hit tracker

When Does The Temperature Start To Drop In Texas


When Does The Temperature Start To Drop In Texas

Let's talk Texas weather, y'all. Specifically, when does that sweet relief from the fiery inferno actually begin? This is a topic near and dear to every Texan's heart (and sweat glands).

The Great Texas Temperature Debate

Here's a controversial opinion: September is a liar. It pretends to be fall. It teases you with a slightly cooler breeze in the evening. Don't be fooled!

I'm convinced September is just August wearing a slightly longer dress. It's a mirage, folks, a heat-induced hallucination.

Some people will argue that around mid-September, you might get a day where you can wear long sleeves. But then the next day, it's back to 95 degrees and wondering why you ever doubted Texas.

October: A Glimmer of Hope?

October is where things start to get interesting. Notice I said "start." It's like the weather is finally remembering that other seasons exist.

You might even see a high in the 70s! A glorious, beautiful 70s. This is cause for celebration. Break out the pumpkin spice everything!

But hold your horses (or should I say, longhorns?). Don't pack away the shorts just yet. Texas loves a good surprise heatwave.

November: The Imposter

November…ah, November. This is where Texas likes to play a cruel joke on the rest of the world. We get maybe two weeks of actual fall weather.

Historic heat breaking all-time records in Texas - Homegrown Coffee Bar
Historic heat breaking all-time records in Texas - Homegrown Coffee Bar

Crisp air, colorful leaves (if you drive far enough west), and the sweet scent of burning… well, probably just more leaves. But it feels like fall!

Then BAM! Back to 80 degrees. It's like Texas is saying, "Just kidding! Summer never left!"

And everyone outside of Texas says, "Why are you wearing shorts?" To which we reply, "Because it's eighty degrees, Karen!"

The Unpopular Opinion: It's All a Lie!

Okay, here's the really unpopular opinion: The temperature in Texas doesn't really start to drop until after Thanksgiving.

I know, I know. Hear me out! Thanksgiving is like the official "Okay, fine, summer's over" announcement from the Texas weather gods.

How temperature drops can affect your health | wltx.com
How temperature drops can affect your health | wltx.com

Before Thanksgiving? It's just a warm-up act. A cruel, sweltering warm-up act.

December: Finally, Some Relief (Maybe)

December can be truly lovely. You might even need a light jacket. A light jacket. Don't get carried away.

We might even see a freeze! A real, honest-to-goodness freeze. But don't expect it to last long. It's Texas, after all.

And even in December, there will still be that random 70-degree day that makes you question everything you thought you knew about seasons. But that's just Texas being Texas.

January and February: Winter's Fleeting Visit

January and February are our closest approximations to "winter." Think highs in the 50s and 60s. Maybe even a dusting of snow (which shuts down the entire state, naturally).

These are the months when you can actually wear sweaters without instantly regretting your life choices. Embrace it while it lasts.

Texas is going to keep getting hotter and drier, A&M report shows
Texas is going to keep getting hotter and drier, A&M report shows

These are the months when you may actually turn on your heater. Maybe! For a couple of hours, at least. Because we're still Texans, and the cold is just wrong.

The Real Truth: It's All Relative

The truth is, the "temperature dropping" is a relative term in Texas. What feels cold to a Texan might feel like a pleasant spring day to someone from, say, Minnesota.

Our blood has thinned from generations of enduring scorching summers. We're not built for true cold. A little chill goes a long way.

So, when does the temperature really start to drop? It depends on your definition of "drop." And your tolerance for heat. And whether or not you're willing to be perpetually disappointed by September.

It also depends on where in Texas you are! West Texas gets cooler faster than the Gulf Coast.

Texas Current Temperatures Map
Texas Current Temperatures Map

Don't Forget the Microclimates!

Texas is HUGE! We're talking about different ecosystems, different elevations, and vastly different weather patterns all crammed into one giant state.

What's happening in Amarillo is definitely not happening in Houston. Saying "Texas weather" is like saying "European cuisine" – wildly inaccurate!

So, your mileage may vary. Prepare for anything. Pack layers. And always have a cold drink handy. You're in Texas, after all.

My Final (Probably Wrong) Conclusion

My official, completely unscientific, and highly subjective conclusion? The temperature starts to think about maybe dropping around late October, gets serious around Thanksgiving, and then throws in a few curveballs just to keep us on our toes until about February.

And then, of course, the whole glorious cycle starts all over again. Because that's Texas. Always keeping you guessing.

So, buckle up, buttercup. Enjoy the ride. And try not to melt. Unless, of course, you're a snowman. In which case, I apologize.

You might also like →