Your Trip to San Antonio: The Complete Guide
- Public Transportation
- Airport Guide
- Neighborhoods to Check Out
- Top Hotels
- Day Trips
- 48 Hours
- Top Tours
- Top Things to Do
- Things to Do with Kids
- Shopping in San Antonio
- Best Museums
- Best Parks
- Best Hikes
- Outdoor Activities
- Missions in San Antonio
- San Antonio River Walk
- Top Restaurants
- Foods to Try
- Best Breweries
- Must-Try Margaritas
- Nightlife in San Antonio
- Best Time to Visit
Your Trip to San Antonio: The Complete Guide
Overview
United States
Texas
San Antonio
By
Justine Harrington
Justine Harrington
University of Arkansas
Justine Harrington is a TripSavvy writer based in Austin, Texas, where she covers topics spanning travel, food & drink, lifestyle, culture, social advocacy, and the outdoors.
TripSavvy'seditorial guidelines
Updated on 02/19/21
Fact checked by
Jillian Dara
Fact checked byJillian Dara
Emerson College
Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes.
TripSavvy'sfact-checking
San Antonio oozes a distinctive, Mexican-influenced charm and authentic flavor that sets it apart from other Texan cities. And, while most visitors have heard of the River Walk and the Alamo, this fast-growing city has many different cultural attractions to explore; not to mention, the food, art, and shopping scene here is outstanding.
Depending on what you want to do, it can help to get some background on San Antonio’s weather, so you know what to expect and what to pack. In general, November through April tends to be the best time to visit San Antonio, thanks to the dependably mild, pleasant temperatures and lack of severe heat or cold.
The Weather in San Antonio
San Antonio has a humid subtropical type of climate, which means that summers are long and humid, while winters are relatively short and mild. January is the coldest month of the year, with high temperatures averaging 62 degrees F, while July and August are the hottest months, with average temperatures of a scorching 95 degrees F. Humidity averages about 80 percent in the early morning during most of the year, but drops to about 50 percent by late afternoon; rainfall is evenly dispersed throughout the year. Because San Antonio is located only 140 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, the area is affected by tropical storms and occasional heavy rainfall.
Spring
Breezy, sunny springtime is the ideal time to visit San Antonio. Combine your trip with a detour into the nearby Texas Hill Country, where vibrant swaths of wildflowers turn the landscape into a rainbow-hued wonder. Apart from the legendary bluebonnet (which typically peak in April), look for delicate pink evening primrose, purple winecup, and Indian paintbrush.
Events to check out:
- Pack a picnic and take advantage of spring’s pleasantly warm temperatures by biking or walking along the Missions Trail, which connects the city’s five UNESCO-status Spanish colonial missions (including the Alamo); or, walk around the revitalized Pearl District.
- The San Antonio area enjoys plentiful spring blooms, so be sure to get out into the Hill Country during your visit. Nearby Blanco State Park, Goliad State Park, and Historic Site, and Guadalupe River State Park are all great places for wildflower-viewing. Serious flora lovers should check out the 132-mile loop formed by U.S. Highway 181 from San Antonio to Kenedy; you’ll be in DeWitt County, otherwise known as the Wildflower Capital of Texas. (And whatever you do, don’t pick the blooms! It’s not illegal, but you’ll get lots of bad looks from Texans if you’re out there plucking bluebonnets; leave them for others to enjoy.)
Summer
There’s no way around it; summers are incredibly hot and humid in San Antonio. Generally, from around late May to early September, temperatures consistently hover over 90 degrees F (and in the dead of summer, it’s more like 100 degrees). The area is also prone to torrential rains and flash floods during the summer, especially in May and June. Despite the oppressive heat and strong chance of storms, summertime is a popular time for families to visit since kids are out of school. Expect attractions to be busy and hotel prices to be higher than they usually are, so be sure to book accommodations and activities in advance. Oh, and pack your sunglasses, a sun hat, the strongest sunblock imaginable, and a reusable water bottle—staying hydrated is critical, particularly if you’re not used to the heat.
