Houston Weather by Month: What to Expect Every Season
Date Published
Houston weather runs the full spectrum from mild winter afternoons to relentless Gulf humidity. January and February stay comfortable most days, with occasional cold fronts that can drop temperatures into the 30s. June through September deliver heat indexes above 100°F, every single day. In between, you get two brief shoulder seasons — spring and fall — when Houston is, in our view, genuinely at its best outdoors.
Here's what to expect every month of the year, based on 1991–2020 climate normals for Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) published by NOAA.
Houston climate at a glance
Houston's climate is humid subtropical. Gulf moisture keeps humidity high year-round, and more than 50 inches of rain fall annually — more than Seattle, but concentrated in dramatic afternoon downpours rather than steady drizzle.
- Hottest month: August, average high 95°F (35°C).
- Coolest month: January, average high 63°F (17°C), low 43°F (6°C).
- Wettest month: June, averaging 6.0 inches.
- Driest month: February, averaging 3.0 inches.
- Annual rainfall: approximately 52 inches (IAH, 1991–2020 normals).
- Heat index peak: routinely 105–115°F from June through September.
- Freeze risk: January and February; rare but impactful.
- Hurricane season: June 1 – November 30; historical peak is late August through October.
January
Average high: 63°F (17°C). Average low: 43°F (6°C). Average rainfall: 3.8 inches.
Most January days feel like a mild fall afternoon in a northern city — a light jacket in the morning and shirtsleeves by noon. Cold fronts roll through roughly every two weeks, briefly dropping temperatures into the 30s and occasionally bringing freezing rain or sleet. Hard freezes are rare but not impossible. Buffalo Bayou Park has entire trails to yourself this time of year.
What to wear: light-to-mid-weight jacket, layers. Keep a warm layer for fronts.
Best for: outdoor walks, Houston parks, and day trips without breaking a sweat.
February
Average high: 67°F (18°C). Average low: 47°F (8°C). Average rainfall: 3.0 inches (driest month).
February is one of Houston's best-kept secrets. Days are long enough to spend outdoors, the air is noticeably dry, and wildflowers begin appearing along area roadsides by late February. It is the driest month of the year, and locals start brunch on patios again. Cold snaps still arrive but are shorter. Great for hiking trails near Houston or a Brenham road trip for the first bluebonnets.
What to wear: light layers; a medium jacket for mornings and evenings.
March
Average high: 74°F (23°C). Average low: 53°F (11°C). Average rainfall: 3.4 inches.
Spring arrives fast in Houston. Temperatures climb quickly, bluebonnets peak in the Hill Country by mid-month, and afternoon thunderstorms begin — sometimes with hail or high winds. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs through late March in most years. Check the National Weather Service forecast before committing to outdoor plans.
What to wear: light layers; T-shirt by afternoon; a rain layer in your bag.
April
Average high: 80°F (27°C). Average low: 61°F (16°C). Average rainfall: 3.7 inches.
April is the month Houstonians recommend most to first-time visitors. Temperatures sit in the 70s and low 80s, humidity is moderate, and the city's parks and outdoor spaces are at their best. Afternoon thunderstorms occur but are usually short and dramatic rather than all-day. The best time to visit Houston is April or October — and this month is why.
What to wear: T-shirts and light pants; a light jacket for evenings.
Best for: outdoor visits, walking, spring festivals, and day trips from Houston.
May
Average high: 87°F (31°C). Average low: 68°F (20°C). Average rainfall: 5.0 inches.
Summer arrives early in Houston. May averages 87°F with rising humidity, and heat indexes start climbing into the 95–100°F range on humid afternoons. May is also one of the wettest months — intense afternoon and evening storms can drop 2 inches in two hours. Houston-area water parks typically open in May, which is both appropriate and necessary.
What to wear: lightweight clothes, sunscreen, hat.
June
Average high: 92°F (33°C). Average low: 74°F (23°C). Average rainfall: 6.0 inches (wettest month).
June is Houston's wettest month and the start of true summer heat. Heat indexes routinely hit 103–110°F by afternoon. The best outdoor time is early morning: kayakers on Buffalo Bayou are typically out before 9 a.m. and off the water before 10. Hurricane season begins June 1, though the statistical peak is still months away.
What to wear: the lightest fabrics you own; a hat; sunscreen daily.
July
Average high: 95°F (35°C). Average low: 76°F (24°C). Average rainfall: 3.8 inches.
July is one of Houston's two peak heat months. Afternoon heat indexes frequently exceed 110°F. Despite the intensity, rainfall drops compared to June — the heat comes from prolonged humid Gulf air, not storm systems. Most Houstonians schedule outdoor time before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m. Indoor attractions have shorter lines in July than during spring break or fall.
Insider tip: July is the least-crowded month at Houston's indoor attractions. The Museum District, aquarium, and Space Center Houston all have shorter lines than in April or October.
August
Average high: 95°F (35°C). Average low: 75°F (24°C). Average rainfall: 4.8 inches.
August matches July for heat and sits at the heart of hurricane season. This is the month to confirm your hurricane preparedness checklist is ready before storm season peaks. For visitors, indoor life is the move: the museum district is world-class, and downtown's tunnel system connects several blocks in air-conditioned corridors.
What to wear: minimal and lightweight. Sunscreen is non-negotiable.
September
Average high: 90°F (32°C). Average low: 71°F (22°C). Average rainfall: 4.7 inches.
