Here is why visiting Texas in April is a great idea.

Mark your calendar for April 2025, as we think it’s the best time to visit Texas. Temperatures range from the 70s to the 80s across the state, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring top destinations without heavy crowds. The mild springtime conditions also mean fewer bugs and insects compared to hot and humid summer months.

Major cities like Austin and San Antonio host exciting festivals and events. Nature lovers can explore national and state parks while taking advantage of warmer days for hiking, biking, camping, and swimming. The Texas Hill Country comes alive with beautiful wildflowers and opportunities for cowboy culture experiences like rodeos. Texas beaches along the Gulf Coast offer warmer waters for swimming, fishing, and boating.

With fewer tourists than in peak seasons, traveling to Texas in April means you can take advantage of lower lodging rates and more availability at hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

If you’re looking for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, outdoor adventures, exciting events, and cultural experiences, spending some time in April in Texas is the perfect time for an unforgettable trip.

Best Time To Visit Texas: Weather in Texas in April

April weather in Texas brings pleasant warm temperatures across the state, though some regional variations exist. While highs range from the 70s statewide, eastern Texas tends to see a bit more rain and humidity compared to the drier western half of the state.

North Texas

Dallas-Fort Worth average highs are in the mid-70s to low 80s, with overnight lows in the 50s or 60s. According to this weather report, Dallas sees daily high temperatures increasing from 73°F to 80°F throughout April, while lows range from 54°F to 61°F.

Gulf Coast

Cities like Houston and the Gulf Coast region experience slightly warmer average temperatures in the upper 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit and more humidity and rainfall than the central/western parts of the state.

West Texas

Cities in western Texas like El Paso and Midland have very warm, dry weather in April, with highs in the 80s Fahrenheit and low chances of rain. The panhandle and Trans-Pecos regions also tend to be drier and see daily highs reaching close to 90°F at times.

East Texas

It will probably be a little humid, typical of the Southeast, with occasional rain. East Texas receives more rainfall than the rest of Texas. High temperatures increase are from 73°F to 80°F, rarely falling below 62°F or exceeding 87°F. 

South Texas

Well, thankfully, April is not the hottest month in this region. High temperatures from 77°F to 82°F, rarely falling below 70°F or exceeding 87°F.

Best Places to Visit In Texas

There are many great places to explore in Texas during April. Here are some of the top destinations:

The lively major cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio offer a variety of attractions, restaurants, and nightlife. Spend time wandering places like the San Antonio River Walk and the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas.

Texas has incredible state parks and natural areas, perfect for hiking and enjoying the outdoors, such as Big Bend National Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Relax on the beaches of South Padre Island or Galveston Island. The Gulf Coast offers beachcombing, swimming, boating, and other water activities.

The charming towns and scenic landscapes of the Texas Hill Country are ideal for exploring. Visit Fredericksburg for its wineries, shops, and German culture. Stop by the legendary Luckenbach for its live music and small-town vibe.

Texas Events and Festivals In April

Texas hosts many exciting events and festivals that attract visitors worldwide. Some of the biggest festivals in April include:

Fiesta San Antonio is one of the largest festivals in Texas, lasting over two weeks in April. It celebrates San Antonio’s diverse culture with food, music, parades, and more.

The Houston Art Car Parade in mid-April showcases over 250 incredibly decorated art cars, live music, and performances. It celebrates Houston’s dynamic arts scene.

From late April until the first of May, the Dallas International Film Festival features premieres, panel discussions, and parties celebrating the art of cinema.

Outdoor Activities

There are endless opportunities for outdoor adventures across the Lone Star State in April. With pleasant spring weather, it’s the perfect time to enjoy hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming.

Texas has an immense public lands system with state parks, national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and other protected areas ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. Top spots like Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, and Padre Island National Seashore offer miles of scenic trails for hiking and mountain biking.

The abundance of lakes, rivers, and beaches makes fishing and boating top activities in April. Cast a line for bass, catfish, trout, and more on lakes like Sam Rayburn, Toledo Bend, and Amistad. Paddle a kayak or canoe down rivers like the Guadalupe, Colorado, Medina, and more. Along the coast, enjoy fishing and boating in the Gulf of Mexico.

Texas also has fantastic swimming holes where you can take a refreshing dip this April. Head to Barton Springs in Austin, Krause Springs near Austin, Jacob’s Well in Wimberley (though swimming is no longer allowed), Burger’s Lake in Fort Worth, and more.

Let’s not forget the Texas SandFest in late April in Port Aransas.

Best Time To Visit Texas: Food & Dining

With sunny days and mild weather in April, Texas is perfect for al fresco dining and visiting restaurants with patios. Some of Texas’s top new restaurants are great outdoor eating options, like Jaquval, The Porch, The Lakehouse Waterfront Lounge, and The Ranch, which all have beautiful patios. Other highlights from reviews in Texas Monthly include patios at the Restaurant Claudine in San Antonio.

Rodeos and Cowboy Culture

Texas is known for its rodeo culture and cowboy heritage. From the biggest rodeos in the state to Bandera, the Cowboy Capitol of the World, to the infamous Fort Worth Stockyards, visitors can experience an authentic Texas tradition.

For a hands-on cowboy experience, visit a dude ranch in Texas. Bandera’s Dixie Dude Ranch and Silver Spur Guest Ranch are good options. Guests can ride horses, swim in the river, participate in a cattle drive, go hayride, and enjoy cowboy cooking and entertainment.

Shopping Malls In Texas

With pleasant weather in April, it’s a great time to hit the stores and malls in Texas cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Major shopping districts and high-end stores offer deals during the shoulder season before summer tourists arrive.

Top shopping destinations in Texas include:

• NorthPark Center in Dallas – Texas’ largest shopping mall with over 230 stores, including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Burberry.
• Galleria Dallas – High-end shopping with designer stores and restaurants.
• Highland Park Village in Dallas – Texas’ first shopping center opened in 1931, featuring Chanel, Hermes, and Dior.
• The Galleria in Houston – Texas’ largest mall with a skating rink and over 400 stores.
• River Oaks District in Houston – Upscale outdoor shopping destination.
• Barton Creek Square in Austin – Large indoor mall with Macy’s, Nordstrom, and other major retailers.

Check out pop-ups and trunk shows for exclusive shopping opportunities in Dallas this April. Shop local at the many farmers’ markets, flea markets, and vintage & antique stores across the state.

Best Time To Visit Texas: Nightlife

Texas is known for its lively nightlife, especially in major cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. April is a great time to experience the famous Texas nightlife scene.

Austin is “The Live Music Capital” of Texas, renowned for its live music venues and bars on 6th Street and the Red River District. Catch live bands playing anything from rock to country at iconic venues like Stubb’s BBQ and The Continental Club. Downtown Dallas also has vibrant nightlife in the Deep Ellum and Greenville Avenue areas. In Houston, midtown and downtown have popular bars and clubs, while San Antonio’s nightlife centers around the River Walk.

For an authentic night out, check out local Texas honky-tonks and dance halls featuring live country bands. Places like Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, Gruene Hall near New Braunfels, and Luckenbach host live country jams. Or opt for an upscale nightclub in Dallas or a hip bar scene in Austin.

With its sunny skies and mild temperatures, we think April is the best time to visit Texas (but tell anyone). The pleasant weather allows you to enjoy outdoor activities comfortably without heat or crowds.

PIN IT!