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Houston, Texas Weather — Live Forecast & Climate Guide
What Is the Weather Like in Houston, Texas?
Houston's climate is humid subtropical — shaped by the Gulf of Mexico just 50 miles to the southeast, as tracked by the NWS Houston/Galveston forecast office. For people relocating from drier parts of the country (Colorado, Arizona, the West Coast), the humidity is the single biggest adjustment. It's not just "hot." It's a thick, saturated heat that wraps around you the moment you step outside from June through September.
The good news: Houston has about 204 sunny days per year and genuinely pleasant weather from October through April. Winters are mild — most years, you'll wear a heavy jacket fewer than 10 days. The city rarely sees snow, and temperatures below freezing are limited to a handful of nights each winter.
The challenges: summer heat and humidity are relentless (average highs 92–96°F with 75%+ humidity), flooding is a real risk in certain neighborhoods, and hurricane season runs June through November. All of these are manageable once you understand the patterns — which is exactly what this guide covers.
For a deeper dive into Houston's climate from a relocation perspective, see our Houston Weather & Climate City Guide.
Houston Monthly Weather Averages
Based on NOAA 30-year climate normals. Houston receives an average of 51.7 inches of rain per year — more than Seattle, Miami, or New York City.
| Month | Avg High °F | Avg Low °F | Rainfall (in) | Humidity % | Sunny Days | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63° | 43° | 3.7" | 75% | 10 | 3 |
| February | 66° | 46° | 3" | 73% | 10 | 4 |
| March | 73° | 53° | 3.4" | 72% | 12 | 6 |
| April | 80° | 60° | 3.6" | 73% | 13 | 8 |
| May | 87° | 68° | 5.2" | 76% | 13 | 9 |
| June | 92° | 74° | 5.9" | 76% | 14 | 10 |
| July | 95° | 76° | 4.6" | 75% | 16 | 10 |
| August | 96° | 76° | 4.8" | 76% | 15 | 10 |
| September | 91° | 71° | 5.4" | 77% | 13 | 8 |
| October | 82° | 61° | 4.5" | 74% | 15 | 6 |
| November | 72° | 51° | 3.9" | 75% | 12 | 4 |
| December | 65° | 45° | 3.7" | 76% | 10 | 3 |
Source: NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals (1991–2020), NWS Houston/Galveston
Is Houston Hotter Than Dallas?
This is one of the most common questions from people choosing between the two largest Texas metros. The short answer: Dallas has higher peak temperatures, but Houston feels worse because of humidity.
| Metric | Houston | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| July Avg High | 95°F | 97°F |
| August Avg High | 96°F | 98°F |
| July Humidity | 75% | 58% |
| Days Above 100°F/yr | ~4 | ~17 |
| Annual Rainfall | 51.7" | 38.0" |
| Hurricane Risk | High | None |
| Tornado Risk | Low | Moderate–High |
For a full city comparison, visit our Texas City Comparison tool. See also: Dallas Weather & Forecast.
What Is the Coldest Month in Houston?
January is Houston's coldest month, with an average high of 63°F and an average low of 43°F. Most winters, Houston sees 2–5 nights where temperatures drop below freezing (32°F). Prolonged freezes lasting multiple days are rare — happening roughly once every 5–10 years.
For relocators: you do not need heavy winter gear for Houston. A medium-weight jacket, a couple of sweaters, and closed-toe shoes will cover 99% of winter days. The rare freeze lasts 1–3 days, and the city essentially shuts down when it happens — Houston has zero snow removal infrastructure.
The record low in Houston history is 5°F (January 18, 1930). The record high is 109°F (September 4, 2000).
Does Houston Get Hurricanes?
Yes. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with the peak typically in August and September. Houston's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico (about 50 miles) makes it vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. Major recent events include:
- Hurricane Harvey (2017) — Dropped 60+ inches of rain over 4 days. Catastrophic flooding across the metro.
- Hurricane Ike (2008) — Category 2 at landfall. Significant wind damage and storm surge in Galveston/Clear Lake.
- Tropical Storm Allison (2001) — 40 inches of rain, devastating downtown flooding.
