Houston has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, short winters. Summer highs regularly reach 33–35°C, while winter lows hover near 6°C. Rain falls year-round, peaking in late spring and early summer. Sunshine is abundant in late spring and summer, but weather can be changeable, so packing for all conditions is wise.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Houston’s climate is shaped by its Gulf Coast location, resulting in four distinct seasons and significant humidity. Summers (June–September) are long, hot, and muggy, with average highs of 33–35°C (91–95°F) and lows around 23–25°C (74–77°F). Humidity often exceeds 70%, making the heat feel more intense. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and rain is frequent, especially in June, which is typically the wettest month. Sunshine is plentiful, with up to 9.5 hours per day in June and July, but cloud cover and brief downpours are not unusual. The risk of hurricanes and tropical storms is highest from August to October.
Winters (December–February) are mild and short, with average highs of 16–19°C (61–66°F) and lows near 4–7°C (39–45°F). Freezing temperatures are rare, and snow is extremely uncommon – Houston has seen only a handful of measurable snowfalls in its history. Rainfall is lower in winter, and sunshine is less abundant, with around 4–5 hours per day. Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are transitional, bringing warm, pleasant weather and moderate rainfall. Spring is especially popular for outdoor activities, as gardens bloom and temperatures are comfortable. Houston receives about 1,300–1,350 mm (51–53 inches) of rain annually, spread over 90–110 days, and enjoys around 2,600–2,700 hours of sunshine per year. Winds are generally light to moderate (10–15 km/h), with southerly breezes prevailing, and the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico keeps winters milder than in inland Texas.
| Average climate data for Houston, United States | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 16 | 18 | 22 | 26 | 30 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 31 | 27 | 21 | 17 | 35 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 8 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 22 | 18 | 13 | 10 | 8 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 55 | 45 | 53 | 60 | 115 | 84 | 80 | 99 | 115 | 78 | 55 | 63 | 901 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 181 |
| Average snowfall (mm) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 73 | 79 | 76 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 73 | 70 | 75 | 70 | 73 | 76 | 74 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 42 | 52 | 48 | 41 | 39 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 32 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 38 |
| Average UV index | 4 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
The best time to visit Houston is from February to April and September to November. These months offer warm, comfortable weather (18–28°C), lower humidity, and fewer storms, making them ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and sightseeing. Spring is especially popular for blooming gardens and pleasant evenings, while autumn brings mild temperatures and vibrant cultural events.
The least favourable time to visit is from June to August, when heat and humidity peak. Highs often exceed 33°C, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans. Hurricane season also begins in June, with the highest risk from August to October. If visiting in summer, plan for indoor activities and stay hydrated.
Houston has hot, humid summers (33–35°C), mild winters (16–19°C), and moderate rainfall year-round. Summers are long and muggy, while winters are short and rarely cold. Rain and thunderstorms are common, especially in late spring and summer.
Snow is extremely rare in Houston. The city has only experienced a handful of measurable snowfalls in its history. Winter lows can dip near freezing, but most years see no snow at all.
Hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk of storms from August to October. While direct hits are uncommon, heavy rain and strong winds can occur during this period.
Late spring and summer (May–August) are the sunniest months, with up to 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. Even in the wettest months, Houston enjoys many bright, sunny intervals between showers.
Houston receives about 1,300–1,350 mm (51–53 inches) of rain annually, spread over 90–110 days. Rain falls year-round, but June and October are typically the wettest months.
Yes, Houston is known for its high humidity, especially in summer when it often exceeds 70%. Humidity makes the heat feel more intense, so lightweight clothing and hydration are important.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothes, sun protection, and a rain jacket for summer. In winter, bring a warm jacket for cool evenings. An umbrella is useful year-round due to frequent showers.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is August (34.6 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (16.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 25.9 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (25.3 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (7.7 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 17.3 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is September (114.8 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is February (45.3 mm). Over the whole year there are 901.3 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is September (19.6 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is January (11.8 days). Over the whole year there are 180.9 days of rain on average.
The month with the most snowfall is December (2 mm). The months with the least snowfall are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 3 mm of snowfall on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (0.1 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are February, March, July, September, October, November and December (0 days). Over the whole year there are 0.3 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is February (78.9 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is August (70.4 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 73.9 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is April (13.9 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is September (9.4 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 11.7 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is February (52 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is August (27 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 38.4 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 10.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 4.2 h). Over the whole year there are 7.2 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index: 7). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.4.
