If you’re moving to Central Texas or just visiting, you’ve probably noticed that locals talk about the heat like it’s a living, breathing monster. Honestly, it kind of is. But if you’re coming from a place that uses the metric system, seeing "105 degrees" on a billboard doesn't immediately register as "imminent danger." You need to know the temperature in Austin in Celsius to actually plan your life.
Austin isn't just "hot." It’s a specific kind of oscillating heat that ranges from "crisp morning walk" to "my shoes are melting into the asphalt."
The Average Austin Year (In Metric)
Basically, Austin has two settings: Summer and Not-Summer. But the transitions are where things get weird.
In January, the coldest month, you’re looking at an average high of 15°C to 16°C. It’s mild. You might even see a "blue norther" blast through, dropping things to 5°C overnight. By April, the city hits a sweet spot. Daytime maximums hover around 26°C. This is peak patio weather. The humidity is still low, the wildflowers are out, and you aren’t sweating through your shirt just by standing still.
Then June hits.
By mid-summer, specifically July and August, the temperature in Austin in Celsius regularly sits at a mean of 35°C to 36°C. That’s just the average. On a bad day—and we have plenty of them lately—you’ll see the mercury climb to 40°C or even 42°C.
Why the Temperature in Austin in Celsius Hits Different
There is a massive difference between 35°C in the Texas Hill Country and 35°C in, say, Southern Europe.
It’s the humidity. Austin sits right on the edge of the humid subtropical zone. Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico flows up, and suddenly that 36°C afternoon feels more like 43°C on your skin. Meteorologists call this the "Heat Index." Locals call it "The Oven."
The Urban Heat Island Effect
If you’re staying downtown near Congress Avenue, it’s going to be hotter than the official airport reading. Concrete and steel soak up the sun all day. Even when the sun goes down, the city stays "charged." While a suburb like Wimberley might drop to a comfortable 22°C at night, downtown Austin often struggles to get below 26°C.
- Record High: The all-time record is roughly 44.4°C (112°F).
- Record Low: It has dropped as low as -19°C (-2°F), though that’s incredibly rare.
- Triple Digit Days: In a typical "hot" year, Austin can see 80+ days where the temperature exceeds 38°C.
Season by Season Breakdown
Most people think Texas is a desert. It's not. It's green, hilly, and surprisingly wet in the spring.
Spring (March - May)
This is when everyone wants to be here.
March starts cool at 22°C, but by May, you're looking at 30°C. It's the wettest time of year, too. You get these massive, cinematic thunderstorms that dump rain and drop the temperature by 10 degrees in minutes.
Summer (June - August)
Basically, stay inside between 11:00 and 18:00.
The average temperature in Austin in Celsius during August is a relentless 35.3°C for the high. The nights don't offer much relief, staying around 23°C. This is why Barton Springs Pool—which stays a constant 20°C year-round—is the most popular spot in the city.
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Fall (September - November)
September is a lie.
People think it's fall, but the temperature is still 32°C. Real relief doesn't show up until late October. By November, it’s a gorgeous 22°C, which is probably the best time for hiking the Greenbelt.
Winter (December - February)
It's "winter-lite."
Most days are 16°C. However, every couple of years, Austin gets hit by an arctic blast. In 2021, the city famously froze over for a week. So, while the averages look warm, you still need a heavy coat just in case the "Texas Tundra" decides to show up.
Practical Survival Tips
If you're dealing with a 38°C day, you have to change how you move.
- The 10:00 Rule: If you need to run, bike, or walk the dog, do it before 10:00 AM. After that, the UV index hits "Extreme" levels.
- Hydrate with Electrolytes: Water isn't enough when you're sweating in 35°C heat. You need salt.
- Cotton is Your Enemy: Wear moisture-wicking fabrics. Cotton just gets heavy and stays wet.
- Park in the Shade: Even if you have to walk further, find a tree. A car sitting in the Austin sun can reach an internal temperature of 60°C in less than an hour.
Honestly, you get used to it. Sorta. You just learn to appreciate the air conditioning and the fact that you never have to shovel snow.
To stay safe during the peak of summer, keep an eye on the National Weather Service's heat advisories. When the temperature in Austin in Celsius crosses that 39°C mark, the city usually opens "cooling centers" for anyone who needs a break from the sun. If you're planning a trip, aim for the shoulder seasons of April or October—your sweat glands will thank you.
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Your Austin Weather Checklist:
- Check the dew point: Anything over 20°C is going to feel oppressive.
- Monitor the UV Index: It regularly hits 10 or 11 in the summer.
- Watch the overnight lows: If it doesn't drop below 25°C, the next day will feel much hotter much faster.