Best time to visit · Austin · United States
The best time to visit Austin
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mwyzykowski0821, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Austin are March to May and October to November, when days are warm rather than scorching. April brings bluebonnets, and autumn is usually dry and pleasant. Avoid July and August if you dislike heat, when highs average around 36°C, and book far ahead or avoid SXSW in March and the ACL and Grand Prix weekends in October if you want reasonable hotel prices.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–April and October–November
- Shoulder season
- February, May and December
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 36°C (97°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 17°C (63°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~9 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- July–August and December–January
Seasons
Austin has a humid subtropical climate: long, hot summers often above 35°C, mild winters with occasional freezes, and stormy springs and autumns when heavy downpours and flash floods are possible.
March–May
Spring
Warm days, wildflowers and SXSW; storms and flash floods become more likely by May.
June–August
Summer
Long, intense heat with highs often above 35°C; life moves to pools, swimming holes and air conditioning.
September–November
Autumn
Heat lingers through September, then pleasant October and November days with ACL, the Grand Prix and football.
December–February
Winter
Mild and often sunny, with occasional cold fronts and rare ice storms; quieter and better value.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C | 5°C | 8 | 10.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 19°C | 7°C | 8 | 11.1 h | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 23°C | 11°C | 8 | 11.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| April | 27°C | 14°C | 7 | 12.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| May | 31°C | 19°C | 9 | 13.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 34°C | 22°C | 7 | 14.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 36°C | 23°C | 4 | 13.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 36°C | 23°C | 5 | 13.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 33°C | 21°C | 6 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 28°C | 15°C | 7 | 11.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| November | 22°C | 10°C | 7 | 10.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 18°C | 6°C | 8 | 10.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Austin Marathon (usually February) |
| March | SXSW music, film and tech festival (usually mid-March); Rodeo Austin (usually March) |
| April | Bluebonnet season in the Hill Country (usually late March to April); Eeyore's Birthday Party in Pease Park (usually late April) |
| June | Juneteenth celebrations (around 19 June) |
| July | Fourth of July concert and fireworks at Auditorium Shores (4 July) |
| September | University of Texas home football games (usually September to November) |
| October | Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park (usually two weekends in October); Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas (usually October) |
| December | Trail of Lights in Zilker Park (usually December); Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (usually December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in July–August and December–January, and the sights are quietest in July–August and December–February. Many visitors avoid July–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Austin?
The best times to visit Austin are March to May and October to November, when days are warm rather than scorching. April brings bluebonnets, and autumn is usually dry and pleasant. Avoid July and August if you dislike heat, when highs average around 36°C, and book far ahead or avoid SXSW in March and the ACL and Grand Prix weekends in October if you want reasonable hotel prices.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Austin?
Usually in July–August and December–January. Mild days and cool nights, with occasional cold snaps and rare ice storms; quiet for sightseeing.
+What is the rainiest month in Austin?
May, with about 9 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Austin get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 36°C (97°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F).