The best time to visit Dallas: a seasonal guide

23.12.2024 - 21:05 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 23, 2024 • 11 min read

With four seasons, a long multi-cultural history, and a sprawling metroplex, there's a lot to see and do in Dallas year round. But when you go can depend on how much you want to spend, what festivals you're hoping to experience, and the degree of tolerance you have for the high heat and humidity that settle on the city during the summer months.

Each season brings something new to the city, and is worthy of a visit. If your travel plans are flexible, you might even consider planning multiple visits throughout the year to experience it all. Four days in Dallas, Texas can help you hit the city’s highlights, though you could easily fill a week or more. 

So, when is the best time to visit Dallas? Here's the skinny on the high (temperatures), the low (seasons), and the month-by-months.

Best time for indoor activities

The summer “high” or busy season in Dallas runs from June through September–or, at least, that’s when the heat finally begins to wane. Dallas may be hot in the summertime, but that's still when people have PTO to burn and the kids are out of school. Expect higher hotel prices during the summer, and extra competition for the beer garden seats in front of the fans and sprayers. In fact, the average hotel rates in Dallas during the peak tourist season are double that of the rates in the low season, reaching $250 a night on average.

Summer is not only peak tourist season, but also the peak of the heat. One thing to know about Texas is that it can experience some extreme weather. Despite the temperatures, outdoor activities are still popular. Just make sure to pack plenty of water and take long breaks. When you need to cool off, take advantage of Dallas' love affair with air conditioning by ducking into shops, restaurants, bars, museums, and live music venues.

Best time for outdoor activities

If you’re wondering when the best time of year to visit Dallas is for mild weather, the shoulder season is the answer. There are actually two shoulder seasons in the city: March to May and September to November. 

With cooler temperatures, spring and fall are prime time in Dallas for enjoying the city's parks, food trucks, pedestrian trails, and patios. Visit in these seasons and you'll have a chance to jog your way to the Katy Trail Icehouse without soaking in sweat or take in the skyline from Trinity Groves without the heat shimmering on the horizon.

However, keep in mind that while the shoulder seasons bring cooler temperatures, they can also bring more rain. March through May and September through November are considered the rainy season in Dallas. Luckily, rain showers tend to be short and rainy periods often last less than two days at a time. Storm season in Dallas falls in the spring