Events to check out:
- During midday, you’ll probably want to duck indoors to escape the sun. This is a great time to visit one of San Antonio’s remarkable museums, like the San Antonio Museum of Art, The Witte Museum, The McNay Art Museum, or The Briscoe Western Art Museum.
- Brave enough to face the sunny temps? Take part in Fiesta Noche del Río, an outdoor performance on the River Walk that features music and dance from several Latin American countries.
- Head to Six Flags for the park’s annual Celebrate! Summer Night Spectacular, or check out the city’s Juneteenth celebration.
Fall
Fall is a lovely time to visit San Antonio—the stifling temperatures of summer are gone (sort of—San Antonio is always on the warm side), and storms are less likely than in summer and spring. Between late September and early December, expect temperatures in the 70s and 80s. Another great reason to visit during the fall? Post-summer tourist activity has usually died down by now, and hotel prices tend to be a bit cheaper.
Events to check out:
- Culture vultures, take note: There are several arts and culture festivals that happen in San Antonio in the fall, like Dia de Los Muertos San Antonio, the World Heritage Festival, and Luminaria’s Contemporary Arts Festival.
- Halloween enthusiasts can enjoy a ghoulishly good time at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Fright Fest at Six Flags, or the Haunted River, a full-day festival of costume contests, a parade on the River Walk, and more.
Winter
Winters are mild in San Antonio. Even in the coldest months (December through February), daily highs are in the mid-to-low 60s F. Average lows can sink to 40 degrees F, though, so pack layers and prepare to bundle up.
Events to check out:
- Festive events abound throughout the city during the holiday season, so be sure to check out the Ford Holiday River Parade, Holiday in the Park at Six Flags, and the Old West Christmas Ranch.
- Be sure to celebrate San Antonio’s favorite holiday food (tamales, of course!) by going to the annual La Gran Tamalada, a community workshop that honors the treasured tradition of making tamales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit San Antonio?
Winter and spring are the best times to visit San Antonio for comfortable weather and mild temperatures, specifically from November to April. Even in the coldest months of December and January, the average daytime temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the rainy season in San Antonio?
Rain is pretty evenly dispersed throughout the year, although May and June bring about frequent downpours and even occasional flooding.
When should I avoid visiting San Antonio?
(Video) San Antonio Vacation Travel Guide | ExpediaIf you don't enjoy heat, avoid visiting San Antonio in the summer months when temperatures are high and it's extremely muggy. Since school is out, it's also one of the busiest times in the city and prices for hotels and flights are at their highest.
Article Sources
TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Weather Spark. "Average Weather in San Antonio, Texas, US, Year Round." Retrieved February 19, 2021.
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FAQs
What is the rainy season in San Antonio? ›
The wetter season lasts 6.0 months, from April 26 to October 24, with a greater than 22% chance of a given day being a wet day. The month with the most wet days in San Antonio is May, with an average of 9.2 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. The drier season lasts 6.0 months, from October 24 to April 26.
How many days do you need to visit San Antonio? ›For a first-time visit, I recommend spending 3 full days in San Antonio. If you can stay longer then do so as there is plenty to keep you busy. Once you spend a little time in San Antonio you will quickly realize this won't be your last trip there. It is a fun city to explore over and over again!
What are the hottest months in San Antonio? ›The hot season lasts for 2.2 months, from April 7 to June 13, with an average daily high temperature above 86°F. The hottest month of the year in San Antonio Texas is May, with an average high of 88°F and low of 59°F.
Is San Antonio TX worth visiting? ›San Antonio is our favorite city to visit in Texas. From the great food around town, to the number of museums, to walking the River Walk and of course the Alamo and the Missions, San Antonio has a lot for tourists and conference visitors to enjoy.
How far is San Antonio from the beach? ›Corpus Christi is a coastal city in South Texas. It is 143 miles away (or a 2-hour drive) from San Antonio. When you're looking for quick beach getaways from San Antonio, a trip to Corpus Christi is a fantastic option.
