Texas weather and outdoor projects
Texas is large enough to have several climates. Houston is hot and very humid, with heavy rain and hurricane risk. Dallas–Fort Worth has hot summers, stormy springs and occasional ice. San Antonio is hot with drier air, and El Paso in the far west is desert, with low humidity and strong sun.
In most of the state, fall and spring are the main project seasons, and summer jobs need early-morning starts because of heat. Concrete in summer heat needs extra care to prevent cracking. Hard freezes are uncommon in the south but happen in North Texas and the Panhandle most winters.
Frost dates in Texas
In Houston, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around February 13 and the median first fall freeze is around December 9, a frost-free season of about 300 days.
In Dallas–Fort Worth, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 8 and the median first fall freeze is around November 24, a frost-free season of about 262 days.
In San Antonio, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around February 26 and the median first fall freeze is around November 28, a frost-free season of about 277 days.
In El Paso, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around March 2 and the median first fall freeze is around November 20, a frost-free season of about 261 days.
How Texas compares with other states
Houston has the 3rd-most days at 90°F or hotter of the 50 state main stations (111 a year). Houston is tied for the 6th-fewest freezing nights of the 50 state main stations (10 a year). Houston is tied for the 7th-longest deck staining season of the 50 state main stations (5 good months).
| Measure (Houston) | Value | Rank, highest first |
|---|---|---|
| Deck staining season | 5 good months | 7th of 50 |
| Frost-free season | 300 days | 7th of 50 |
| Freezing nights | 10 a year | 44th of 50 |
| Rainy days | 64 a year with 0.1 in or more | 33rd of 50 |
| Days at 90°F or hotter | 111 a year | 3rd of 50 |
| Summer afternoons | 53% humidity at 3 PM, June–August | 10th of 47 |
Best time to stain a deck in Texas
In Houston, the most reliable months are March–May and October–November. September and December–February can also work on the right days. June–August is hot, with average highs near 94°F and about 26 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In December–February, nights average about 46°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Dallas–Fort Worth, the most reliable months are April–May and October. February–March, June, September and November–December can also work on the right days. In January, nights average about 36°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. July–August is hot, with average highs near 96°F and about 28 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. February and December are cool, with highs around 59°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March and November, nights average about 47°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June and September are hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In San Antonio, the most reliable months are March–May and October–November. September and December–February can also work on the right days. June–August is hot, with average highs near 94°F and about 27 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In December–February, nights average about 43°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In El Paso, the most reliable months are April and October. February–March, May, September and November can also work on the right days. In December–January, nights average about 34°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. June–August is hot, with average highs near 96°F and about 27 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In February–March and November, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. May and September are hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to paint outside in Texas
In Houston, the most reliable months are February–May and October–December. January and September can also work on the right days (average highs Jan 64°F, Sep 90°F). June–August is hot, with average highs near 94°F and about 26 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In January, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Dallas–Fort Worth, the most reliable months are March–May and October–November. June, September and December–February can also work on the right days. July–August is hot, with average highs near 96°F and about 28 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. December–January is cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In February, nights average about 40°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June and September are hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In San Antonio, the most reliable months are February–May and October–November. September and December–January can also work on the right days (average highs Jan 63°F, Sep 90°F, Dec 65°F). June–August is hot, with average highs near 94°F and about 27 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In December–January, nights average about 42°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. September is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In El Paso, the most reliable months are March–April and October. May, September and November–February can also work on the right days. June–August is hot, with average highs near 96°F and about 27 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In January–February and November, nights average about 38°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. May and September are hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. December is cool, with highs around 58°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to pour concrete in Texas
In Houston, the most reliable months are March–November. December–February can also work on the right days (average highs Jan 64°F, Feb 68°F, Dec 65°F). December–February brings about 3 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Dallas–Fort Worth, the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. February–March, July–August and November can also work on the right days. December–January averages about 9 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. February–March and November bring about 3 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand. July–August is hot, with highs near 96°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In San Antonio, the most reliable months are March–July and September–November. August and December–February can also work on the right days. December–February brings about 4 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand. August is hot, with highs near 96°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In El Paso, the most reliable months are April–May and August–October. February–March, June–July and November can also work on the right days. December–January averages about 14 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. February–March and November bring about 4 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand. June–July is hot, with highs near 96°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Best time to seal a driveway in Texas
In Houston, the most reliable months are March–October. November–February can also work on the right days. December–February is cool, with highs around 66°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In November, nights average about 52°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Dallas–Fort Worth, the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. March, July–August and November can also work on the right days. December–January is too cold, with average highs around 57°F. In February, nights average about 40°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In March, nights average about 48°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July–August is hot, with highs near 96°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. November is cool, with highs around 67°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In San Antonio, the most reliable months are April–July and September–October. February–March, August and November–December can also work on the right days. In January, nights average about 41°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. February and December are cool, with highs around 66°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In March and November, nights average about 51°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. August is hot, with highs near 96°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In El Paso, the most reliable months are April–May and August–October. March, June–July and November can also work on the right days. December–January is too cold, with average highs around 58°F. In February, nights average about 39°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In March, nights average about 46°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June–July is hot, with highs near 96°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. November is cool, with highs around 67°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Texas
In Houston, the most reliable months are October–April. May and September can also work on the right days (average highs May 87°F, Sep 90°F). June–August is hot, with average highs near 94°F and about 26 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. May and September are hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Dallas–Fort Worth, the most reliable months are February–May and October–November. June, September and December–January can also work on the right days. July–August is hot, with average highs near 96°F and about 28 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. December–January is cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June and September are hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In San Antonio, the most reliable months are October–April. May and September can also work on the right days (average highs May 87°F, Sep 90°F). June–August is hot, with average highs near 94°F and about 27 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. May and September are hot, with highs near 88°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In El Paso, the most reliable months are February–April and October–November. May, September and December–January can also work on the right days. June–August is hot, with average highs near 96°F and about 27 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. December–January is cool, with highs around 58°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. May and September are hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
How the weather differs across Texas
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | 95°F | 44°F | 52 in | February 13 | December 9 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | 96°F | 36°F | 37 in | March 8 | November 24 |
| San Antonio | 96°F | 41°F | 32 in | February 26 | November 28 |
| El Paso | 97°F | 34°F | 9 in | March 2 | November 20 |
Of the places above, Houston has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (21 job-months), and El Paso has the fewest (10).
