The Best Time to Visit San Antonio

San Antonio oozes a distinctive, Mexican-influenced charm and authentic flavor that sets it apart from other Texan cities. And, while most visitors have heard of the River Walk and the Alamo, this fast-growing city has many different cultural attractions to explore; not to mention, the food, art, and shopping scene here is outstanding. 

Depending on what you want to do, it can help to get some background on San Antonio’s weather, so you know what to expect and what to pack. In general, November through April tends to be the best time to visit San Antonio, thanks to the dependably mild, pleasant temperatures and lack of severe heat or cold.  

The Weather in San Antonio

San Antonio has a humid subtropical type of climate, which means that summers are long and humid, while winters are relatively short and mild. January is the coldest month of the year, with high temperatures averaging 62 degrees F, while July and August are the hottest months, with average temperatures of a scorching 95 degrees F. Humidity averages about 80 percent in the early morning during most of the year, but drops to about 50 percent by late afternoon; rainfall is evenly dispersed throughout the year. Because San Antonio is located only 140 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, the area is affected by tropical storms and occasional heavy rainfall.  

Spring

Breezy, sunny springtime is the ideal time to visit San Antonio. Combine your trip with a detour into the nearby Texas Hill Country, where vibrant swaths of wildflowers turn the landscape into a rainbow-hued wonder. Apart from the legendary bluebonnet (which typically peak in April), look for delicate pink evening primrose, purple winecup, and Indian paintbrush.

Events to check out:

• Pack a picnic and take advantage of spring’s pleasantly warm temperatures by biking or walking along the Missions Trail, which connects the city’s five UNESCO-status Spanish colonial missions (including the Alamo); or, walk around the revitalized Pearl District.
• The San Antonio area enjoys plentiful spring blooms, so be sure to get out into the Hill Country during your visit. Nearby Blanco State Park, Goliad State Park, and Historic Site, and Guadalupe River State Park are all great places for wildflower-viewing. Serious flora lovers should check out the 132-mile loop formed by U.S. Highway 181 from San Antonio to Kenedy; you’ll be in DeWitt County, otherwise known as the Wildflower Capital of Texas. (And whatever you do, don’t pick the blooms! It’s not illegal, but you’ll get lots of bad looks from Texans if you’re out there plucking bluebonnets; leave them for others to enjoy.)

Summer

There’s no way around it; summers are incredibly hot and humid in San Antonio. Generally, from around late May to early September, temperatures consistently hover over 90 degrees F (and in the dead of summer, it’s more like 100 degrees). The area is also prone to torrential rains and flash floods during the summer, especially in May and June. Despite the oppressive heat and strong chance of storms, summertime is a popular time for families to visit since kids are out of school. Expect attractions to be busy and hotel prices to be higher than they usually are, so be sure to book accommodations and activities in advance. Oh, and pack your sunglasses, a sun hat, the strongest sunblock imaginable, and a reusable water bottle—staying hydrated is critical, particularly if you’re not used to the heat.

Events to check out:

• During midday, you’ll probably want to duck indoors to escape the sun. This is a great time to visit one of San Antonio’s remarkable museums, like the San Antonio Museum of Art, The Witte Museum, The McNay Art Museum, or The Briscoe Western Art Museum.
• Brave enough to face the sunny temps? Take part in Fiesta Noche del Río, an outdoor performance on the River Walk that features music and dance from several Latin American countries.
• Head to Six Flags for the park’s annual Celebrate! Summer Night Spectacular, or check out the city’s Juneteenth celebration.

Fall

Fall is a lovely time to visit San Antonio—the stifling temperatures of summer are gone (sort of—San Antonio is always on the warm side), and storms are less likely than in summer and spring. Between late September and early December, expect temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Another great reason to visit during the fall? Post-summer tourist activity has usually died down by now, and hotel prices tend to be a bit cheaper.

Events to check out: 

• Culture vultures, take note: There are several arts and culture festivals that happen in San Antonio in the fall, like Dia de Los Muertos San Antonio, the World Heritage Festival, and Luminaria’s Contemporary Arts Festival.
• Halloween enthusiasts can enjoy a ghoulishly good time at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Fright Fest at Six Flags, or the Haunted River, a full-day festival of costume contests, a parade on the River Walk, and more.   

Winter

Winters are mild in San Antonio. Even in the coldest months (December through February), daily highs are in the mid-to-low 60s F. Average lows can sink to 40 degrees F, though, so pack layers and prepare to bundle up.

Events to check out:

• Festive events abound throughout the city during the holiday season, so be sure to check out the Ford Holiday River Parade, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags, and the Old West Christmas Ranch.
• Be sure to celebrate San Antonio’s favorite holiday food (tamales, of course!) by going to the annual La Gran Tamalada, a community workshop that honors the treasured tradition of making tamales.