What relocators need to know: flood insurance is essential — standard homeowners/renters insurance does NOT cover flood damage. Check FEMA flood maps and Harris County Flood Control District data before choosing a home. Visit our Houston Flood Zone Guide for detailed neighborhood-level risk data.
Houston Humidity by Month
Humidity is the defining feature of Houston's climate — and the #1 surprise for transplants from California, Colorado, Arizona, and the Midwest. Here's what to expect month by month:
| Month | Avg Humidity | What It Feels Like |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | 73–75% | Cool and damp. Fog common. |
| Mar–Apr | 72–73% | Pleasant. Best outdoor months. |
| May–Jun | 76% | Heat building. Muggy afternoons. |
| Jul–Aug | 75–76% | Oppressive. Morning readings 90%+. Heat index 105–115°F. |
| Sep–Oct | 74–77% | Gradually improving. October is the turning point. |
| Nov–Dec | 75–76% | Cool and comfortable. Occasional fog. |
The humidity is the #1 reason many California transplants experience "climate shock" in their first Houston summer. Your body does adjust over 1–2 years, but the first summer is the hardest.
Relocating During Hurricane Season?
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Best Time to Move to Houston
If you have flexibility on timing, here's the relocator's ranking of Houston months:
- October — Houston's best month. High 82°F, lower humidity, beautiful evenings. Perfect for house hunting and exploring neighborhoods.
- March–April — Spring is gorgeous but watch for thunderstorms. Great for apartment searching.
- November — Mild, dry, comfortable. Festival season winding down.
- February — Cool but pleasant. Rodeo season starts (Houston Livestock Show).
- January — Cooler but fine for moving. Lower demand = better deals on apartments and movers.
Months to avoid if possible: June through September. The heat and humidity make moving physically miserable, and August–September is peak hurricane season. If you must move in summer, book movers for a 6:00 AM start.
See our Houston Moving Guide and Moving Checklist for complete relocation planning.
What to Pack When Moving to Houston
No weather site covers this — but it's one of the most practical things a relocator needs to know. Houston's climate requires specific gear that people from cooler or drier climates won't have:
- Dehumidifier — Essential for apartments and homes. Prevents mold and musty closets.
- Blackout curtains — Summer sun is intense. These reduce cooling costs significantly.
- Moisture-wicking clothing — Cotton absorbs sweat and stays wet. Synthetic athletic fabrics are Houston's unofficial uniform May–October.
- SPF 50+ sunscreen — UV index hits 10–11 in summer. You will burn in 15 minutes.
- Compact umbrella (car + bag) — Pop-up thunderstorms are daily occurrences in summer. Keep one in your car always.
- Waterproof shoes/boots — Street flooding during heavy rain is common, even outside flood zones.
- Car sunshade — Interior temperatures exceed 150°F in direct sun. A steering wheel can cause burns.
- Light layering jacket — For aggressive restaurant/office AC (set to 68°F) and the few cool winter weeks.
What to leave behind: Heavy winter coats (you'll wear them 3–5 days/year), wool sweaters, snow boots, snow tires.
Houston Allergy Season
Houston's allergy seasons are nearly year-round thanks to the warm, humid climate. If you've never had allergies before, Houston may trigger them for the first time — this is incredibly common among newcomers.
| Allergen | Peak Months | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar (Mountain Cedar) | December – February | Severe |
| Oak Pollen | February – April | Severe |
| Grass Pollen | May – July | Moderate |
| Ragweed | August – November | Moderate |
| Mold Spores | Year-round (peaks Jun–Sep) | Moderate |
Pro tip: See an allergist within your first year in Houston. Many newcomers develop new allergies after 1–2 years of exposure to Houston's pollen profile. Prescription antihistamines and immunotherapy can make a major difference.
Houston Severe Weather Alerts & Safety
Houston faces multiple severe weather threats throughout the year. Here's how to stay prepared:
- Hurricane preparedness: Keep a 72-hour emergency kit (water, food, flashlights, batteries, medications). Know your flood zone and evacuation routes. Sign up for Harris County emergency alerts at AlertHouston.
- Flash flooding: NEVER drive through standing water. "Turn Around, Don't Drown" is a life-saving rule in Houston. Just 6 inches of flowing water can knock you off your feet; 12 inches can carry away a car.
