Often described as a colorful city that is brimming with culture and teeming with life, Dallas is truly a year-round destination. No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you will find that the views from the iconic Reunion Tower are simply spectacular and the local residents are incredibly inviting.
While there's no wrong time to plan a trip, most will tell you that the best time to visit Dallas is during the spring and fall. In the summer, the high temperatures can push people indoors, while the cool and cloudy days of winter can be a bit deflating. However, spring and fall offer the perfect balance of balmy temperatures and abundant sunshine.
Dallas in Bloom: What to Expect During the Spring
Spring is typically comfortable and pleasant in Dallas, with the temperatures steadily rising throughout the months of March, April and May. Most days, the high temperatures will range between 68 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit, while the humidity levels usually remain low. Springtime rain is not out of the question, but it typically comes in short bursts during quick yet mighty thunderstorms.
The reward for all of this rain, however, is the bright blooms of wildflowers. In fact, the city celebrates the arrival of the spring flowers with the Dallas Blooms festival, which kicks off the season in late February and lasts through the end of April. Known as the largest annual floral festival in the Southwest, Dallas Blooms brings in visitors from around the country who want to experience the brightest blossoms in the South. Book a Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens tour to see it all.
The near-perfect temperatures of springtime are practically begging you to get outside and soak up the fresh air at one of the open-air museums in Dallas. Some options to consider include:
- Old City Park
- Klyde Warrant Park's daily activities and food trucks
April is more than just a celebration of springtime in Dallas — it's also a celebration of the arts. The city is proud to be home to the largest urban arts district in the country and it has declared April as Dallas Arts Month in order to solidify its commitment to the arts. Throughout the entire month, you can enjoy live performances, exhibitions and art fairs. Events are scheduled all month long in various locations throughout the city, making the arts accessible for locals and visitors alike.
You'll also want to check out the city views from the Reunion Tower GeO-Deck. In the spring, these views of the city are incredible. If it's a cold day, take in the Dallas World Aquarium, if you're a marine lover or The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for some history lessons.
Advantages to booking a spring trip to Dallas:
- The temperatures are mild and comfortable.
- The sun shines nearly every day, except for a few pop-up thunderstorms.
- Many events are scheduled during the spring due to the idyllic weather.
Drawbacks to booking a spring trip to Dallas:
- Spring weather can be volatile at times, as storms can arrive quickly and seemingly out of nowhere.
- It can be a crowded time of year to explore the city, as everyone is coming out of hiding after the cooler winter months.
Crank Up the Heat: Summer in Dallas
Summer in Dallas is known for its intense heat, with temperatures typically ranging from 92 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit from June through August, often made even warmer by high humidity. Despite the conditions, it can still be a great time to visit, as the city comes alive with a lively atmosphere and plenty of seasonal activity.
When the heat becomes too much, there are many indoor attractions to enjoy, including the Dallas World Aquarium, where visitors can explore multiple levels of exhibits and experience a wide variety of animals from around the world in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting.
Other museums that are worth a visit during the summer include:
- Dallas Museum of Art
While Dallas celebrates plenty of holidays throughout the year, nothing quite compares to the Fourth of July festivities in the city. The Klyde Warren Park's Independence Day Celebration on the Fourth of July and it features patriotic music, children's activities and a glittering fireworks show once dusk arrives. Food trucks and lawn games add to the festive atmosphere, making it a fun and relaxed outing for families.
Summer in Dallas can be very hot, so indoor attractions like Topgolf Dallas, Malibu Jack's and Cidercade Dallas offer fun and entertainment for all ages in a cool environment. To beat the heat outdoors, head to Rosemeade Rainforest Aquatic Complex for water features like a lazy river and splash areas, or visit White Rock Lake for activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking.
Advantages to booking a summer trip to Dallas:
- Summer is the peak travel season in Dallas and there's so much to see and do at this time of year.
- The summer heat is perfect for cooling off in the hotel pool.
- Summer is notoriously dry, with only a few thunderstorms popping up occasionally. You can count on sunshine and warmth this time of year.
Drawbacks to booking a summer trip to Dallas:
- The high temperatures and excessive humidity levels can be quite uncomfortable, especially if you aren't used to them.
