Houston, Tx: Best Days To Visit And Why

Houston, Texas is a great place to visit all year round, with warm weather and affordable hotel prices. However, the best times to visit are from February to April and from September to November, when temperatures are pleasant and there are a variety of festivals to enjoy.

Houston has a diverse range of attractions, from museums and beaches to parks and historical sites. Here are some of the best day trips to take from Houston:

- Sam Houston National Forest: This national forest is a testament to Texas's commitment to preserving its natural heritage, with over 163,000 acres of woodlands, lakes, and streams. It offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and fishing.

- Space Center Houston: This dynamic space museum, affiliated with NASA, takes you on an immersive journey through the evolution of space exploration. It features interactive exhibits, spacecraft on display, and educational programs.

- Brazos Bend State Park: A sprawling natural oasis with lush landscapes, dense forests, wetlands, and waterways. It offers hiking and biking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and fishing in its lakes and rivers.

- Galveston: A unique island destination with nature, an amusement park, and historical districts. Explore the Victorian-era architecture, enjoy the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, or visit the Moody Gardens.

- Kemah Boardwalk: A perfect family day trip with waterfront stores, restaurants, amusement rides, midway games, and seaside shows.

- Conroe: A diverse range of activities including state parks, a lake for water sports, and cultural attractions such as historic downtown buildings.

- San Antonio: Home to iconic attractions like the Alamo and the River Walk, as well as a vibrant cultural scene with Mexican markets, eateries, and cultural spaces.

- Corpus Christi: A vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, cultural diversity, and maritime charm. Enjoy water activities, explore the Texas State Aquarium, or visit the USS Lexington Museum.

- Beaumont: A city combining historical significance and modern amenities. Visit the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum to learn about its oil history, explore the downtown area, or enjoy the outdoors at Beaumont Botanical Gardens.

- Bellville: A quaint town home to Newman's Castle, a medieval castle featuring a drawbridge, a moat, turrets, and accommodations fit for knights.

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, historical sites, or cultural experiences, Houston and its surrounding areas have something for everyone.

Weather and climate

Houston is known for its hot, humid, and wet climate, with warm weather and affordable hotel prices year-round. However, the best times to visit Houston are during the spring and fall months, specifically from February to April and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and there are many festivals to enjoy.

In February, the average high temperature is 66°F (19°C), and the average low is 47°F (8°C). February also has the lowest precipitation rate of the year, with an average of 3 inches (85 mm) of rainfall. By March, the average high temperature rises to 73°F (23°C), and the average low is 53°F (11°C).

April sees a quick warm-up, with average high temperatures reaching 80°F (26°C) and average lows of 59°F (15°C). Spring in Houston is one of the warmest in the country, with average high and low temperatures in May ranging from 86°F (30°C) to 68°F (20°C).

Summer in Houston is characterised by high temperatures, humidity, and rain. June is the rainiest month, with an average of 6 inches (150 mm) of rainfall, and temperatures often climbing above 100°F. Hurricane season begins in June and lasts through August, with August being the hottest month of the year, with average highs of 94°F (35°C).

Fall brings some relief from the heat, with average high temperatures in September dropping to 90°F (32°C) and lows of 70°F (21°C). October and November offer sunny days with average highs in the 80s°F (20s°C) and lows in the 60s°F (10s°C).

Winters in Houston are mild, with rare snowfall and temperatures rarely dipping below freezing. December is the second coldest month, with average highs of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C). January is the coldest month, with average highs of 63°F (17°C) and lows of 43°F (6°C).

Accommodation prices

Houston is known for its hot, humid, and wet climate, which can be a deterrent for some travellers. However, the best time to visit Houston in terms of accommodation prices is during the low season, from December to February. During this period, the city experiences milder temperatures, with daytime highs of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime lows dipping to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. While snow is unlikely, there may be light dustings every few years.

The low season offers budget-conscious travellers a great opportunity to explore Houston's indoor attractions, such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Space Center Houston, without breaking the bank. Accommodation prices are at their most affordable during these months, making it an ideal time for those looking to save on lodging costs.

