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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 Jeremy Doddridge 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 | 8-18°C, cool and crisp with occasional rain. | low | low |
⚠ Occasional cold snaps can occur. | |
| February | 10-20°C, mild and pleasant with increasing sunshine. | low | low |
| |
| March | 14-24°C, warm and sunny with low humidity. | peak | peak |
⚠ SXSW brings massive crowds and inflated prices. | |
| April | 17-27°C, warm and sunny, occasional spring showers. | high | high |
⚠ Spring break crowds can extend into early April. | |
| May | 20-30°C, hot and humid with increasing chances of thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Heat and humidity begin to build. | |
| June | 24-34°C, very hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Extreme heat and humidity make outdoor activities challenging. | |
| July | 26-36°C, extremely hot and humid with daily thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Searing heat and humidity are the norm; seek indoor or water activities. | |
| August | 26-36°C, extremely hot and humid with scattered thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Similar to July; intense heat and humidity persist. | |
| September | 22-32°C, still hot and humid, but gradually cooling with fewer thunderstorms. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Heat lingers, but outdoor comfort begins to improve by month's end. | |
| October | 17-27°C, warm and pleasant with lower humidity and ample sunshine. | high | high |
⚠ ACL Fest brings significant crowds and prices. | |
| November | 12-22°C, cool and crisp with sunny days and occasional rain. | moderate | moderate |
| |
| December | 8-18°C, cool with a chance of rain or even a rare cold snap. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Christmas and New Year's can see a bump in prices and crowds. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
March
South by Southwest (SXSW)
A massive convergence of film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences.
April
Texas Hill Country Wildflower Season
Vibrant displays of bluebonnets and other wildflowers across the surrounding countryside.
April
Austin Food + Wine Festival
Celebration of Austin's culinary scene with chefs, wine, and spirits.
March-October
Bats Emerge from Congress Avenue Bridge
North America's largest urban bat colony emerges nightly, a spectacular natural phenomenon.
October
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Two weekends of diverse musical performances across Zilker Park.
October
Texas Book Festival
One of the nation's largest and most prestigious literary events.
December
Austin Trail of Lights
A beloved holiday tradition featuring millions of lights and festive displays in Zilker Park.
Insider timing tips
- •June through August is characterized by oppressive heat and humidity, making outdoor exploration uncomfortable for most visitors. Prioritize water activities and indoor attractions during these months.
- •The 'shoulder seasons' of April and October offer the best balance of pleasant weather and vibrant events, but come with peak crowds and prices, especially during major festivals like SXSW and ACL.
- •While the bats emerge from March to October, their numbers and visibility are generally strongest from late summer through early fall (August-September).
- •Austin's live music scene thrives year-round, but the sheer volume of performances and related events is amplified during SXSW (March) and Austin City Limits (October).
- •The Texas Hill Country wildflowers, particularly bluebonnets, are typically at their peak in April, offering a beautiful scenic drive just outside the city.
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