- Many people take to the indoors during the summer, so it may not be the best time to explore the city's parks and outdoor attractions.
Refreshing and Rejuvenating: A Dallas Autumn
As the heat of summer begins to recede, the balanced, comfortable days return once again, leaving many to claim that fall is the best time to visit Dallas. From early September until late October, the temperatures begin to slowly drop to a more manageable level, with average highs ranging from 79 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit. It's just as comfortable as the springtime, but locals appreciate the fact that fall is a tamer season — there are far fewer storms and sunshine is more or less guaranteed.
During this time of year, you might feel compelled to unwind, which makes it the perfect time to enjoy patio dining in Dallas. The patio dining scene thrives in this city, thanks to its year-round warmth and eternal sunshine. However, the crisp, cool evenings of fall are particularly refreshing, making local restaurants with outdoor dining even more inviting.
Some of the best patio dining in Dallas can be found at:
The leaves begin to turn in Dallas by the end of October, with fall colors on full display throughout the month of November. As the seasonal shift begins to take place and nature paints its masterpiece across the city, you are invited to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, where the annual Autumn at the Arboretum festival takes place. Locals come year after year, while travelers appreciate having the opportunity to experience it just once and everyone in attendance loves the gourd show, pumpkin hikes, fall craft fairs and more. With more than 100,000 pumpkins and gourds on display, there's truly no better place to experience fall in Dallas.
There's also the State Fair of Texas that happens in historic Fair Park in Dallas. This is a huge event that runs for 12 days at the end of September through mid-October. Fried foods, midway rides, a full auto show and an authentic rodeo are all in the works here.
There's still time to catch some time outdoors. The Greek Food Festival and the annual Oktoberfest in Addison and McKinney are both exceptional ways to do just that. The shed runs a Dallas Farmers Market on weekends during the fall, too. And, don't forget the haunted attractions. Junkyard Haunted House and Cutting Edge Haunted House in Fort Worth are some of the area's very best.
Advantages to booking a fall trip to Dallas:
- Fall is calm, quiet and comfortably warm.
- It rains less than it does during the spring and the weather is far more predictable.
- The crushing crowds of summer will start to subside, giving you more room to roam.
Drawbacks to booking a fall trip to Dallas:
- Fall is typically rainier than the summer months, so you will need to pack your umbrella.
- Outdoor attractions may be more crowded due to the improved weather conditions.
Whimsy and Wonder: Experience Winter in Dallas
While it's noticeably cooler during the winter months in Dallas, it's still a very comfortable and enjoyable time of year to visit the city. Dallas is known for its mild winters, with temperatures hovering between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. To the surprise of some travelers, January and February are the driest months of the year in Dallas, so if you are looking to avoid the rain, winter is the best time to visit Dallas.
Throughout much of the country, snow blankets the ground during the winter and outdoor activities include sledding, skiing and ice skating. That's not the case in Dallas, though, where snow is quite rare. If you are looking to enjoy some of those quintessential winter experiences in Dallas, consider heading to the Galleria Ice Skating Center, which is a massive indoor skating rink known for its elegant architectural design.
The holiday season kicks off in Dallas each year with the Dallas Holiday Parade, which always takes place on the first Saturday in December. Complete with floats, marching bands and more, this parade draws more than 450,000 spectators who are looking to soak up the spirit of the season. Another option for enjoying the holidays in Dallas could be A Dallas Christmas Lights Tour. Consider visiting Fair Park for a massive light maze called Enchant. The Gaylord Texan's Winter Wonderland is another option, though this one also includes ice tubing.
For indoor fun, check out the National Video Game Museum in nearby Frisco or you can head to the Bishop Arts District. There's always a good game to enjoy at the Bowlounge as well. For an elevated experience, take in a performance of the Dallas Orchestra, which typically hosts a Christmas show and a full season of events during the colder months.
Advantages to booking a winter trip to Dallas:
- Temperatures are cool, yet comfortable. There is virtually no humidity during the winter months.
- Winter is dry in Dallas; you won't have to worry too much about rain.
- It's the best time of year to explore the city's parks in peace and privacy.
Drawbacks to booking a winter trip to Dallas:
- There is less sunshine during winter.
- Some of your favorite outdoor activities may not be as enjoyable in the cooler temperatures.
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