Monthly weather in Houston
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 64°F | 44°F | 6 | 3.8 in | 51% | 4 |
| February | 68°F | 48°F | 5 | 3.0 in | 51% | 2 |
| March | 74°F | 54°F | 5 | 3.5 in | 50% | 1 |
| April | 80°F | 60°F | 4 | 4.0 in | 51% | 0 |
| May | 87°F | 68°F | 5 | 5.0 in | 53% | 0 |
| June | 92°F | 74°F | 7 | 6.0 in | 55% | 0 |
| July | 95°F | 76°F | 6 | 3.8 in | 52% | 0 |
| August | 95°F | 75°F | 6 | 4.8 in | 51% | 0 |
| September | 90°F | 71°F | 6 | 4.7 in | 52% | 0 |
| October | 83°F | 61°F | 5 | 5.5 in | 50% | 0 |
| November | 73°F | 52°F | 5 | 3.9 in | 51% | 1 |
| December | 65°F | 46°F | 6 | 4.0 in | 53% | 3 |
*Days with 0.1 inch of rain or more; column notes.
Monthly weather in Dallas–Fort Worth
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F | 36°F | 4 | 2.5 in | 45% | 11 |
| February | 61°F | 40°F | 4 | 2.8 in | 44% | 6 |
| March | 69°F | 48°F | 5 | 3.3 in | 44% | 2 |
| April | 76°F | 55°F | 5 | 3.2 in | 45% | 0 |
| May | 84°F | 65°F | 6 | 4.8 in | 49% | 0 |
| June | 92°F | 72°F | 5 | 3.7 in | 47% | 0 |
| July | 96°F | 76°F | 3 | 2.1 in | 41% | 0 |
| August | 96°F | 76°F | 3 | 2.2 in | 39% | 0 |
| September | 89°F | 69°F | 4 | 2.7 in | 42% | 0 |
| October | 78°F | 57°F | 5 | 4.4 in | 42% | 0 |
| November | 67°F | 46°F | 4 | 2.5 in | 45% | 2 |
| December | 58°F | 38°F | 4 | 2.8 in | 45% | 8 |
Monthly weather in San Antonio
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63°F | 41°F | 4 | 2.0 in | 43% | 5 |
| February | 68°F | 45°F | 3 | 1.7 in | 43% | 3 |
| March | 74°F | 52°F | 4 | 2.3 in | 44% | 1 |
| April | 80°F | 58°F | 4 | 2.4 in | 44% | 0 |
| May | 87°F | 66°F | 5 | 4.4 in | 48% | 0 |
| June | 92°F | 73°F | 5 | 3.3 in | 46% | 0 |
| July | 95°F | 75°F | 3 | 2.4 in | 42% | 0 |
| August | 96°F | 75°F | 3 | 2.1 in | 39% | 0 |
| September | 90°F | 70°F | 5 | 3.9 in | 43% | 0 |
| October | 82°F | 60°F | 4 | 3.8 in | 43% | 0 |
| November | 72°F | 50°F | 3 | 2.1 in | 45% | 1 |
| December | 65°F | 42°F | 3 | 2.0 in | 44% | 4 |
Monthly weather in El Paso
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F | 35°F | 1 | 0.4 in | 26% | 15 |
| February | 64°F | 39°F | 1 | 0.4 in | 21% | 7 |
| March | 72°F | 46°F | 1 | 0.2 in | 16% | 2 |
| April | 80°F | 53°F | 1 | 0.2 in | 13% | 0 |
| May | 89°F | 62°F | 1 | 0.4 in | 13% | 0 |
| June | 97°F | 71°F | 2 | 0.7 in | 14% | 0 |
| July | 96°F | 73°F | 4 | 1.6 in | 24% | 0 |
| August | 94°F | 72°F | 4 | 1.7 in | 26% | 0 |
| September | 88°F | 65°F | 3 | 1.5 in | 27% | 0 |
| October | 79°F | 54°F | 2 | 0.6 in | 23% | 0 |
| November | 67°F | 42°F | 1 | 0.4 in | 25% | 5 |
| December | 58°F | 34°F | 2 | 0.6 in | 29% | 14 |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 for HOUSTON INTERCONT AP, DALLAS FT WORTH AP, SAN ANTONIO INTL AP, EL PASO INTL AP. See how the ratings work and how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Texas?
In Houston, March–May and October–November. In Dallas–Fort Worth, April–May and October. In San Antonio, March–May and October–November. In El Paso, April and October.
When is the last frost in Texas?
Houston: around February 13; Dallas–Fort Worth: around March 8; San Antonio: around February 26; El Paso: around March 2.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Texas?
Often, with care. Houston averages about 9 freezing nights from December to February, so pick a mild spell, cover the slab on cold nights and keep it from freezing for the first 48 hours.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Texas?
In Houston, March–October. In Dallas–Fort Worth, April–June and September–October. In San Antonio, April–July and September–October. In El Paso, April–May and August–October.