For those who prefer warmer weather, the shoulder season, from March to May and October to November, offers a balance between comfortable outdoor temperatures and reasonably priced accommodations. During these months, you can expect milder temperatures, with lower humidity and fewer mosquitoes, making it a pleasant time for outdoor exploration.

However, if you're looking to take advantage of the summer weather and outdoor festivals, be prepared for higher hotel rates. June to September is Houston's high season, attracting families and visitors looking to enjoy the city's outdoor spaces and pool fun.

Overall, Houston offers a range of accommodation prices throughout the year, with the low season providing the most budget-friendly options, followed by the shoulder season, and the highest prices during the summer high season.

Things to do

Houston is known for its diverse cultural offerings, great food scene, and outdoor adventures. Here is a list of things to do when visiting Houston, Texas:

• NASA's Space Center Houston: Get a behind-the-scenes look at NASA and its space exploration endeavours. This is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in science and space.
• The Houston Museum of Natural Science: Explore diverse exhibits ranging from dinosaur bones to Egyptian artifacts, with a butterfly habitat and planetarium adding to the experience.
• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Immerse yourself in diverse global art collections, including impressionist masterpieces and interactive exhibits like the Infinity Room. The museum also features a sculpture garden and cafe.
• Houston Zoo: Enjoy a fun and educational experience with a wide range of ecosystems and animals from around the world.
• Cockrell Butterfly Center: Next to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, this glass-enclosed butterfly habitat features a simulated rainforest and thousands of colourful butterflies.
• Children's Museum Houston: Perfect for families, this museum offers hands-on interactive exhibits in science, technology, history, culture, health, and the arts.
• National Museum of Funeral History: With the largest collection of funeral artefacts in the US, this unique museum traces the history of funeral services and displays historic hearses.
• Discovery Green: This park in downtown Houston offers a relaxing outdoor space with The Grove restaurant, which is perfect for a lunch break.
• The Galleria: Shop till you drop at Texas' largest shopping centre, featuring over 375 shops, an ice rink, and a variety of restaurants.
• Buffalo Bayou Park: Enjoy kayaking, biking, or simply strolling through this beautiful park in the heart of the city.
• Day Trips: Explore nearby destinations such as Conroe, Brazos Bend State Park, Bellville, Beaumont, and Huntsville State Park, each offering unique natural and cultural experiences.
• Festivals and Events: Time your visit to coincide with Houston's vibrant festivals and events, such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, WorldFest, San Jacinto Day Festival, Houston Art Car Parade, Pride Houston, and more.

Food and drink

Houston is known for its diverse food scene, with cuisines from all over the world. The city is home to several James Beard Award-winning chefs and is a haven for immigrant populations that infuse the region with unique flavours and dishes.

If you're looking for the best times to visit Houston for food and drink, consider the following:

