If you’re planning a trip to the Alamo City or thinking about moving here, you’ve probably heard the rumors. People say it’s "basically a furnace" or that "winter doesn't exist." Honestly, both of those are kinda wrong.
The temperature in San Antonio isn't just one long, flat line of sweltering heat. It’s a temperamental beast that can swing 40 degrees in a single afternoon. You’ve got the humid, heavy "blanket" of August, sure. But you’ve also got those random February mornings where the wind cuts through your denim like a razor.
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The Reality of the Triple-Digit Streak
Most folks look at the average high of 95°F in August and think, "I can handle that." What they don't realize is how the urban heat island effect works. Because San Antonio is basically a massive sprawl of asphalt and concrete—especially inside the Loop 410 and 1604—the city holds onto heat long after the sun goes down.
In 2023, we didn't just have a hot summer; we had a record-breaking nightmare. The city hit or exceeded 100 degrees for 23 days straight. That isn't just "warm." That's the kind of heat where your car’s steering wheel becomes a branding iron.
- June: Usually starts pleasant but ends in a humid mess.
- July & August: The "danger zone." Highs often sit between 98°F and 105°F.
- September: The Great Deception. You think it's fall, but it’s just "Summer: Part 2" until a random cold front finally breaks the fever late in the month.
When "Cold" Isn't Actually Cold (Until It Is)
San Antonio winters are short. Very short. They typically run from late November to mid-February. On a "normal" day, you’re looking at a high of 64°F and a low of 43°F. It’s beautiful. It’s light-jacket weather.
But then there’s the "Blue Norther."
These are intense cold fronts that drop the temperature in San Antonio by 30 degrees in an hour. One minute you’re in a t-shirt at the Pearl Brewery; the next, you’re scrambling for a parka. While we don't get much snow (the 1.9 inches in 1915 is still a legend), we do get ice. And in a city that doesn't have a fleet of salt trucks, a quarter-inch of ice shuts down the entire metro area.
Humidity: The Silent Partner
Dry heat is a myth here. San Antonio sits at the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert and the humid Gulf Coast. This means the dew point is the number you actually need to watch.
When the humidity hits 70% and the temperature is 95°F, the "heat index" (what it actually feels like) can easily soar to 110°F. Your sweat doesn't evaporate. It just sits there. If you’re visiting the River Walk in July, you’ll notice the air feels thick. That’s the humidity. It makes the air feel heavy, almost like you’re breathing through a warm, damp cloth.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown (Averages)
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | The Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 64 | 43 | Crisp and dry. Best for hiking. |
| March | 75 | 54 | Wildflowers bloom. Perfection. |
| May | 87 | 68 | The humidity starts to wake up. |
| August | 96 | 75 | Don't leave your house between 2 PM and 6 PM. |
| October | 82 | 62 | Finally, some breathing room. |
| December | 65 | 46 | Holiday lights and perfect patio weather. |
The Best Time to Visit (Expert Tip)
If you want to enjoy the city without melting into a puddle, aim for late October or April.
April is the sweet spot. The temperature in San Antonio usually hovers in the high 70s or low 80s. This is when Fiesta happens—a massive 10-day party with parades and street food. The heat is present, but it isn't punishing yet.
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Late October is the second best. The "first freeze" usually doesn't happen until late November, so October evenings are legendary. You can sit outside at a taco truck or a beer garden and actually enjoy the breeze.
How to Survive the San Antonio Climate
If you’re here during the "Hot Season" (May 30 to September 19), you need a strategy. This isn't just about drinking water; it's about timing.
- The 10-to-4 Rule: Do your sightseeing at the Alamo or the Missions before 10 AM. After that, move indoors. Museums like the Witte or the SAMA (San Antonio Museum of Art) have world-class air conditioning.
- Hydration is a Sport: Don't wait until you're thirsty. In this humidity, you lose fluids faster than you realize.
- Dress for the Humidity: Linen and light cotton are your best friends. Avoid heavy synthetics that trap heat against your skin.
- Watch the Trees: If you're parking your car, find a spot under a live oak. A car parked in the San Antonio sun can reach 140°F inside in less than 30 minutes.
The temperature in San Antonio is a defining part of the culture. It dictates when people eat (late), how they build (porches and shade), and even how they talk. It’s a city that moves a little slower because, frankly, moving fast in 100-degree weather is just bad math.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Dew Point: Before heading out, look at the dew point on your weather app. Anything over 65°F is going to feel "muggy." Over 70°F is "oppressive."
- Pack Layers for Spring/Fall: If visiting in March or November, bring a light sweater for the mornings and short sleeves for the afternoons.
- Book Shaded Tours: If you’re doing a river boat tour in the summer, book the evening slots to avoid the direct overhead sun.
- Monitor the NWS Austin/San Antonio: For real-time alerts on heat advisories or sudden freezes, the local National Weather Service office is the most accurate source for this specific region.