Houston, TX Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Houston has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Located near the Gulf of Mexico, the city experiences high humidity year-round and is prone to tropical weather systems during hurricane season.
Climate type: Humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa)
Houston Climate Overview
Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s°F (32-37°C) with very high humidity making it feel even hotter. Winters are mild with highs in the 60s-70s°F (15-21°C). The city receives about 50 inches of rain annually, much of it from thunderstorms and tropical systems.
Houston's weather is dominated by Gulf moisture creating frequent afternoon and evening thunderstorms during summer. The city is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms from June through November. Flash flooding is a significant concern during heavy rain events.
Houston Weather by Season
spring
Spring starts pleasant in March with 70s°F, but humidity and temperatures climb fast. By May, afternoon heat indices regularly push past 95°F and severe thunderstorms roll in off the Gulf.
summer
Summers are oppressive — highs in the mid-90s°F, dewpoints near 75°F, and heat index values over 105°F on most afternoons. Daily pop-up thunderstorms offer brief relief.
fall
October finally breaks the heat and brings Houston's best weather. Highs drop into the 80s°F, humidity falls, and October-November are peak hurricane-watching months.
winter
Winters are mild with highs in the 60s°F and lows in the 40s°F. Hard freezes happen once or twice per year when Arctic fronts punch deep into Texas.
Houston Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 62° | 66° | 73° | 80° | 87° | 92° | 94° | 94° | 90° | 82° | 72° | 64° |
| Low °F | 43° | 46° | 53° | 60° | 68° | 73° | 75° | 75° | 71° | 62° | 53° | 45° |
Best Time to Visit Houston
Late October through early April — warm days, cool nights, low humidity, minimal storm risk, and outside of hurricane season. January is ideal for outdoor activities.
Severe Weather Risks
- Hurricanes
- Flash flooding
- Severe thunderstorms
- Heat waves
- Hard freezes
Weather Facts About Houston
- >Houston averages 50 inches of rain per year — more than Seattle and comparable to Miami.
- >The city sits just 50 miles from the Gulf, making it one of the most hurricane-exposed major US metros.
- >Hurricane Harvey dropped 60+ inches of rain on parts of Houston in 2017, a US record.
Houston Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Houston?
November through March offers Houston's most pleasant weather — mild temperatures in the 60s-70s°F, low humidity, and minimal storm risk. January and February are peak outdoor months.
Is Houston really that humid?
Yes. Summer dewpoints regularly exceed 75°F, which feels oppressive. The heat index often climbs above 105°F from June through September, making outdoor activity genuinely dangerous in peak afternoon.
When is hurricane season in Houston?
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak risk in August and September. Houston has been hit or grazed by over a dozen major storms in the past 50 years, including Harvey (2017) and Ike (2008).
Does it ever snow in Houston?
Very rarely — maybe once every few years, and usually just a dusting. The last memorable Houston snowstorm was in 2017, when the city saw about an inch.