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Best time to visit Austin
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Austin Curtis on Unsplash
Best time to visit Austin, United States
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7-18°C, cool and often overcast, occasional rain. | low | low |
⚠ Occasional cold snaps can occur. | |
| February | 9-20°C, mild with increasing sunshine, chance of rain. | low | low |
| |
| March | 13-24°C, warm and sunny, occasional spring showers. | peak | peak |
⚠ Book accommodations and flights months in advance for SXSW. | |
| April | 16-26°C, warm and mostly sunny, ideal for outdoor activities. | high | high |
| |
| May | 20-30°C, hot and humid, with scattered thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Humidity can be significant. | |
| June | 23-34°C, very hot and humid, frequent thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Heat waves are common. | |
| July | 25-36°C, extremely hot and humid, daily thunderstorms likely. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Extreme heat advisory likely; outdoor activities best in early morning or late evening. | |
| August | 26-37°C, oppressive heat and humidity, high chance of storms. | low | low |
⚠ Considered the hottest and most uncomfortable month. Avoid if sensitive to extreme heat. | |
| September | 22-33°C, still hot and humid, but beginning to cool slightly, storm risk decreases. | low | low |
⚠ Early September can still be very hot. | |
| October | 16-27°C, warm, sunny, and dry, low humidity. | high | high |
⚠ ACL can significantly increase crowds and prices during its run. | |
| November | 10-21°C, cool and pleasant, mostly sunny with occasional rain. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| December | 7-17°C, cool and crisp, often sunny, chance of rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can experience brief cold snaps. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
March
South by Southwest (SXSW)
A massive convergence of music, film, and interactive media festivals.
March
Austin Rodeo & Livestock Show
A long-standing tradition featuring rodeo competitions, concerts, and carnival attractions.
April
Austin Food + Wine Festival
Celebrates the vibrant culinary scene with tastings, demonstrations, and chef appearances.
October
Austin City Limits Music Festival
One of the largest music festivals in the US, spanning two weekends with a diverse lineup.
November
Texas Book Festival
A premier literary event featuring author readings, book signings, and panel discussions.
December
Trail of Lights
Zilker Park transforms into a dazzling display of holiday lights and festive installations.
Insider timing tips
- •The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, though prices can still be high due to popular festivals.
- •August is intensely hot and humid, making outdoor activities challenging; focus on indoor venues and water-based recreation if visiting then.
- •While SXSW and Austin City Limits (ACL) are major draws, they also cause significant price hikes and crowd surges; book far in advance or avoid these periods if seeking a more relaxed experience.
- •Austin's live music scene thrives year-round, but smaller venues might have fewer patrons and lower ticket prices outside of major festival months.
- •Spring wildflower season, particularly the bluebonnets, peaks in late March to mid-April, offering beautiful scenic drives around the city.
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