What is Weather Like in Austin, TX: Best Times to Visit & Live

It’s always sunny in Austin! We aren’t kidding. For nearly 300 days of the year, the city is warm and beautiful. Even the winters are temperate, short and mild. This is a city where you can enjoy its natural beauty on hikes and picnics year-round and take part in plenty of outdoor activities like boating and biking.

Austin is the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ making it the place for open-air concerts. Even the city’s diverse gastronomy can be experienced outdoors with its fabulous food trucks, al fresco fine dining, patio scene and more.

Summers can get a bit hot, but overall, Austin has very pleasant weather. The city is also taking action to combat climate change by focusing on sustainability, and eco-friendly policies, making it an attractive and safe place to invest in real estate.

This proactive stance attracts home buyers to the area from beyond Texas. So, if you are looking to move here, read our Austin month-by-month weather guide to help you plan.

Navigating Austin’s Seasons:

Spring (March-May)

No city does spring like Austin does. The months of March, April and May see the sun out, flowers blooming, birds chirping and a spring in every step. The temperatures are pleasant with highs in the 70s and 80s, and dropping down to 50s or 60s at night. Occasional rain showers add to the beauty of the season.

This time of the year is when you can experience Austin’s great outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, boating, biking– you’ll want to spend as much time outside as you can before the temperatures rise.

Summer (June-August)

The enjoyable spring days give way to the summer ones of June and August. Temperatures start to soar with average highs exceeding 95°F. It can get hot and humid as well.

During these months you’ll probably be spending time indoors, in the cool, comfort of your home. You’ll want to make sure your house has an energy efficient cooling system, and is designed to withstand the heat.

But summer in Austin also means swimming and cooling off at lakes and springs in the area. Lake Travis is an ideal summer destination. The city’s largest lake is perfect for boating and picnicking. The more adventurous could go ziplining here and explore the limestone cliffs.

Fall (September-November)

September brings some relief from the hot summer days. The temperatures start to drop and the air becomes cooler due to the increased rains.

The fall months of September, October and November usher in concerts, outdoor festivals and more. The average low in early autumn is around 70°F. By the end of fall in November, the highs are around 67°F, and the lows are down to 48°F. This time for backyard barbecues and spending time in your garden to make the most of the cool weather.

Winter (December-February)

Winter in Austin is very different from what it is in most of the US. The months of December, January and February see highs in the 60s. There are some chilly nights but for the most part the temperatures are mild.

This is a good time of the year to check out the museums and art galleries in town. You can still spend time outdoors with hikes in the forests, or if it’s something more relaxed you are looking for then dine al fresco on a heated patio.

Seasonal Activities and Events:

Since Austin is such an outdoor-friendly city, it hosts events and fun activities throughout the year. In spring, make your way to the farmers markets filled with fresh produce and artisanal products. Mid-March is when the iconic film festival, South by Southwest takes place. For music lovers, there are concerts everywhere from the main venues to small country bars.

Summer is when the city’s parks come alive. Swimming holes and water parks draw in the crowds. Boating and kayaking are other popular summer activities. Zilker Metropolitan Park in downtown Austin is known for the Barton Springs Pool, botanical garden, and hiking and biking trails. Head here to spend some time in the water or have a picnic. In the evening, enjoy watching a movie under the stars at the park or a drive-in theater.

During fall, Austin holds arts and music festivals. You do not want to miss the Austin City Limits music festival, which hosts some of the biggest name’s headline shows. The city goes all out for Halloween as well. If excellent decorations, eclectic costumes and fun parties are what you are after, you should definitely check out the city’s Halloween scene, especially in the entertainment district of 6th street.
Winter is a magical time in Austin. The weather is mild and perfect to go on rambling walks. Explore the hill country region with its pretty pools and rivers, lush greenery and rolling hills. In early December, get into the festive spirit at the Austin Trail of Lights. Be mesmerized by millions of twinkling lights at this annual event that takes place at Zilker Park.

There is always something to do in Austin, and this is just a small sample of what’s available depending on the season.
By knowing the city’s distinctive weather patterns you can also plan your home accordingly, whether you want to have a large backyard to host barbecues, construct a green building or install an efficient cooling system. A great way to go about this is by connecting with local builders and blending their know-all with your specific needs to create your dream home. And once that is done, you can sit back and experience everything the city has to offer!

If you would like to know more about the lifestyle in this area, check out our ‘Guide to Moving and Living in Austin’ or our Lake Travis Community Resources.