortunately, high hotel rates are typical during this time, but there are plenty of free activities and opportunities to get hold of discounted tickets (look out for promotions and discount coupons for local attractions). This is the time of year when the region's state parks come into their own, particularly the ones with swimming holes. Staying in a neighborhood with a local park is another top tip.
Outdoor exploration is a big theme at any time of the year in Houston, but visit during the shoulder season, and you won’t have to suffer from the sweltering heat, high humidity or killer mosquitos while you make the most of the great Texas outdoors. At this time of the year, rainy weather is always a possibility, but you’ll appreciate the cloud cover when you’re kayaking in Buffalo Bayou Park, biking on the White Oak Bayou Trail, or searching for Texas wildflowers at the start of spring.
Expect a more artsy crop of festivals and events between March and May and an array of family-friendly holiday events in October and November. Accommodations are pricier during October and November than they are in March, April, and May, but still cheaper than the summer peak. If you’re looking for something more affordable, consider a camping or glamping experience close to the city rather than staying downtown.
Although December is a busy time, packed full of holiday events, life slows down in Houston after the New Year. If you dislike crowded attractions and prefer a more easy-going pace of life, the low season is the time to come. This is also a time to make the most of indoor attractions such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Space Center Houston (where you can tour the campus by tram). It doesn’t hurt that accommodation is much more affordable at this time, making this the best season for budget travelers.
Keep in mind that the weather is chilly, at least for Houston. The daytime sees temperatures of up to 60 degrees, and at night it can get as low as 40 degrees. Snow is fairly unlikely, though there are light dustings every few years. A coat isn’t a bad idea for a night on the town. Occasional winter storms surge in from December to January, bringing more severe conditions – it's worth checking the forecasts if there's a storm on the way.
Key events: Martin Luther King Jr. Grande Parade and Chevron Houston Marathon
Key events: Texas Lunar Festival
Key events: Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Migration Celebration
April is one of the most comfortable months in Houston, at least when it comes to the weather. Join the whole city as Houstonians make the most of outdoor spaces, arts festivals, fitness events and heritage fests.
Key events: WorldFest: Houston International Film Festival and Houston Barbecue Festival
Key events: Comicpalooza and Mediterranean Festival
Key events: Juneteenth and Pride Houston
Key events: Freedom Over Texas Festival and Great Texas Mosquito Festival
Key events: Restaurant Week and Shakespeare Festival
Key events: Fiesta Patrias and Oktoberfest Houston
Key events: Buffalo Bayou Regatta, Bayou City Arts Festival, and Texas Contemporary Art Fair
Key events: Dia De Los Muertos at Discovery Green, Puerto Rican and Cuban Festival, Texas Championship Native American Pow Wow, Ice at Discovery Green, Holiday in the Gardens, City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Via Colori
Key events: Dickens on the Strand, Tomball German Christmas Market & Festival, Christmas Village at Bayou Bend, Tamale Festival Houston, Candlelight Tour in the Park
You may also like:
Best things to do with kids in Houston
Top 15 free things to do in Houston
The 12 can't-miss things to do in Houston