San Antonio Weather: A Year-Round Climate Snapshot from Desert Sun to Spring Showers

From blistering summers to mild winters, San Antonio’s weather pattern presents a dynamic climate shaped by its central Texas location, where desert influence meets Gulf Coast moisture. Without year-round predictability, residents and visitors alike navigate shifting temperatures, humidity, and seasonal transitions with each passing month. This comprehensive guide reveals what to expect throughout the year in one of Texas’s most visited and vibrant cities.

Located in South Texas, San Antonio lies in a semi-arid region characterized by distinct four seasons, though with only subtle temperature and precipitation differences between them. The city’s continental climate = hot summers and cool winters—with minimal extreme outliers—creates a balanced yet variable environment. Summer brings high heat and sporadic thunderstorms; winter offers mild days punctuated by rare chilly snaps; spring and autumn deliver moderate weather ideal for outdoor activities.

Understanding each season’s rhythm helps visitors and locals prepare effectively.

The Summer Heat: Scorching Days and Thunderstorms

Summer in San Antonio, spanning June through August, is defined by relentless heat and high humidity. Average daytime temperatures range from 92°F to 98°F (33°C to 37°C), frequently climbing above 100°F (38°C) during heat waves. The city’s inland position and lack of significant mountainous ridging allow warmth to persist, especially in July and August.

Midday heat often peaks early afternoon, but the desert sun remains intense through the late afternoon. Afternoon thunderstorms are a common and vital weather phenomenon, driven by afternoon convection as daytime heating destabilizes the atmosphere. These storms, while brief, deliver sudden downpours and brief cooling—often followed by clearing skies and a dip in humidity.

Sterntime thunderstorms (July and August) are not just weather events; they fuel local ecosystems, replenish groundwater, and mark the end of the hottest stretch—though they remain a reminder of the summer’s power.

Managing summer weather requires preparation: staying hydrated, avoiding midday sun, and securing shelter quickly during rapidly intensifying storms. Local officials and park rangers emphasize timely updates via emergency alerts, especially for hikers, cyclists, and outdoor workers.

Spring: Blooms and Breezes

March, April, and May transition San Antonio from summer’s clutches to a blend of warm days and crisp nights. With temperatures slowly dropping from summer’s peak, daily highs average 75°F to 88°F (24°C to 31°C), offering a welcome reset before approaching summer heat.

This season marks the juxtaposition of lingering spring blooms and the lingering dryness of desert winds.

Spring showers are moderate but erratic—great for February and March wildflower blooms and lush greenery but varying in intensity through April. Sudden shifts from clear skies to squalls are not uncommon, a hallmark of the transitional weather pattern. The humidity remains lower than summer, making outdoor activities more pleasant, ideal for exploring the River Walk, museums, or historic missions.

A notable feature of spring is the prevalence of “washout” weather patterns, when distant storms from the Gulf or Rocky Mountains collide over central Texas.

While short-lived, these events deliver essential rain for soil moisture, benefiting the Edwards Plateau ecosystem underlying San Antonio’s water supply.

Autumn: Temperate Pull and Changing Skies

As summer fades, September through November marks autumn in San Antonio—a period of cooling and atmospheric shifts. Daytime highs gradually migrate from summer’s 90°F to a comfortable 72°F–86°F (22°C–30°C), especially by November. Nights grow noticeably cooler, dipping above 50°F (10°C) by late October, making light layers increasingly practical.

Autumn ushers in enhanced afternoon convection and a rise in spontaneous storms during the season’s transition.

While less frequent than summer thunderstorms, these post-summer showers contribute to seasonal rainfall totals critical for the region’s water reserves. Meteorologists note that autumn often sees a higher incidence of “flash drought” risks when dry spells follow intermittent rain—unpredictable patterns that challenge long-term planning.

With slowly cooling average temperatures, autumn becomes a sanctuary for outdoor enjoyment—wine tasting, hiking, and city festivals in