Austin heat isn't a summer-only thing. Highs hit 86°F (30°C) in May, stay there or above through October and peak at 99°F (37°C) in August, so the trip is about staying cool and hydrated, with a jacket only needed in winter. Spring adds heavy storms too, with May the wettest month at 16 rain days.
Austin weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 59°F15°C | 68°F20°C | 77°F25°C | 81°F27°C | 86°F30°C | 93°F34°C | 95°F35°C | 99°F37°C | 93°F34°C | 86°F30°C | 73°F23°C | 66°F19°C |
| Low | 41°F5°C | 46°F8°C | 55°F13°C | 61°F16°C | 68°F20°C | 73°F23°C | 75°F24°C | 79°F26°C | 73°F23°C | 64°F18°C | 54°F12°C | 48°F9°C |
| Rain days | 9 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 16 | 11 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryMild by most standards, with highs of 59°F (15°C) to 68°F (20°C) and lows of 41°F (5°C) to 48°F (9°C). A light jacket and jeans cover most days, though the odd cold snap can still catch you out. It's a good time for Zilker Park, the Capitol and East Austin without sweating through your shirt.
Spring
March–MayHighs climb from 77°F (25°C) in March to 86°F (30°C) in May, and rain picks up with 13 days in April and 16 in May. Storms come in heavy and sudden, so a packable shell is worth having. Bluebonnets line the Hill Country roads in March and April, and SXSW fills the city in March.
Summer
June–AugustHot. June hits 93°F (34°C), July 95°F (35°C) and August 99°F (37°C), with nights still at 73°F (23°C) to 79°F (26°C). Do outdoor stuff early in the morning or after sunset, and spend the afternoon in Barton Springs Pool or tubing outside town. Light clothes, a hat, sunscreen and a big water bottle.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still summer at 93°F (34°C), October cools to 86°F (30°C) and November to 73°F (23°C), with only 5 or 6 rain days a month. ACL Fest in October means long hot days on the grass at Zilker. By November evenings are comfortable, so pack a light layer for patios on South Congress.
What to bring to Austin
0 of 21 packed- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
It fits the cupholder for Hill Country drives and keeps water cold for 24 hours, which matters when August sits at 99°F (37°C).
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Waiting in line on Sixth Street or standing at ACL in 86°F (30°C) heat, a handheld fan is relief you'll use every single day.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Lady Bird Lake and the Greenbelt get buggy in the warm months, and this picaridin lotion handles mosquitoes and ticks for up to 12 hours.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Light foam clogs for Barton Springs, the river and the walk back to the car, and they wipe clean after. Just don't leave them baking in a hot car.
- Bellroy Lite SlingBags & Luggage
SXSW and ACL crowds are tight, and a low-profile sling with room for wallet, phone, keys and a small water bottle keeps your hands free.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Rideshare apps, maps and festival schedules drain a phone fast, and this pocket-size 5,000mAh battery plugs straight into USB-C.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Flying in from abroad, it has a US plug for your hotel outlet and charges five devices off it.
Clothing
- Breathable short-sleeve shirts · 4Highs at 30°C or above May–Oct
- Shorts or light skirts · 3
- Light rain shell · 1May is wettest, 16 rain days
- Warm sweater or fleece · 1Dec–Feb, January lows of 5°C
- Swimwear · 1Barton Springs and lake days
Footwear
- Comfortable walking sneakers · 1 pair
- Cowboy boots or casual boots · 1 pairLive music nights on 6th Street
Gear
- Wide-brim sun hat
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Electrolyte tabletsAugust peaks at 37°C
Documents and money
- Driver's licenseGetting around is mostly by car
- Credit card
Tech
- Phone with rideshare appMostly by car or rideshare
What shoes should you pack for Austin?
Comfortable sneakers for South Congress and Rainey Street, and a pair of water-friendly shoes for Barton Springs, the river or Hamilton Pool. The city sprawls, so you'll drive or rideshare more than you walk. Cowboy boots are optional, plenty of visitors buy a pair here instead of packing them.
What do people wear in Austin?
Austin is casual. Shorts, T-shirts and sneakers work almost everywhere, including most restaurants. Breathable fabrics matter from May through October. Bring one nicer outfit for a cocktail bar downtown, but nobody expects a jacket and tie.
What plugs does Austin use?
The US uses type A and B plugs at 120V. Visitors from the UK, Europe and Australia need an adapter, and anything that isn't dual voltage, like some hair dryers, needs a converter as well. Most phone and laptop chargers are fine at 120V.
Tours and things to do in Austin
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Austin.
What should you leave at home for Austin?
Leave the heavy coat unless you're coming in January, and even then a light jacket usually does. Skip dark, heavy fabrics from May on. A full-size umbrella is less use than a shell, because the storms here come with wind.
Packing for Austin: questions people ask
What should I wear in Austin in summer?
The lightest clothes you own, plus a hat and sunscreen. August averages 99°F (37°C) and nights stay warm.
What should I pack for ACL Fest?
Light clothes, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. October in Austin averages 86°F (30°C), and you're on your feet all day at Zilker Park.
What should I wear in Austin in winter?
A light jacket and jeans for most days. Highs average 59°F (15°C) to 68°F (20°C), with lows of 41°F (5°C) to 48°F (9°C).
When does it rain most in Austin?
Spring. May is the wettest month with 16 rain days, and April has 13.
Do I need a plug adapter in Austin?
Only if your plugs aren't the US type. The US uses type A and B at 120V.
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