Houston
Houston
United States
Ready to explore?
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, is a sprawling metropolis known for its world-class culinary scene, the historic Space Center, and a humid subtropical climate that keeps the cit...
About Houston
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, is a sprawling metropolis known for its world-class culinary scene, the historic Space Center, and a humid subtropical climate that keeps the city green year-round. Unlike the snowy winters of Chicago or the high-altitude dryness of Denver, Houston is characterized by its warmth and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. While the city's humidity can be intense in the summer, its mild winters and vibrant spring and fall seasons make it a year-round destination for culture seekers and foodies alike. The peak season typically aligns with the massive Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March, while the shoulder seasons of late spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring outdoor spaces like Buffalo Bayou Park.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Houston at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Fall (September–November)
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Houston, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
5 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
USD daily budgets: $70–$100/day to $400+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Houston
Best Overall
March–April and October–November
Cheapest
January–February and July–August
Busiest
March (Rodeo) and June (Pride)
Best Weather
April and October
For Events
March (Rodeo Houston)
For Families
June (Space Center and museums)
For Couples
February (Valentine's events) and November
Budget Travel
August
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Houston.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Houston — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Houston
January
Cool and crisp; 8°C–18°C (47°F–64°F). Approx. 145 sunshine hours and moderate rain.
“Best for budget travelers and those who prefer cool weather for outdoor activities.”
February
Mild with occasional cold snaps; 10°C–20°C (50°F–68°F). Driest month of the year.
“Best for a balanced experience with pleasant weather and cultural festivals.”
March
Perfect spring weather; 14°C–23°C (57°F–74°F). Bluebonnets begin to bloom.
“The absolute peak for events; best for those wanting the full 'Texas experience'.”
April
Warm and pleasant; 18°C–26°C (64°F–79°F). High sunshine levels.
“Best month for sightseeing and outdoor exploration before the summer heat.”
May
Increasingly humid; 22°C–30°C (71°F–86°F). Sunny with evening thunderstorms.
“Best for those who enjoy warm nights and indoor/outdoor entertainment.”
June
Hot and humid; 24°C–33°C (76°F–91°F). Wettest month with frequent rain.
“Best for families and city-based cultural events, though humidity is high.”
July
Very hot; 25°C–34°C (77°F–94°F). Most sunshine hours of the year.
“Best for budget travelers and indoor foodies who can handle the heat.”
August
Peak heat; 26°C–35°C (78°F–95°F). Frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
“The best time for finding hotel deals and staying indoors.”
September
Transition month; 23°C–32°C (73°F–90°F). Peak of hurricane season.
“Good for avoiding crowds, but monitor weather forecasts for tropical storms.”
October
Mild and dry; 18°C–28°C (64°F–82°F). Very comfortable humidity levels.
“Arguably the best month for weather and outdoor festivals.”
November
Cool and pleasant; 12°C–22°C (54°F–72°F). Low humidity.
“Best for early holiday shopping and pleasant, crisp weather.”
December
Mildly cold; 9°C–18°C (48°F–64°F). Frequent cloudy days.
“Best for holiday magic and experiencing a festive, mild Texas winter.”
Festivals & Events in Houston
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world, featuring nightly concerts from major stars.
Hotels sell out city-wide; book 4–6 months ahead for the best rates.Chevron Houston Marathon
A premier winter marathon that draws runners from across the globe.
Downtown roads are closed; hotels near the starting line fill up fast.Art Car Parade
A quirky parade of hundreds of mobile masterpieces created by local artists.
Large crowds in the downtown area; park early or use public transit.Freedom Over Texas
Houston's official July 4th celebration with live music and massive fireworks.
Heavy traffic near Eleanor Tinsley Park; best seen from nearby hotel rooftops.Texas Renaissance Festival
Located an hour north, this is the largest Renaissance fair in the U.S.
Saturday traffic on Highway 249 can be extreme; stay in North Houston to save time.Wings Over Houston
One of the top airshows in the country featuring the Blue Angels or Thunderbirds.
Ellington Field area gets very busy; book hotels in Clear Lake.Houston Restaurant Weeks
A massive fundraiser where top restaurants offer multi-course prix-fixe menus.
Popular restaurants require reservations weeks in advance.The Nutcracker Market
A high-end shopping extravaganza that kicks off the holiday season.
NRG Park area is congested; expect high foot traffic in the Medical Center.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Houston?
USD
Daily Budget
Peak
$180–$350/night
Off-Peak
$90–$160/night
Hotel rates skyrocket in March due to the Rodeo and during major oil and gas conventions. Summer and winter holidays offer the best discounts for leisure travelers.
Where to Stay in Houston by Season
Downtown
$150–$400/nightWinter
Ideal for business and holiday events. Access to the tunnel system is a major plus on cool or rainy days.