How much does the River Walk cost in San Antonio? ›The River Walk is a public park and is free to visit. Boat rides, attractions, and other activities will have various costs associated with them. WHAT IS THE ADDRESS OF THE RIVER WALK? The River Walk is 15-miles long.
Do you need a car when visiting San Antonio? ›Although having a car can be helpful for exploring San Antonio's outer limits, some recommend using public transportation instead since the city's streets are narrow and parking is limited.
How much money do you need in San Antonio? ›How much money will you need for your trip to San Antonio? You should plan to spend around $106 per day on your vacation in San Antonio, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $32 on meals for one day and $16 on local transportation.
What is the rainiest month in San Antonio? ›- A lot of rain (rainy season) falls in the months: May, June and October.
- On average, October is the wettest month with 4.1 inch (105 mm) of precipitation.
- On average, January is the driest month with 1.8 inch (45 mm) of precipitation.
The best time to visit Texas is in early spring, between late March and April. Winter's chill is gone throughout much of the state, the wildflowers are in bloom, and summer's scorching temperatures haven't arrived yet.
How warm is San Antonio in March? ›
March Weather in San Antonio Texas, United States. Daily high temperatures increase by 6°F, from 72°F to 78°F, rarely falling below 59°F or exceeding 86°F. Daily low temperatures increase by 6°F, from 51°F to 57°F, rarely falling below 38°F or exceeding 68°F.
Is Austin or San Antonio better? ›If your top priority is affordable real estate and maximizing your initial home investment, then San Antonio represents a better buy. However, if you place a higher premium on excellent bars and restaurants, great schools, and a thriving job market, then Austin may be the right place for you.
Is it safe to walk downtown San Antonio? ›Most areas of San Antonio are safe while some are a little sketchy – but at all times you have to be aware of your surroundings, day and night, and use common sense and safety precautions. Especially at night or in big crowds, anywhere, be careful and you'll generally be fine.
Is Austin or San Antonio more fun? ›While both San Antonio and Austin are fantastic places to visit, San Antonio may be better for families and history buffs. There's plenty to keep kids and adults alike entertained. Austin could be better if you want to have a bit of a party while you travel and enjoy dining and nightlife.
Is the Riverwalk safe at night? ›Riverwalk is very safe at night. Yes most of the restaurants will be open at 9 pm.
What attracts people to San Antonio? ›San Antonio's most-visited tourist attraction meanders along the banks of the San Antonio River through the center of the city, connecting major attractions like Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Museum of Art.
Can you swim in Riverwalk San Antonio? ›According to the San Antonio City ordinance, it is illegal to swim in the River Walk and doing so can earn you a $500 fine.
How far is the Mexico border from San Antonio? ›San Antonio's character is a colourful blend of Mexican and Texan culture. It is 150 miles (240 km) from the Mexican border at Laredo, on one of the most-traveled routes to Mexico.
Are there alligators around San Antonio? ›Looking forward to exploring more of what San Antonio has to offer!” We don't want to give any spoilers to Cris' Reel, but we can tell you that alligators are native to the San Antonio River and can be occasionally seen the closer you get to the coast.
How long is San Antonio River Walk boat ride? ›Choose your GO RIO Cruise experience! GO RIO's 35-minute San Antonio River Walk boat tour connects you to the city's culture, history, architecture, and timeless charm.
Is River Walk park free? ›
Many people love coming to San Antonio in the heart of Texas for many reasons, but none is more important than coming to the River Walk! The River Walk is a lovely place—it is a public park and free to enter and explore. Open 24 hours a day.
How late is the River Walk open? ›A: Technically the Riverwalk never closes. You can walk along it at any time, day or night. Of course the businesses on the Riverwalk do close at night. Most of the restaurants close around 10pm and the bars at 2am.
What should I know before visiting San Antonio? ›- The Alamo was actually the city's first mission. ...
- The 1749 Spanish Governor's Palace was almost torn down to make way for a parking lot. ...
