San Antonio, Texas is a historic city that boasts plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions such as Splashtown San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas. From the prominent Missions National Historical Park to the peaceful River Walk, San Antonio offers something fun for everyone. While there are incredible vacation rentals in San Antonio available year-round, you may wonder which season is best for enjoying the city to the fullest. With this handy guide, discover which time of year is optimal for an unforgettable getaway in San Antonio.
Visiting San Antonio in the Summer
Summer in San Antonio is hot and humid, with high temperatures reaching well into the 90s during the day. The temperature drops in the evening but still remains fairly high, with lows in the 70s. The heat can be unbearable, but there are beaches and lakes nearby for families to cool down. This season is also rainy, with average rainfall reaching around 4 inches in June.
Knowing what to pack helps you prepare for hot Texas summers. Bring light clothing, such as shorts, sundresses, and T-shirts, with comfortable sandals for walking. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are necessary to protect you from the strong sunlight. Pack a swimsuit for swimming and an umbrella for late afternoon thunderstorms.
Summer is an excellent time to explore San Antonio’s historic sites. The Alamo is a national monument and a must-see for any visitor to the city. Afterwards, head over to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to explore one of the five missions. Get out of the sun by climbing down into the caves at the Natural Bridge Caverns to view spectacular natural formations. Art lovers stop by the San Antonio Museum of Art to see older pieces and the McNay Art Museum for modern works. In the evening, relax with a dinner cruise down the San Antonio River, or enjoy a meal on one of the patios along the River Walk.
The city has a few festivals of note during the summer. The Texas Folklife Festival celebrates the diversity of Texas culture. Fourth of July brings celebrations throughout San Antonio, including Freedom Fest at Market Square.
Visiting San Antonio in the Fall
Temperatures begin to cool during the fall in San Antonio, with highs averaging in the 90s in September and falling to the 70s in November. Lows average in the 60s but can go as low as the 50s later in the season. Humidity is still high, especially in September. Precipitation averages between 2 to 4 inches, with October being the rainiest month.
Packing for fall is similar to summer; remember plenty of lightweight clothing and sun protection. Pack a rain jacket and umbrella in case of rain, and bring comfortable shoes for walking. If traveling in late fall, pack a light jacket and pants for the cooler evenings.
Kids and adults alike enjoy the spooky shows offered at SeaWorld San Antonio Howl-O-Scream & Spooktacular. Those in the day are kid-friendly, while those shown at night are more suitable for older teens and adults. Halloween fun is also on hand at Six Flags Fiesta Texas Fright Fest, with rides and live entertainment throughout October. For a more traditional festival, check out El Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican celebration of “the Day of the Dead.” Taste bratwurst and sausage at Oktoberfest San Antonio or Wurstfest. Fall cultural festivals include Luminaria – Arts Come To Light, Jazz’SAlive, and the Wolrd Heritage Festival, so there is sure to be something for everyone.
In the evening, stop by one of the restaurants along the River Walk for a bite, then head to San Fernando Cathedral on the Main Plaza to view the nightly video art installation commemorating the city’s history.
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Visiting San Antonio in the Winter
Winter is the coldest season for San Antonio, but temperatures are still mild, with highs reaching to the mid 60s and lows in the 40s. This is the city’s driest season, with average monthly precipitation less than 2 inches. While considered San Antonio’s low season, winter still contains plenty of activities to enjoy, and the lower number of visitors means you can find deals on vacation rentals.
Bring lighter clothing when traveling to San Antonio in the winter, such as long-sleeve T-shirts, lightweight pants, and casual dresses. A wool coat is not needed, but a jacket or is hoodie is helpful at night.
SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas are open part-time for families to enjoy some rides and shows. Both transform into a winter wonderland during this time, so stop by SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration or Six Flags Fiesta Texas – Holiday in the Park to enjoy hot cocoa, holiday music, and sparkling lights. The River Walk also lights up for the holiday, with 6,000 luminarias along the river at the Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias every weekend. The season brings two major events for football lovers: the Alamo Bowl and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. For families visiting in February, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo features carnival rides, food, and rodeo performances.
Pick up unique gifts at Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the country. Wander the three blocks of shops selling blankets, jewelry, pottery, and much more. While there, enjoy a treat at Mi Tierra Cafe Y PanaderÃa, a family-owned restaurant open 24 hours a day. Pearl District and Farmers Market is another great area for holiday gifts and dining.
Visiting San Antonio in the Spring
Spring is festival season in San Antonio. Temperatures are climbing but don’t reach the highs found in the summer, making this a great time to visit to enjoy the outdoors. Average day time highs are in the 60s to 80s, with lows in the mid-50s to 60s. Overall the season is dry, but May can be rainy, with average precipitation around 4 inches.
Pack light clothing, such as shorts, short-sleeve shirts, sundresses, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring an umbrella, especially if you’re traveling in May. The sun can be strong, so sunscreen and sunglasses are needed.
Fiesta San Antonio is the signature festival of the season. This 10-day festival is held each April and includes over a 100 different events throughout the city. View the Battle of Flowers parade, and see who becomes the year’s Fiesta King and Queen. Enjoy food from around the world at the SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival, or snack on strawberries at the Poteet Strawberry Festival. Visitors in March can see what life was like in 1836 during Remember the Alamo Weekend.
Get outside and learn more about the city’s history with a trip to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park & Mission Trail. The trail connects five missions, including the Alamo, and is a great way to spend a beautiful spring day. Families with older children may consider biking between the missions. Younger children love meeting the animals at San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium or Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. For a more relaxing day, spend time walking through the Pearl, a district of restored buildings featuring local shops and restaurants. Pick up local produce at the weekend farm market, or have lunch at Nao Latin Gastro Bar.
When Is The Best Time to Visit San Antonio?
The best time to visit San Antonio is the spring. This season has mild temperatures and fewer tourists, and you can still find great deals on vacation rentals. There is plenty to do during this season, such as Fiesta San Antonio, SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival, Cinco de Mayo, and Remember the Alamo Weekend. Many of the amusement parks, such as Splashtown San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, are back open full-time, and you can enjoy them without the crowds. Consider San Antonio for your next spring getaway.
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