TripVibzWorst times to visit Austin
The weeks, days and hours locals would tell you to avoid in Austin — and what to do instead.
Say it here and visitors will actually read it. One sentence is enough.
Add your takeAustin month by month
Festivals, conventions, weather and price seasons that change what a visit is like. Researched by the TripVibz editors from official event and weather sources.
January
Winter quiet season — good. Mild and dry, with highs in the low to mid-60s. It is the quietest stretch of the year and usually the cheapest.
February
Winter quiet season — good. Mild and dry, with highs in the low to mid-60s. It is the quietest stretch of the year and usually the cheapest.
March
SXSW — avoid. Mid-March, about nine days. The tech, film and music festival takes over downtown, and flight and hotel prices can rise sharply.
April
Spring — good. Highs in the 70s and 80s after SXSW clears out. Skip UT Austin's commencement weekend in May.
May
Spring — good. Highs in the 70s and 80s after SXSW clears out. Skip UT Austin's commencement weekend in May.
June
Summer heat — avoid. Highs in the mid- to upper 90s, sometimes over 100°F, with high humidity. Spring-fed Barton Springs Pool is the best relief.
July
Summer heat — avoid. Highs in the mid- to upper 90s, sometimes over 100°F, with high humidity. Spring-fed Barton Springs Pool is the best relief.
August
Summer heat — avoid. Highs in the mid- to upper 90s, sometimes over 100°F, with high humidity. Spring-fed Barton Springs Pool is the best relief.
October
Formula 1 US Grand Prix — busy. A late-October weekend of Formula 1 racing at Circuit of the Americas, southeast of downtown.
Austin City Limits Music Festival — busy. Two weekends in October at Zilker Park. Festival weekends bring big crowds and higher lodging rates.
November
Late fall — good. Daytime highs in the 70s and the fall festival rush has passed. Book a couple of months ahead for the best rates.
December
Winter quiet season — good. Mild and dry, with highs in the low to mid-60s. It is the quietest stretch of the year and usually the cheapest.