- The entire 15 miles of Riverwalk is pedestrian-, bike and (outside the downtown area) ADA-friendly. ...
- The botanical garden is impressive.
The Alamo is free to visit! You can go inside the church and walk around the grounds, as well as visit all the various buildings which are open to the public. There is a fee if you wish to rent an audio guide or take a guided tour.
Is San Antonio a walkable city? ›San Antonio is ranked 37th among large U.S. cities by Walk Score for walkability. The score comes from analyzing a metropolitan area's walkability and how easily people can use their own two feet, rather than a vehicle, to get to the places they need to go — work, school, the grocery store or the doctor's office.
Why is San Antonio so cheap? ›San Antonio residents get to enjoy a cost of living that is slightly below the national average. This savings is due in part to lower housing costs as well as no state income tax. Before you move to San Antonio thinking you're free from taxes, remember that there are higher sales and property taxes.
Do they speak English in San Antonio? ›Eighteen zip codes in the county show more than 50 percent of the population speaking a language other than English at home. In some zip codes, including 78207 and 78237 on the city's inner West Side, as much as 72.7 percent of the population primarily speaks a language other than English in their residence.
What is the hottest month in Texas? ›The warmest month of the year is typically August, with a mean temperature of 83.8 degrees. The peak of the summer? July 31 to Aug. 13, based on the average daily high temperature of 94.
Is San Antonio humid or dry? ›Humidity averages about 80% in the early morning during most of the year, but drops to about 50% in the late afternoon. In San Antonio, the sun shines 50% of the daytime in the winter and more than 70% of the daytime in the summer. Rainfall is fairly well dispersed throughout the year.
Is San Antonio humid in April? ›Humidity. The chance that a given day will be muggy in San Antonio is very rapidly increasing during April, rising from 19% to 42% over the course of the month.
What month is rainiest in Texas? ›
The wettest months of the year are April and May.
What month is hurricane season in Texas? ›The Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to November 30 every year, with peak tropical storm activity occurring from August through mid-September. During hurricane season, Texas is among the handful of states most impacted by tropical storms.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Texas? ›High season is considered to be June and July. The cheapest month to fly to Texas is October.
Is it worth visiting the Alamo? ›The Alamo is so much more than a battle cry trapped in the pages of your old American History book. It's a must-see attraction which, if done the right way, can be one of the most memorable stops on your tour of San Antonio. Here's everything you need to know before you visit this proud part of Texas history.
Is San Antonio hot in May? ›May Weather in San Antonio Texas, United States. Daily high temperatures increase by 5°F, from 84°F to 90°F, rarely falling below 77°F or exceeding 96°F. Daily low temperatures increase by 7°F, from 65°F to 71°F, rarely falling below 54°F or exceeding 77°F.
Is the Alamo free? ›Admission to the Alamo Church is free and always will be but to provide a convenient experience, preserve the Alamo's precious historic building, and reduce crowds, timed reservations are required.
Is San Antonio rich or poor? ›San Antonio has reclaimed its status as the most impoverished major city in the country, suggests new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, even as its total share of residents in poverty has decreased over the last decade.
Is there beaches in San Antonio Texas? ›Comal Park Beach is one of the premier beaches near San Antonio. Only 55 minutes away from the city, Comal Park Beach is one of the amazing Canyon Lake beaches. The beach offers several different opportunities for outdoor recreation. Guests have the chance to hike, camp, picnic, swim, sunbathe, go boating, and more!
How far apart are San Antonio and Austin? ›The direct drive from San Antonio, United States to Austin, United States is 79.6 miles or 128 km, and should have a drive time of 1 hour in normal traffic.
What should I avoid in San Antonio? ›- Pecan Valley. This is a neighborhood located right on the Southeast Side of Texas. ...
- East Terrell Hills. ...
- Arena District. ...
- Villa De San Antonio. ...
- Westwood Village. ...
- Villas of Babcock-Summerwind. ...
- Cable-Westwood. ...
- Rainbow Hills.