• February to April and September to November: These months offer pleasant temperatures and a variety of festivals. You can enjoy outdoor dining and explore the city's culinary scene without dealing with extreme temperatures.
• June to September: This is Houston's high season, with many families visiting during the summer break. While it's hot and humid, there are tons of outdoor festivals and activities. It's also a great time to enjoy the region's state parks and swimming holes.
• March to May and October to November: These months are considered the shoulder season, offering a mix of artsy festivals and family-friendly holiday events. The weather is more moderate, making it a good time to explore the outdoors without the extreme heat and humidity.
• December to February: This is the low season in Houston, making it a great time for budget travellers to find affordable accommodation. While the weather is cooler, there are still plenty of indoor food options to explore.
• Coffee and Bakeries: Start your day with a cup of coffee at Un Caffe, Tenfold Coffee Company, or Koffeteria, a Beard semi-finalist bakery that offers beef pho kolaches and Cambodian brunch.
• Breakfast and Brunch: For a unique breakfast experience, try Puebla's Mexican Kitchen in the Heights for gorditas or breakfast tacos. Other notable spots include Blacksmith in Montrose and Dandelion Cafe in Bellaire.
• Lunch: Hugo's in Montrose is a great choice for ceviches, spiced mole dishes, and margaritas. For a more casual option, try food trucks like the Tacos Tierra Caliente truck for classic street tacos.
• Cocktails: Don't miss pre-dinner cocktails at James Beard Award-winning cocktail bars like Julep or Anvil Bar & Refuge.
• Dinner: Nancy's Hustle in EaDo is a popular choice, known for its signature Nancy Cakes. Street to Kitchen, run by Chef G, offers unapologetic Thai dishes. Other notable dinner spots include Ostia in Montrose and Cuchara, a Mexican restaurant in the Heights.
• Hottest Restaurants: Bar Bludorn, Okto (Mediterranean cuisine), Turner's Cut (steakhouse), and Marigold Club in Montrose are some of the hottest tables in Houston right now.
• Essential Restaurants: Phat Eatery (Malaysian cuisine), Jūn (a hybrid of Southeast Asian and Latin dishes), Tatemó (Mexican tasting menu), and Little's Oyster Bar are must-try establishments.
• Burgers: Houston has no shortage of burger options. Try Burger-chan, Trill Burgers (co-owned by Houston music legend Bun B), Lankford Grocery & Market in Montrose, or the Burger Joint for thick shakes and kimchi-topped burgers.
• Barbecue: Houston barbecue holds its own, with notable spots including Feges BBQ, Gatlin's, Killen's, the Pit Room, Corkscrew, Truth BBQ, and Brett's Barbecue Shop.
• Fried Chicken: Try Himalaya, Dak & Bop for Korean fried chicken, or Frenchy's for a local staple.
• Tex-Mex and Mexican: Xochi in Downtown Houston, Cochinita & Co. for tacos and cochinita pibil, and El Patio or Candente for classic Tex-Mex fare are all excellent choices.
• Vietnamese and Viet-Cajun: With a large Vietnamese population, Houston has a diverse range of Vietnamese cuisine. Must-try spots include Crawfish & Noodles, Quan Ba Ky, Blind Goat (owned by MasterChef winner Christine Ha), and Saigon Hustle for banh mi.
• Seafood: Houston's proximity to the Gulf means seafood plays a significant role in its culinary scene. Check out Gatlin's Fins & Feathers, Kata Robata for sushi, and Goode Co. Seafood.
• Steak Nights: While there are steakhouses aplenty, some of the best steaks can be found at local bars like Rudyard's, Cottonwood, and Better Luck Tomorrow during weeknights.
• Mediterranean: Houston has seen a surge in interest in Mediterranean cuisine. Try Okto (a fusion of Moroccan and Italian), Niko Niko’s (Greek), Al Aseel (Palestinian), and Rumi’s Kitchen (Atlanta import) for a variety of dishes.
• Pizza: For pizza lovers, Houston offers a range of styles, including Neopolitan, Detroit, and New York-style. Popular spots include ORG Pizza Garden, Gypsy Poet, Tiny Champions, and Pizaro's Pizza Napoletana for authentic Neopolitan pies.
• Family-Friendly Restaurants: d'Alba in Garden Oaks, Little Matt's, and Feges BBQ on Wednesday nights offer kid-friendly environments and specials.
• Food Neighbourhoods: The Heights, Montrose, Downtown, Midtown, River Oaks, Galleria, and Asiatown/Chinatown are all known for their diverse and exciting dining options.

With its vibrant culinary scene, Houston offers a wealth of food and drink experiences to explore, no matter the time of year you choose to visit.

Day trips

Houston is the most diverse city in Texas, with museums, beaches, parks, and more. Here are some of the best day trips from Houston, TX, most of which are within a few hours' drive of the city.

