If you’re planning a move to Fort Bend County or just trying to figure out if you need a light jacket for dinner tonight, the temperature in Richmond TX is probably at the top of your mind. Honestly, if you just look at a standard weather app, you're only getting half the story. Texas weather is famous for being a mood ring, but Richmond has its own specific flavor of "warm" that can catch you off guard.
It’s a place where the air feels like a wet blanket in July and surprisingly crisp in January. You've probably heard the jokes about Texas having four seasons in one day. In Richmond, that’s not a joke; it’s a Tuesday.
The Reality of the Summer Heat Index
Let's get the big one out of the way. Summer. From late May through September, the thermometer usually hovers around 92°F or 95°F. That sounds manageable until you factor in the humidity from the Gulf. Because Richmond is tucked right into that coastal prairie zone, the dew point often sits in the 70s.
Basically, this means the "feels like" temperature—the heat index—regularly cruises past 105°F. On a bad day in August, it can hit 110°F. If you’re out at George Ranch Historical Park, you’ll feel that heat radiating off the ground.
- August is the peak: Expect an average high of 93°F and a low that rarely drops below 74°F.
- The "Sun-Block" Effect: Richmond actually gets about 200+ sunny days a year.
- Nighttime "Relief": Don’t expect much. The humidity keeps the heat trapped, so even at 10:00 PM, it might still feel like 85°F.
Most locals don't even look at the actual temperature anymore; they just look at the humidity percentage. If it's 90% humidity and 90 degrees, you're staying inside. Period.
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Why Winter Isn't Always "Mild"
People move here thinking they can throw away their heavy coats. Don't do that. While the average low in January is around 45°F, Richmond is susceptible to "blue northers." These are cold fronts that sweep down the plains and can drop the temperature 30 degrees in a matter of hours.
You might be wearing shorts at noon and looking for a parka by sunset.
We saw this in the big freezes of recent years. While it doesn't snow often—maybe once every four years if we're "lucky"—ice is a real threat. The temperature in Richmond TX has historically dipped into the teens during extreme events, though the average winter day is a very pleasant 63°F. It’s those outliers that’ll get you.
The Sweet Spots: Spring and Fall
If you want the absolute best version of Richmond, you're looking at late October through November, or March through April. These are the months when you can actually sit on a patio at a spot like Sandy McGee’s and not melt into your chair.
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March sees highs in the low 70s. It’s perfect. The wildflowers are starting to pop along the Brazos River, and the air is dry enough to actually breathe.
October is the real winner, though. The humidity finally breaks. You get those first few mornings where it’s 55°F, and everyone in town suddenly starts wearing boots and flannel, even if it hits 80°F by lunchtime. It’s a collective sigh of relief after the summer gauntlet.
Average Highs and Lows (The Raw Data)
Instead of a fancy chart, here is the breakdown of what to expect month-to-month. In January, you're looking at 63°F/45°F. By March, it’s 73°F/55°F. May starts the real climb at 85°F/68°F, and by the time you hit July and August, you’re looking at consistent 92°F to 94°F highs. September stays hot at 89°F, and then October finally brings sanity back with an average high of 81°F. December is usually a coin flip, averaging 65°F but capable of anything.
Practical Survival for Richmond Weather
Understanding the temperature in Richmond TX is one thing; living in it is another. If you're new here, you need to change how you handle your home and your car.
First, your AC is your best friend. Get it serviced in March. If it dies in July, you’ll be waiting a week for a technician because everyone else’s unit just gave up too. Second, hydration isn't a suggestion; it’s a requirement.
- Window Tinting: Get the ceramic tint for your car. It’s a lifesaver when the sun is beating down on your dashboard in a H-E-B parking lot.
- Attic Insulation: Most older homes in Richmond need an upgrade here to keep those cooling costs down.
- Plan Your Day: If you have yard work or a run planned, do it before 8:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. The "noon to four" window is strictly for indoor activities.
Keep an eye on the Brazos River levels when we get heavy rains, too. High temperatures often collide with Gulf moisture to create massive afternoon thunderstorms. These aren't your typical light sprinkles; they are torrential downpours that can drop three inches of rain in an hour, which makes the humidity even worse once the sun comes back out.
To stay ahead of the curve, set up weather alerts specifically for Fort Bend County rather than just "Houston." Richmond's proximity to the river can create micro-climates that differ slightly from what’s happening at Bush Intercontinental Airport. Ensure your irrigation system is set to account for the high evaporation rates in July—your grass will thank you. Finally, keep a "winter kit" in your car that includes a scraper and a blanket; you won't need it 350 days of the year, but when a flash freeze hits, you'll be the only one prepared.