Houston is sticky. There’s really no other way to put it. If you are looking at the weather in houston texas in degrees celsius, you might see a forecast of 32°C and think, "Hey, that’s a nice summer day."
You’d be wrong.
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In Houston, the air doesn’t just sit there; it clings. Because of the city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the humidity levels are consistently high, often hovering around 70% to 90% in the early morning. This moisture prevents your sweat from evaporating, which is the body’s primary way of cooling down. So, that 32°C ends up feeling more like 40°C or higher. It’s a swampy, heavy heat that locals have spent decades trying to beat with industrial-strength air conditioning.
The Seasonal Breakdown: Houston’s Temperature Reality
Most people think Texas is just a permanent desert. Houston isn't. It’s a humid subtropical forest that happens to have four million people and a lot of concrete.
Summer: The Long Slog (June - September)
Summer doesn't really end in August here. It lingers. During these months, the average high stays between 33°C and 35°C.
- June: Usually starts around 32°C but the rain picks up.
- July & August: This is the peak. You’ll see consistent days hitting 35°C.
- September: It feels like it should be fall, but it’s often still 31°C.
Honestly, the nights don't offer much relief. The temperature rarely drops below 24°C or 25°C at night during the summer. You step outside at 11:00 PM and the air is still thick enough to wear.
Winter: The Great Gamble (December - February)
Winter in Houston is a joke until it isn't. Usually, you’re looking at a very comfortable 15°C to 18°C during the day. It’s patio weather. You’ll see people in shorts and hoodies simultaneously.
But then, a "Blue Norther" hits. These are fast-moving cold fronts that can drop the temperature from 25°C to 2°C in a matter of hours. In January 2026, we’ve already seen these wild swings where one day is t-shirt weather and the next requires a heavy coat. The average low in January sits around 7°C, but record lows have dipped well below freezing, like the infamous -15°C recorded way back in 1930 or the more recent deep freezes that crippled the grid.
Spring and Fall: The Sweet Spots
If you want to enjoy the weather in houston texas in degrees celsius without melting or shivering, aim for April or October.
April averages a high of 26°C. It’s gorgeous.
October is similar, with highs around 28°C and much lower humidity than the summer months. This is when the city actually comes alive. People head to Buffalo Bayou, the festivals start, and you can actually breathe.
Why the Dew Point Matters More Than the Temperature
If you're checking the forecast, stop looking at the temperature and start looking at the dew point.
In Houston, a dew point over 21°C is considered "uncomfortable."
In July, the dew point regularly hits 24°C.
When the dew point is that high, the air is saturated. Dr. Sadeer Al-Kindi from Houston Methodist has pointed out that this kind of humidity puts a massive strain on the heart because the body has to work twice as hard to stay cool. It’s not just about being "sweaty"—it's a physiological hurdle.
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Rain, Flooding, and the Tropical Factor
Houston gets a lot of rain. About 1,300 mm a year.
But it doesn't drizzle. It dumps.
The city is flat. Like, pancake flat. This means when a tropical system or even a heavy thunderstorm rolls through, the water has nowhere to go. June is statistically the wettest month, averaging about 150 mm of rain.
Practical Survival Tips for Houston Weather
If you are visiting or moving here, you need a strategy. Don't just "tough it out."
- The 10:00 AM Rule: Do everything outside before 10:00 AM. Between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, the sun is a physical weight.
- Cotton is Your Enemy: Wear moisture-wicking fabrics. Cotton just gets wet and stays wet, making you feel like a soggy towel.
- Hydration is Non-Negotiable: You lose water faster than you realize because the sweat doesn't dry. Drink water even if you aren't thirsty.
- Remote Start is a Luxury: If your car has a remote start, use it. Stepping into a car that has been sitting in 35°C heat is like walking into an oven. Steering wheels have been known to actually burn skin here.
Summary of Average Highs (Celsius)
- January: 17°C
- April: 26°C
- July: 35°C
- October: 28°C
The weather in houston texas in degrees celsius is manageable if you respect it. It’s a city built on air conditioning for a reason. Check the radar often, keep an umbrella in your trunk (even if the sky is blue), and always carry a light jacket for the indoors—because while it's 35°C outside, every building in Houston is kept at a crisp 19°C.
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To stay safe during extreme heat spikes, monitor the local National Weather Service (NWS) heat advisories which are issued when the heat index is expected to exceed 42°C for two days or more. Always check on elderly neighbors during these windows, as the combination of high humidity and heat is particularly dangerous for those without reliable climate control.