What should I wear on the Riverwalk in San Antonio? ›
Casual and dressy casual will get you into most places in San Antonio. Only the nicest restaurants require patrons to wear slacks or formal attire. Plan to pack layers if you visit during the spring, fall, or winter. Even in February the temperature can be in the mid-high 70s but at night drop into the 30s or 40s.
Where is the best part of San Antonio Riverwalk? ›The best part of the Riverwalk is not the shop/restaurant/bar stretch, but the part that ambles along the upper reach of the San Antonio River's passage through the city. The part that skirts the King William district is particularly nice, as is the Museum Reach.
Is there a shuttle between Austin and San Antonio? ›Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Austin and arriving at San Antonio. Services depart twice daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 1h 30m.
Is Fort Worth or San Antonio better? ›If you're looking for that Texas western feel with access to a major city, Fort Worth is the place for you. For more natural beauty and outdoor activities, with both Spanish and Mexican influences, I'd recommend San Antonio. So, which would you choose?
Is San Antonio cheaper than Austin? ›Austin is 33.0% more expensive than San Antonio. Austin housing costs are 110.3% more expensive than San Antonio housing costs. Health related expenses are 1.2% more in Austin.
What month has the most rain in San Antonio? ›A lot of rain (rainy season) falls in the months: May, June and October. On average, October is the wettest month with 4.1 inch (105 mm) of precipitation. On average, January is the driest month with 1.8 inch (45 mm) of precipitation.
What month is rainiest in Texas? ›The wettest months of the year are April and May.
Does it rain a lot in San Antonio? ›San Antonio, Texas gets 33 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. San Antonio averages 0 inches of snow per year.
What is the most rainiest month in Texas? ›May: Wettest Month Ever In Texas.
Is San Antonio humid or dry? ›Humidity averages about 80% in the early morning during most of the year, but drops to about 50% in the late afternoon. In San Antonio, the sun shines 50% of the daytime in the winter and more than 70% of the daytime in the summer. Rainfall is fairly well dispersed throughout the year.
What is the racial makeup of San Antonio Texas? ›
San Antonio Demographics
White: 71.90% Two or more races: 10.13% Other race: 7.43% Black or African American: 6.78%
Severe Weather: San Antonio's position in the central part of the state keeps it from harm's way of “Tornado Alley” that is part of northern Texas and Oklahoma. The distance of 140 miles from the Gulf Coast prevents tropical weather patterns from disturbing San Antonio's weather.
What is hottest month in Texas? ›The warmest month of the year is typically August, with a mean temperature of 83.8 degrees. The peak of the summer? July 31 to Aug. 13, based on the average daily high temperature of 94.
What part of Texas has best weather? ›- Houston.
- San Antonio.
- Dallas.
- Austin.
- Forth Worth.
- El Paso.
Del Rio, Texas
The average August high temperature of 97.1 degrees Fahrenheit in this border city, the hottest in Texas, is surpassed by only three other cities in the country, according to NOAA.
During every season, Florida, Louisiana and Texas are consistently among the top four of the nation's hottest states, based on state-wide average temperatures. Florida ranks overall as the warmest state year round.
How far is Houston and San Antonio? ›Distance between San Antonio and Houston is 305 kilometers (190 miles). Driving distance from San Antonio to Houston is 317 kilometers (197 miles).
Does San Antonio ever get cold? ›In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in San Antonio is usually mild. The average temperature is of 11.2 °C (52 °F), with a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F) and a maximum of 17.4 °C (63.3 °F). On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -3 °C (26 °F).
Is Texas heat humid or dry? ›Texas is a dry heat.
What season is April in Texas? ›We call these meteorological seasons. For example, meteorological spring started on March 1 and includes March, April, and May. Up next is meteorological summer, which includes June, July, and August.
What is the coldest city in Texas? ›
The lowest temperature ever recorded in the state occurred at Tulia in Swisher County in the extreme southern Texas Panhandle. The thermometer dropped to 23 degrees below zero.