Less than 1 hour away:

• Galveston is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Houston, with its beautiful and easily accessible beaches. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier has rides, games, and family-friendly activities. There are also plenty of restaurants and breweries to visit.
• Brazos Bend State Park is a nature lover's paradise, with 37 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It's also a great place for fishing.
• Conroe is a lake town offering jet skiing, kayaking, rafting, and boating. There are also several miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, bowling alleys, and outdoor obstacle courses.
• Kemah Boardwalk is perfect for family fun. It has waterfront stores and restaurants, a Ferris wheel, a double-decker carousel, midway games, an arcade, and a playground.
• Space Center Houston and Johnson Space Center are fun and educational. You can explore exhibits about shuttles from different eras and even go inside the shuttle replica, Independence.
• Katy is home to the Great Southwest Equestrian Center, which holds horse shows and rodeos, as well as Typhoon Texas: State of the Art Waterpark. There are also several museums to visit, including the Katy Railroad Heritage Museum and the Katy War Veterans Memorial and Museum.

1 to 2 hours away:

• Sam Houston National Forest is a great place to hike, camp, canoe, or kayak. It offers a taste of the western edge of the Piney Woods and beautiful hiking trails.
• Beaumont is a city with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities. You can learn about its oil history at the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, visit the Gator Country, or explore downtown breweries, antique shops, and restaurants.
• Huntsville State Park is a picturesque woodland area with 21 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and bird-watching. It also features Lake Raven, offering swimming, fishing, kayaking, and camping opportunities.
• Port Arthur is a maritime town with strong railroad connections and a captivating fusion of cultural influences. Must-visit sites include the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, and the Queen of Peace Shrine and Gardens.
• Bellville is home to a medieval castle featuring a 3,000-pound drawbridge, a moat, five corner turrets, a chapel, and a portcullis.
• Navasota is known for its excellent antique shops and interesting historical sites connected to Texas history, such as the Circle P Antiques and Collectibles and the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site.

2 to 3 hours away:

• San Marcos is home to natural beauty, with surrounding green spaces, wooded areas, and swimming holes. You can go tubing on the river or shopping at the largest outlet mall in the USA. You can also go snorkelling or take a glass-bottom boat tour.
• Hamilton Pool is a submerged cavern beneath a flowing waterfall. Swimming is allowed, but guests are advised to check the conditions beforehand.
• Westcave Preserve in Southwest Travis County spans 76 acres and features a captivating grotto and a 40-foot waterfall.
• New Braunfels is home to the original Schlitterbahn Waterpark and is sprawled along the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. It's a great place for tubing and other water activities.
• Lake Charles in Louisiana offers speed boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and other water activities. There are also two luxurious casino resorts along the Calcasieu River shoreline.
• Texas City has a five-mile-long seawall called the Texas City Dike, which is the longest man-made fishing pier in the world. There are also parks, museums, and events that celebrate the city's maritime heritage.
• Moody Gardens in Galveston is an educational wonderland with three grand pyramids: Discovery, Aquarium, and Rainforest.
• La Porte features the only beach in Harris County, Sylvan Beach, offering scenic views of the bay and immaculate white sand. You can also visit the White House replica, Governor Ross Sterling Mansion, and The Battle of San Jacinto monument.
• Corpus Christi is a coastal city with stunning beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, and maritime charm. It's known for its seafood cuisine and attractions such as the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum.
• Austin offers plenty of fun activities, including zip-lining at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, racing at the Circuit of the Americas, and nightlife on Sixth Street.
• Waco is home to the Silo District, made popular by the TV show "Fixer Upper." It also has outdoor attractions like Cameron Park, with beautiful views of the Bosque and Brazos Rivers, and Waco Surf, which features a lazy river, water slides, and a cable circuit.

3 to 4 hours away:

• San Antonio is home to the Alamo and the Riverwalk. It also offers Tex-Mex cuisine, margaritas, and a 35-minute boat tour along the Riverwalk. You can also explore the Natural Bridge Caverns, ancient caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
• Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg is a 425-foot indigenous rock formation that's perfect for backpacking, hiking, camping, and taking in the breathtaking scenery.
• Dallas offers a one-hour all-electric Cruizer day tour in a six-seater roadster, providing a front-row view of the city. You can also visit the Dallas Arboretum and the Sixth Floor Museum, which showcases the legacy of President John F. Kennedy.

There are plenty of other day trip options from Houston, TX, depending on your interests and how far you're willing to travel.

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