What Is the Best Time to Travel to Austin?

The fall and spring months are the best times of year to visit Austin and experience famous live-music festivals and events.
Written by Kara Vanderbeek
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
High-energy artistic hub Austin,
Texas
draws in music lovers, foodies, sports fans, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. The spring and fall months draw in the most crowds, while November and February are a great time to visit if you want for smaller crowds and cheaper flights. 
The Live Music Capital of the World appeals to visitors of all ages and interests with its wide variety of activities and attractions. With all of the sights, festivals, and events to experience, it can be overwhelming to pick the best time to visit, and deciding on the best time to book your trip will largely depend on your crowd tolerance and travel budget. 
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The best times of year to travel to Austin

The best time of year to travel to the Texas capital depends on what you’re hoping to experience. September to November and March to May are considered peak travel seasons in Austin, with many visitors choosing to avoid the unbearable Texas summer heat that swelters in July and August.

Peak season: September to November, March to May

The good: Festivals and concerts
The bad: Crowded, expensive lodging prices
The weather: 70s and low-80s
Austin’s comfortable spring temperatures kick off a host of cultural events and music festivals as visitors head outside in search of music, food, and good times with friends. 
For the true Texan experience, you can dust off your cowboy boots and head to
Rodeo Austin
, or, if wine tasting and culinary exhibitors are more your speed, you can check out the
Austin Food and Wine Festival
Following the hot southern summer, beer fanatics and live-music enthusiasts crowd back into Austin ready to attend the
Texas Craft Brewsters Festival
and
Austin City Limits Festival
in September and November. 
Pro Tip If you’re planning to visit Austin in peak season, book your airfare and lodging as far in advance as possible, as flights and hotels will book up and sky-rocket in price!

Off-season: July and August

The good: Thinner crowds, lower rates
The bad: High temperatures
The weather: Mid to high-90s
If the blazing heat of an Austin summer doesn’t scare you away, you can find cheaper travel deals and experience the city without having to push your way through heavy crowds in July and August. 
While sightseeing may prove difficult for visitors that are unaccustomed to the high temperatures, summer in Austin brings its own unique experiences for visitors to try out.
June through August is the best time to seek respite from the heat in the
Barton Springs Pool
. A natural oasis formed from underground springs, the 3-acre pool is lined with century-old pecan trees and makes for the perfect way to cool off. 
For a true spectacle of nature, summer visitors can head to Congress Avenue Bridge to watch North America’s largest colony of bats sweep over the sky as the sun sets over Lady Bird Lake.

Shoulder season: November to February

The good: Affordable lodging, pleasant temperatures
The bad: Fewer events and festivals
The weather: Low 40s to 60s
Visiting Austin during the shoulder season months can be a smart option for travelers on a budget. It’s easier to find last-minute flights and affordable hotels during the shoulder season. 
Austin’s weather in the winter months can make for a perfect time to explore the outdoors and head to the hiking, biking, and horse riding trails. 
While there won’t be as many festivals and cultural events happening in the shoulder months, visitors can still experience Austin’s notorious live-music, festival atmosphere at the  
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar
or head to the
Austin Trail of Lights
for a unique way to experience the spirit of Austin.

The cheapest time to travel to Austin

If you’re hoping to enjoy your Austin getaway on a budget, book your trip in the winter. Flights and hotels are at their cheapest from November through February, when Austin sees its chilliest temperatures.
Don’t let the colder temperatures fool you—Austin’s plethora of holiday markets, music venues, and bars bring the heat for visitors and offer different ways to experience the high-energy atmosphere of the city.

Find the best month for your visit to Austin

There is no right or wrong time to visit the Texas state capitol. However, the type of activities you’d like to experience on your getaway will be a major determinant of when you should visit. 
Check out the table below to find the best time of year for your Austin adventure.
Activity
Best month to visit
Why?
Congress Bridge Bats
March to August
The Austin bats usually arrive in March and stick around until the end of August, which can be the best time for viewing
Music Festivals
Fall and Spring
If you’re planning on experiencing Austin’s famous live music and festivals, check out Austin in the peak fall and spring months for the most options
Barton Springs Pool
July and August
The best time to cool off in the Barton Springs Pool is during the balmy summer months when tourist traffic is lower and temperatures are higher
Historic Austin
September to November
Book a
historic walking tour
and see the Texas State Capitol, among other historic sights
Sightseeing
November to February
Avoid the crowded tourist seasons and enjoy the sights in peace in the shoulder season months
Float the River
June to August
You can float the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers from March to September with
Texas State Tubes
, but this is an activity best planned for a hot summer day
Hiking/Biking
November to February
The thinner crowds and milder temperatures from November to February make these months ideal for outdoor exploration
Food and Wine
Fall or Spring
You can find world-class eateries and wine bars in Austin at any time of year, but events like the
Austin Food and Wine Festival
happen during peak tourist seasons
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Pro Tip Summer weekends are the busiest times at Barton Springs Pool, so be sure to arrive before 8 am to secure your spot and avoid having to wait in line in the heat.

How to find savings on car and rental insurance

If you’re hoping to experience your next getaway with the convenience of a
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, it’s important to make sure you’ll be covered with the right car insurance policy before you hit the road. Leave it to
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FAQs

There is no bad time to travel to Austin, but there may be a season more suited to your needs if you have a particular experience in mind for your getaway. 
Can’t stand the crowds? Visit in the off-season months of July and August. Ready to two-step your heart out at a live-music festival? Come in the fall or spring. Hate the heat? Check out the holiday events and attractions in the winter months.
Austin’s live-music festivals, lively arts scene, and beautiful outdoor attractions draw in many visitors each year. Some of the most popular events include the
Austin Marathon
,
SXSW Festivals and Conferences
, and the
Austin City Limits Festival
. For a complete list of Austin events and attractions, check out
Visit Austin
.
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