Expect sun, wind and big swings in temperature. The canyons are much hotter than the plains in summer, and the high north is colder in winter.
| Month | High / low | Our take |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10° / -6 °C (50° / 21 °F) | Cold, sunny, quiet |
| February | 12° / -5 °C (54° / 23 °F) | Windy, some snow |
| March | 17° / -1 °C (63° / 30 °F) | Mild, spring-break crowds |
| April | 21° / 3 °C (70° / 37 °F) | Excellent, storms begin |
| May | 26° / 9 °C (79° / 48 °F) | Green, stormy afternoons |
| June | 31° / 14 °C (88° / 57 °F) | Hot; TEXAS show opens |
| July | 33° / 17 °C (91° / 63 °F) | Peak road-trip season |
| August | 32° / 16 °C (90° / 61 °F) | Hot; XIT Reunion |
| September | 28° / 12 °C (82° / 54 °F) | Very good; fair season |
| October | 22° / 5 °C (72° / 41 °F) | Ideal hiking |
| November | 15° / -1 °C (59° / 30 °F) | Crisp, quiet |
| December | 10° / -5 °C (50° / 23 °F) | Cold, festive |
Storm season
From about April to June, huge thunderstorms can build over the plains. They are spectacular to watch from a safe place, but take alerts seriously.
Summer heat
Palo Duro and Caprock are several degrees hotter than the plains above. Hike at dawn only.
Festivals
- June–August: TEXAS outdoor musical, in Palo Duro Canyon.
- Early August: XIT Rodeo & Reunion, in Dalhart.
- September: Tri-State Fair & Rodeo in Amarillo, and the South Plains Fair in Lubbock.
- April: Bob Wills Day in Turkey.
Dates change each year, so always confirm them. See each destination’s page for details.
