The canyon floor sits several hundred feet below the plains, and traps heat. Figures below are approximate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Green junipers and wildflowers, comfortable temperatures. Watch for afternoon storms in May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Extreme heat at midday, but it is also the season of the TEXAS show. Hike at sunrise and rest in the afternoon.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Our favourite: settled weather, softer light and cottonwoods turning gold along the creek in the later weeks.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Crisp, quiet and sometimes dusted with snow. The road can ice over, so check park alerts.
Month by month
| Month | Avg high / low | Wet days | Daylight | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11° / -5°C (52° / 23°F) | ≈3 | ≈10 h | Quiet & cheap |
| February | 13° / -4°C (55° / 25°F) | ≈3 | ≈11 h | Quiet & cheap |
| March | 18° / 0°C (64° / 32°F) | ≈4 | ≈12 h | Good |
| April | 23° / 4°C (73° / 39°F) | ≈5 | ≈13 h | Best |
| May | 28° / 10°C (82° / 50°F) | ≈8 | ≈14 h | Best |
| June | 34° / 15°C (93° / 59°F) | ≈8 | ≈14.5 h | Peak season |
| July | 36° / 18°C (97° / 64°F) | ≈7 | ≈14.2 h | Peak season |
| August | 35° / 17°C (95° / 63°F) | ≈7 | ≈13.4 h | Good |
| September | 31° / 13°C (88° / 55°F) | ≈6 | ≈12.3 h | Good |
| October | 24° / 6°C (75° / 43°F) | ≈5 | ≈11.2 h | Best |
| November | 16° / 0°C (61° / 32°F) | ≈3 | ≈10.3 h | Best |
| December | 11° / -4°C (52° / 25°F) | ≈3 | ≈9.8 h | Quiet & cheap |
Approximate long-term averages, rounded; daylight is the approximate time between sunrise and sunset mid-month. Summer sun is strong: plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and evenings.
Festivals & events
- June to August TEXAS, the outdoor musical, at the Pioneer Amphitheatre; check the current season.
- Holiday periods The park can reach capacity on spring-break and long weekends.
Crowds & booking ahead
Spring break, Texas holiday weekends and mild autumn Saturdays are busiest. Buy your day pass online ahead of time, and arrive early.
