Everyone warns you about Houston's heat. Nobody warns you about the air conditioning. You'll spend a lot of your trip cold in museums, restaurants and offices, so the layer you forgot is the one that matters.
Houston 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 | 61°F16°C | 68°F20°C | 75°F24°C | 79°F26°C | 84°F29°C | 91°F33°C | 91°F33°C | 95°F35°C | 90°F32°C | 84°F29°C | 73°F23°C | 68°F20°C |
| Low | 45°F7°C | 52°F11°C | 59°F15°C | 63°F17°C | 70°F21°C | 75°F24°C | 77°F25°C | 77°F25°C | 73°F23°C | 66°F19°C | 57°F14°C | 50°F10°C |
| Rain days | 14 | 8 | 15 | 12 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 11 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 10 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 61–68°F (16–20°C) and lows of 45–52°F (7–11°C), so it's mild by most standards. January is the wettest of the three with 14 rain days. A light jacket and long trousers cover almost every day.
Spring
March–MayHighs warm through 75–84°F (24–29°C) and rain days run 12 to 17, with May the wettest at 17. Storms can be heavy and roads flood fast. This is still a great time for the Museum District and Buffalo Bayou Park before summer really sets in.
Summer
June–AugustHighs of 91–95°F (33–35°C) and lows of 75–77°F (24–25°C), so even midnight is warm. June and July each bring 17 rain days, usually as afternoon storms. Do outdoor things like Space Center Houston's tram tour early, and carry a layer for the cold buildings.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still hot at 90°F (32°C), then highs drop to 73°F (23°C) by November. Rain days fall to 7 to 10, and October is the driest month of the year. Hurricane season runs through November, so keep an eye on forecasts in September.
What to bring to Houston
0 of 25 packed- A warm wrapClothing
Houston's buildings run their AC cold all year, and a wrap you can throw over your shoulders in a museum or restaurant fixes that in seconds.
Houston's spring and summer storms dump rain fast, and a light shell that packs small lives in the car until you need it.
A waterproof jacket that squashes down small earns its spot on May, June and July days with 17 rain days each.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Fits most car cupholders and keeps water cold for 24 hours, which is exactly what a 95°F (35°C) August day of driving around Houston needs.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Picaridin lasts up to 12 hours against mosquitoes, handy for evening walks along Buffalo Bayou.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan buys you some relief on the walk from the parking lot to the zoo gate in August.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Navigation on a long day of driving drains your phone, and this pocket battery plugs straight in with no cable.
Clothing
- Light, breathable shirts · 5Summer highs of 33–35°C with lows of 24–25°C
- Shorts · 3
- Light sweater or cardigan · 1Museums and restaurants run their AC cold
- Long trousers · 2Dec–Feb lows of 7–11°C
- Smart-casual outfit · 1Nicer restaurants in River Oaks or Montrose
- Sun hat
Footwear
- Breathable sneakers · 1 pairHermann Park and the bayou trails
- Sandals that handle a soaking · 1 pairHeavy storms, 17 rain days in May, June and July
- One smarter pair of shoes
Gear
- Compact umbrellaAfternoon storms, roads flood fast
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenDo outdoor things early in the summer heat
- Anti-chafe balmHumidity keeps clothes damp
Documents and money
- Passport or ID
- Driver's licenseMost visitors drive; the city is spread out
- Travel insuranceHurricane season runs June to November
Tech
- Car phone mount and chargerNavigation on long days of driving
- Plug adapter for non-US visitorsType A and B at 120V
What shoes should you pack for Houston?
Houston is a driving city, so you won't log big walking miles unless you're downtown or in the parks. Bring breathable sneakers for Hermann Park and the bayou trails, plus sandals that handle a soaking. If you have dinner plans in River Oaks or Montrose, one smarter pair is enough.
What do people wear in Houston?
Casual and practical. Shorts and t-shirts outside, with a light layer close at hand for the AC. Nicer restaurants lean smart casual, and you'll see plenty of boots and denim at the rodeo in late winter.
What plugs does Houston use?
The US uses type A and B sockets at 120V. International visitors need a plug adapter, and anything that isn't rated 100-240V needs a voltage converter too. Most phone and laptop chargers are fine with just the adapter.
Tours and things to do in Houston
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Houston.
What should you leave at home for Houston?
A heavy winter coat. Even January lows sit around 45°F (7°C). Skip the cotton-heavy wardrobe for summer too, because it stays damp in this humidity.
Packing for Houston: questions people ask
What should I wear in Houston in summer?
Light, breathable clothes for outside, and a thin layer for inside. Highs reach 91–95°F (33–35°C), and air conditioning in malls and museums is set cold.
What should I wear in Houston in December?
Long trousers, a t-shirt and a light jacket. December highs are around 68°F (20°C) with lows near 50°F (10°C).
Does it rain a lot in Houston?
It does in late spring and summer. May, June and July each have 17 rain days, often as heavy storms, while October has just 7.
Do I need bug spray in Houston?
In the warm months, yes. Mosquitoes are common around the bayous and parks at dusk.
Do I need a car in Houston?
Most visitors use one, since the city is spread out. Downtown, the Museum District and the light rail line between them are the exceptions.
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