- Severe thunderstorms: Common March–June. Can produce hail, damaging winds, and isolated tornadoes. Keep a NOAA weather radio or enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone.
- Extreme heat: Heat-related illness is a real risk June–September. Stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during 11 AM–4 PM, and never leave children or pets in a parked car.
For real-time alerts, bookmark the NWS Houston/Galveston page, check the NWS Alerts portal, and follow Space City Weather — Houston's best independent weather source.
Weather in Other Texas Cities
Comparing climates between Texas metros? Each city has a distinctly different weather profile:
- Dallas Weather & Forecast — Hotter peaks, drier heat, tornado risk, ice storms in winter.
- Austin Weather & Forecast — Hill Country climate, cedar fever capital, flash flood alley, wildfire risk.
Explore Houston
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Houston year-round?
Houston has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers (June–September, highs 92–96°F) and mild, short winters (December–February, highs 63–66°F). Humidity is consistently high year-round, averaging 73–77%. Annual rainfall is about 52 inches, spread fairly evenly across the year with a slight peak in summer.
Does Houston get hurricanes?
Yes. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Houston sits in the hurricane impact zone due to its Gulf Coast proximity. Hurricane Harvey (2017) was the most devastating recent event, dropping over 60 inches of rain. Not every year brings a direct hit, but tropical storms and hurricanes are a recurring threat. All residents should have flood insurance and a hurricane preparedness plan.
What is the coldest month in Houston?
January is Houston's coldest month, with an average high of 63°F and an average low of 43°F. Hard freezes are rare but possible — Houston typically sees 2–5 nights below 32°F per winter. The February 2021 winter storm (Uri) was historic and not representative of normal conditions.
Is Houston hotter than Dallas?
Dallas actually has higher peak summer temperatures (avg high 97–98°F in July–August vs. Houston's 95–96°F). However, Houston feels significantly hotter due to much higher humidity. Houston's heat index regularly exceeds 110°F in summer, while Dallas has drier heat. Both cities are hot, but the Houston experience is more oppressive.
When is the best time to move to Houston?
October through April is the best window for moving to Houston. October is widely considered Houston's best month — pleasant temperatures (high 82°F), lower humidity, and minimal rain. Avoid June through September if possible (extreme heat and humidity) and the peak of hurricane season (August–October). If you must move in summer, schedule early morning moves to beat the heat.
How bad are allergies in Houston?
Houston allergy seasons are nearly year-round. Cedar pollen peaks December–February, oak pollen is severe February–April, grass pollen runs May–July, ragweed peaks August–November, and mold spores are present year-round (peaking in summer). Many newcomers from drier climates are surprised by the intensity. An allergist visit within your first year is recommended.
Does Houston flood often?
Flooding is Houston's #1 weather risk. The city is flat, near sea level, receives 52+ inches of rain annually, and the bayou drainage system is frequently overwhelmed. However, flooding is extremely location-specific — some neighborhoods flood regularly while areas a mile away stay dry. Always check FEMA flood maps and Harris County Flood Control District data before choosing a home.
What should I pack when moving to Houston?
Essentials: lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing for 8+ months of heat; a reliable dehumidifier; blackout curtains for intense summer sun; SPF 50+ sunscreen; rain gear (compact umbrella, waterproof shoes); and one light jacket for the brief winter. Skip the heavy coats — you'll wear them maybe 5 days per year.
How humid is Houston compared to other cities?
Houston is one of the most humid major cities in the U.S. Average relative humidity ranges from 72–77% year-round, with morning readings often exceeding 90% in summer. For comparison, Dallas averages 56–68%, and Phoenix averages 20–35%. The humidity is consistently the #1 surprise for people relocating from drier climates like Colorado, Arizona, or California.
Is Houston weather getting worse due to climate change?
Data shows Houston is experiencing more intense rainfall events and warmer overnight temperatures. The frequency of 500-year flood events has increased — Houston has had three such events since 2015. Sea surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico are trending warmer, which can fuel stronger hurricanes. These trends make flood preparedness even more important for Houston residents.
Reviewed by RelocateMeTX Editorial Team
Content verified March 2026. Relocation information on this page has been reviewed for accuracy. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, legal, or medical advice.