The Best Times to Visit Houston and Top Attractions to See

Spring in Houston

Spring in Houston is a beautiful time to visit. The weather starts to warm up but it’s not too hot yet. March and April see average high temperatures in the low 80s Fahrenheit. Humidity levels are moderate during this time as well. The landscapes really come alive in spring with lush green foliage and colorful blooms. You’ll see bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and other wildflowers painting the hillsides and fields. Many botanical gardens and parks hold spring festivals and events to showcase their gardens at their peak. This is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like running, cycling, hiking, and trips to the zoo and parks.

Summer Activities Indoors

The summer months of May through August bring notoriously hot and humid weather to Houston. However, 99.99% of indoor attractions and activities will have robust air conditioning. Houston has a top-notch underground tunnel system connecting many of the buildings and towers in the downtown area. You can easily walk from place to place staying cool through this system. World-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science offer respite from the heat. Don’t forget to visit the excellent Clayton Library for genealogical research.

Autumn Festivals and Events

Fall is one of the most pleasant times to visit Houston, running from September through November. The weather cools down significantly with average highs in the low 80s. Cultural activities are in full swing during this season. Houston is renowned for its performing arts scene with excellent opera, ballet, theater, and symphony seasons. Community events and outdoor concerts also ramp up. The largest Renaissance festival in the nation takes place north of Houston during autumn weekends. Don’t miss out on the famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a sprawling festival with games, music, food, and epic rodeo competitions.

Holiday Cheer in December

December brings the holiday season to Houston. Many neighborhoods, buildings, and public spaces decorate elaborately with festive lights and decorations. Downtown in particular puts on a spectacular lighting display. Visitors can experience a variety of holiday events, festivals, and celebrations throughout the city. Check local listings for parades, shows, and other seasonal activities. Houston’s museums and cultural attractions often have special exhibitions. The balmy winter weather makes strolling and outdoor activities still quite pleasurable. Average highs are in the mid-60s Fahrenheit.

Wintertime Chills

While not as cold as northern regions, Houston can see occasional chilly spells in January and February. Average highs are in the low 60s but it feels colder with high humidity. Make the most of indoor activities on chillier days. Many Houston facilities and institutions offer interesting exhibitions, shows, lectures and more during the winter off-season too. However, visitors wishing to enjoy outdoor activities may find it less appealing with mornings around freezing and the sun setting earlier each afternoon. Late January through mid-February could see an occasional Arctic cold front bringing unseasonably cold temperatures near freezing as well.

Baseball and Football Season

Sports fans will love visiting Houston from spring through fall to catch Major League Baseball and NFL football games. The Houston Astros play at Minute Maid Park, a retro-designed ballpark in downtown featuring great sight lines and an indoor/outdoor pool area. Football season means cheering on the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium starting in September. Nothing beats experiencing the electric atmosphere and tailgating culture of a Texans or Astros game. Sports tourism reaches a fever pitch during the MLB postseason and NFL playoffs in fall and winter.

Top Attractions in Houston

A few of the top attractions and activities that showcase Houston include:

• NASA Space Center Houston - This interactive space museum adjacent to Johnson Space Center is a must-see for space and science enthusiasts. See real rockets, walk through mission control, and more.
• Museum District - Home to world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Contemporary Arts Museum, and more all within walking distance.
• Kemah Boardwalk - A redeveloped waterfront district about an hour south featuring amusement rides, arcades, shops, and waterfront restaurants.
• Galveston Beaches - While the Gulf water isn’t crystal clear, you can find nice beaches for relaxing like Stewart Beach and entertainment areas like the historic Strand District.
• Houston Zoo - Consistently ranked one of the top urban zoos in the nation with expansive habitats and exhibits for over 6,000 animals.
• Houston Symphony/Opera/Ballet - Enthralling performances throughout the year in the spectacular Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts. I hope this guide helps you plan the best times to visit Houston and activities to enjoy based on the weather and seasonal events! Let me know if you have any other questions.