Museum District
$200–$350/nightSpring
Walkable access to Hermann Park and the zoo. Perfect for seeing spring flowers and attending outdoor shows.
Montrose
$130–$250/nightFall
The heart of Houston's arts and dining scene. Great for enjoying patio weather and quirky local shopping.
Galleria / Uptown
$140–$500/nightSummer
The best place for luxury indoor shopping and high-end hotels with excellent pool scenes to beat the heat.
Clear Lake / NASA
$90–$180/nightAny Season
Best for budget travelers and families. Closer to the Space Center and water activities on the lake.
What to Pack for Houston
Spring
Pro tip: Western wear is the unofficial uniform during March—don't be afraid to dress the part!
Summer
Pro tip: The transition from 95°F heat to 68°F indoor air conditioning is jarring; always carry a light layer.
Fall
Pro tip: Mosquitoes can be persistent in the fall; bring repellent for evening outdoor dining.
Winter
Pro tip: Houston winters are more about 'wet cold' than 'snow cold,' so focus on wind and water resistance.
FAQs: Visiting Houston
What is the best month to visit Houston?
October and April are generally the best months due to low humidity, comfortable temperatures, and various outdoor festivals.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Houston?
August and January are typically the cheapest months to fly into IAH or HOU as tourism slows down during the peak heat and post-holiday winter.
What is the weather like in Houston in March?
March is pleasant with highs around 74°F (23°C), though it can be rainier than February as spring weather settles in.
Is Houston worth visiting in winter?
Yes! It's an excellent escape from colder northern cities like Minneapolis or Detroit, offering mild weather and festive holiday displays.
When is hurricane season in Houston?
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with peak activity typically occurring in late August and September.
What should I wear to the Houston Rodeo?
Jeans, boots, and a button-down shirt or blouse are standard. While you don't need full western gear, a comfortable pair of boots is recommended for the walking involved.
Does it ever snow in Houston?
Snow is extremely rare, happening perhaps once every few years, and it rarely stays on the ground for more than a few hours.
Are museums in Houston free?
Many museums in the Museum District offer free admission on Thursday afternoons, though certain permanent collections (like the Menil) are always free.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in United States
Chicago
Chicago offers a vibrant lakeside summer scene that is much cooler than Houston’s humidity, though its winters are significantly harsher.
New York
New York provides a classic four-season experience with world-class theater, whereas Houston offers a more laid-back Southern culinary hub.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles features a Mediterranean climate with dry summers, offering a coastal alternative to Houston’s subtropical gulf humidity.
Atlanta
Atlanta shares Houston's humid subtropical climate but offers a hilly, 'city in a forest' vibe compared to Houston's flat, sprawling coastal plains.
Dallas
As Houston's main rival, Dallas offers a slightly drier heat and a focus on high-end shopping and banking, versus Houston's energy and space focus.
Miami
Miami is more tropical and beach-centric year-round, while Houston serves as a more diverse, museum-heavy urban destination.
San Francisco
San Francisco remains cool and foggy even in summer, providing a literal breath of fresh air compared to Houston's sweltering July heat.
Seattle
Seattle’s rainy winters and mild summers contrast sharply with Houston’s sunny, humid summers and mild winters.
Denver
Denver is the place for high-altitude mountain adventures, whereas Houston is the gateway to the Gulf Coast's maritime history.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers a dry desert heat and 24/7 entertainment, serving as a more nightlife-focused alternative to Houston's family-friendly museums.
Phoenix
Phoenix experiences an even more intense but dry summer heat; it's a great winter destination for those seeking warm desert air.
Boston
Boston offers a historic, walkable East Coast experience with vibrant fall foliage that arrives much earlier than Houston's mild autumn.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia provides a dense, walkable historic core that feels quite different from Houston’s wide, car-centric layout.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis is the ultimate winter destination for snow lovers, while Houston is the escape for those trying to avoid it.
Detroit
Detroit offers a gritty, industrial-cool vibe and colder winters, serving as a Great Lakes alternative to the Gulf Coast's industrial powerhouse.
Orlando
Orlando is the world capital of theme parks; it shares Houston’s humidity but focuses almost entirely on resort-style tourism.
Charlotte
Charlotte offers a clean, banking-centric southern hub with more pronounced seasons than Houston's coastal climate.
Washington
Washington D.C. matches Houston’s museum density but offers a more formal, monument-focused atmosphere.
Portland
Portland offers a quirky, lush Pacific Northwest vibe with much cooler, rainier summers than the Texas Gulf Coast.
United Travels
Want to visit Houston,
but still have questions?
Leave a request and our team will help you plan the perfect trip from Halifax, Atlantic Canada, or anywhere across Canada to Houston.
UNITED TRAVELS