September stays hot, but a shift is coming. Afternoons are slightly shorter, and a few cooler mornings appear by late September. Hurricane risk remains elevated — September is historically the most active month for Gulf tropical storms. Check the National Weather Service and know your flood zone status before tropical systems move through.
When it turns: the first real cool front of the year typically arrives in late September, dropping nighttime lows into the mid-60s.
October
Average high: 83°F (28°C). Average low: 61°F (16°C). Average rainfall: 5.5 inches.
October is when Houston transforms. Heat breaks usually in the first two weeks, and by late October cool fronts drop evenings into the 50s. The city comes outdoors: patio dining fills back up, outdoor events return, and day trips from Houston hit their peak season. October is tied with April as the single best month to visit.
What to wear: T-shirt in the day; a light jacket in the evenings by mid-month.
November
Average high: 73°F (23°C). Average low: 52°F (11°C). Average rainfall: 4.0 inches.
November is Houston's second-best outdoor month. Humidity drops noticeably, daytime temperatures stay in the 60s and 70s, and the city's parks and trails are at their fall best. Light freezes are possible after Thanksgiving, but most of the month is comfortable in a jacket. Outdoor dining, hiking, and fall events fill the weekend calendar.
What to wear: jacket for mornings and evenings; T-shirt for sunny afternoons.
December
Average high: 65°F (18°C). Average low: 46°F (8°C). Average rainfall: 4.0 inches.
December in Houston is mostly mild, with daytime highs commonly in the 60s. Christmas week is an excellent outdoor time — a 65°F afternoon is typical, and Houston's downtown Christmas activities and ice skating rinks are in full swing. Light freezes and freezing rain are possible, especially in the last two weeks of the month. Check road conditions before early-morning drives.
What to wear: a mid-weight jacket; warm layers for cold fronts.
When is the best time to visit Houston?
The best months to visit Houston are October and April, with October edging ahead for lower humidity, a packed outdoor events calendar, and comfortable evenings. The full shoulder seasons — mid-March through April and October through November — both work well for first-time visitors. See our best time to visit Houston guide for a full visitor breakdown.
Houston summer heat: what you need to know
Houston's summer discomfort is driven by the heat index, not temperature alone. On a 94°F day with 65% humidity, the heat index can reach 110°F. The National Weather Service issues heat advisories when the heat index is expected to reach 108°F and excessive heat warnings at 113°F.
Practical tips for summer:
- Carry water at all times, not only during exercise.
- Schedule outdoor activities — including kayaking on the bayou — before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
- Use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day from May through September.
- Know where your nearest cooling center is — the City of Houston operates them during heat emergencies.
Houston and hurricane season
Houston's hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with the historical peak from late August through mid-October. The city sits roughly 50 miles inland from Galveston, which reduces direct landfall risk but not the threat of storm surge flooding or heavy rain from slow-moving systems. Tropical Storm Allison (2001) and Hurricane Harvey (2017) both produced catastrophic flooding from stalling systems.
Every Houston household should have an emergency plan before June. Our hurricane preparation guide covers emergency supplies, flood zones, and evacuation routes.
Save this: Houston weather by season
Spring (March–May)
- Light layers; rain layer in your bag from March on
- Sunscreen from April onward
- Check the National Weather Service forecast before outdoor events
Summer (June–September)
- Lightweight fabrics and SPF 30+ sunscreen daily
- Outdoor activities before 10 a.m. and after 7 p.m.
- Hurricane kit ready by June 1
- Know your flood zone (Houston flood zone map)
Fall (October–November)
- Light jacket for evenings from mid-October
- Best season for day trips from Houston, outdoor dining, and hiking
Winter (December–February)
- Mid-weight jacket; warm layer for cold fronts
- Check road conditions before driving on cold mornings
- Rare but real freeze events possible in January–February
Last verified: October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hottest month in Houston?
August is Houston's hottest month, with an average high of 95°F (35°C) and an average low of 75°F (24°C), based on 1991–2020 climate normals for Houston Intercontinental Airport. July matches nearly the same temperatures. Heat index values routinely exceed 110°F during both months.
When is the best time to visit Houston for good weather?
October and April are the best months to visit Houston. Temperatures are in the 70s–80s, humidity is moderate, and outdoor attractions are fully open. The full shoulder seasons — mid-March through April and October through November — both work for first-time visitors.
Does Houston get snow or ice?
Snow is rare in Houston — the city averages fewer than one inch per year. Freezing rain and sleet are more common during cold snaps in January and February. Houston's roads are not built for icy conditions, so even light ice can cause significant disruptions, as the February 2021 winter storm showed.
How much rain does Houston get per year?
Houston averages approximately 52 inches of rain per year, based on 1991–2020 climate normals at Houston Intercontinental Airport. June is the wettest single month, averaging 6 inches; May and October also exceed 5 inches. Rain typically arrives in short, intense afternoon downpours rather than all-day drizzle.
When is hurricane season in Houston?
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The historical peak for Gulf activity is late August through mid-October. Houston sits about 50 miles inland from Galveston Bay, which reduces direct landfall risk but not storm surge flooding or heavy rain from slow-moving tropical systems.
How cold does Houston get in winter?
Houston winters are mild by most standards. January averages a high of 63°F and a low of 43°F. Cold fronts can push temperatures into the 30s for a day or two. Hard freezes occur a handful of times per decade — the February 2021 winter storm was a rare extreme, not a typical Houston winter.