Are you thinking about visiting Houston, Texas? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Houston worth visiting?
Houston is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. We first visited in 2012 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its diversity and museum district. Houston is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Travel and Leisure's Best Places to Visit in 2023 - Big City Thrills. Houston is a large, sprawling city that is often overlooked by tourists. It's home to NASA, and a visit to the Space Center Houston is a highlight of any trip. There's also a theater district, a historic district, and a museum district. Despite being often overlooked, there's a surprising number of things to do around the city.
Houston, Texas
Reasons to Visit Houston
Museums
Head to Houston's Museum District to explore 19 different museums in a walkable area. A highlight of a trip to the city is a visit to the Space Center, but other popular museums include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Houston Children's Museum.
Nightlife
The nightlife is at its best on weekends when bars, dance clubs, and concert halls come to life. There are a diversity of venues around town including dance clubs, Honky Tonks, and cocktail bars. Some of the most active nightlife areas are Downtown, Midtown, Montrose, Washington Avenue, and Rice Village.
Food
The city is famous for its Texas barbecue, Mexican food, and a wide diversity of other different ethnic foods. It's a surprisingly diverse city and this is reflected in the restaurant selection around town.
Music
Popular music venues include Fitzgerald's, Walter's Downtown, and The Continental Club.
Shopping
There are a number of upscale malls and shopping centers that have brand names, chain stores, and the occasional local shop where you can pick up items.
Authenticity
Houston has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Houston worth visiting in the Summer?
The weather in Houston is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 29°C (84°F). But it can get as warm as 34°C (92°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
The peak season for travel is summer in Houston, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here. Houston summers can be hot.
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and take advantage of the local nightlife.
Summer Weather in Houston
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) |
| August | 29°C (83°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| September | 27°C (80°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
Is Houston worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Houston. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Houston is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 22°C (71°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (82°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse through museums, discover the big city activities, and enjoy the live music scene.
Autumn Weather in Houston
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 22°C (71°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
| November | 17°C (63°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| December | 13°C (55°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Is Houston worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Houston. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet. While January may be a bit cool, in general Houston has mild winters.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 11°C (52°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene. Also, you can listen to some live music and soak up the big city atmosphere.
Winter Weather in Houston
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 11°C (52°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| February | 13°C (55°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| March | 17°C (63°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
Is Houston worth visiting in the Spring?
The warm weather in spring is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 21°C (70°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 26°C (79°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Houston, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and enjoy the live music scene. Also, you can check out the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Houston
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (76°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| June | 27°C (81°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Houston
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Houston might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Houston here or see if Houston is expensive here.
Related
What is Houston most famous for?
Houston is most famous for its sprawling size, its local Texas restaurants, and being the home to NASA. The city is very popular for its museums and nightlife. It's also known for food, music, and shopping. It is often described as sprawling, southern, one-of-a-kind, and diverse.
What is the most famous sight in Houston?
The most popular sight in Houston is The Space Center Houston. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Houston on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Space Center Houston and other attractions here.
How touristy is Houston? Is it a popular city to visit?
Houston is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Ticket for Magic Show Theater in Houston: $36
- Houston Historic District Craft Cocktail Tour: $81
- Houston Ghosts and Hauntings By US Ghost Adventures: $30
- 2 Hours H- Town Tour with 15ft Open Air Party Truck On Wheels: $46
- Astroville Tunnel Tour & NASA Space Center Admission with Shuttle: $89
- Private Guided Pokemon Go Tour in Houston with Transportation: $49
- Astroville Driving Tour & NASA Space Center Admission and Shuttle: $89
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Houston with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
How long should I spend in Houston?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Houston is two to three days. Since Houston has activities such as museums and nightlife, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Houston? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Houston?.
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