Question 1

How humid is Houston throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Houston maintains high humidity levels throughout the year, with an annual average of 77.2% in 2024. This Gulf Coast city's proximity to the water creates consistently humid conditions that define its subtropical climate.

The most humid period in Houston during 2024 was late spring through summer. May recorded the highest humidity at 84.7%, followed closely by July at 83.4% and June at 80.6%. These three months all exceeded 80% average humidity, making outdoor activities feel notably warmer due to the moisture in the air. Combined with summer temperatures averaging 27.8°C (82.0°F), the heat index during these months can feel significantly higher than the actual temperature.

Houston's driest month in 2024 was October, with humidity dropping to 66.5%. Fall overall provided the most comfortable conditions, averaging 72.5% humidity from September through November. This 18.2 percentage point difference between the most and least humid months shows meaningful seasonal variation despite the city's consistently humid reputation.

Winter months in Houston averaged 75.5% humidity, while spring reached 79.9%. For visitors planning outdoor activities, the fall months offer the best balance of lower humidity and pleasant temperatures. Those sensitive to humid conditions should consider avoiding May through July when moisture levels peak and the combination of heat and humidity creates challenging outdoor conditions.

Question 2

What is the sunniest time of year in Houston?

Accepted Answer

Houston receives the most sunshine during the late summer months, with August 2024 recording the highest sunshine hours at 329.7 hours. This translates to an average of 10.6 hours of sunshine per day, making it the brightest month of the year.

The sunniest period in Houston extends from June through October. In 2024, the top five sunniest months were:

- August: 329.7 hours
- June: 319.0 hours
- October: 304.5 hours
- July: 292.2 hours
- September: 275.9 hours

Summer (June through August) delivered a total of 940.9 sunshine hours in Houston, averaging 313.6 hours per month. However, those seeking pleasant temperatures along with abundant sunshine may prefer October, which offered 304.5 hours of sunshine with a more comfortable average temperature of 23.9°C (75.0°F) compared to August's warmer 28.5°C (83.3°F).

The least sunny month in Houston during 2024 was March with only 182.9 hours. Overall, the city enjoyed approximately 2,994 total sunshine hours throughout 2024, averaging 249.5 hours per month. For visitors and residents planning outdoor activities, the late summer and early fall months provide the best combination of long sunny days and manageable temperatures in Houston.

Question 3

How much total rainfall does Houston receive per year?

Accepted Answer

Houston received a total of 1,653.1 mm (65.1 inches) of rainfall in 2024, making it one of the wetter major cities in the United States.

The rainfall distribution across 2024 varied significantly by season. Summer was the wettest period in Houston, recording 599.2 mm (23.6 inches) from June through August. Spring followed closely with 545.8 mm (21.5 inches) from March to May. Winter brought 390.9 mm (15.4 inches), while fall was notably drier at just 117.2 mm (4.6 inches).

July 2024 stood out as the wettest month, with an impressive 405.4 mm (16.0 inches) of precipitation. May was the second wettest month at 355.1 mm (14.0 inches). In contrast, October was the driest month in Houston with only 17.3 mm (0.7 inches) of rainfall.

The monthly average precipitation in Houston during 2024 was 137.8 mm (5.4 inches), though actual rainfall varied dramatically from month to month. This pattern of heavy summer rainfall combined with a relatively dry fall is typical for Houston's subtropical climate, influenced by Gulf of Mexico moisture and seasonal weather patterns.

For visitors and residents planning outdoor activities, the fall months—particularly September through November—offer the most reliably dry conditions in Houston.

Question 4

What were the temperature extremes in Houston in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Houston experienced a wide temperature range in 2024, with recorded extremes spanning from -7.8°C (18.0°F) in January to 36.6°C (97.9°F) in August. This 44.4°C (79.9°F) annual temperature swing reflects the city's subtropical climate with distinct seasonal variations.

The coldest temperatures in Houston occurred during January 2024, when an unusual cold snap brought readings down to -7.8°C (18.0°F). This was notably colder than typical winter conditions for the Gulf Coast region. February remained milder with lows staying above freezing at 1.4°C (34.5°F).

Summer 2024 brought Houston's highest temperatures, with August recording the peak at 36.6°C (97.9°F). The summer months from June through August averaged 27.8°C (82.0°F), while July reached 36.2°C (97.2°F) and June saw highs of 35.2°C (95.4°F). These hot conditions are typical for Houston summers.

The annual average temperature for Houston in 2024 was 21.7°C (71.0°F). Winter months (December through February) averaged 13.9°C (57.0°F), creating a seasonal difference of nearly 14°C between summer and winter averages. This moderate winter climate combined with hot summers makes Houston suitable for year-round outdoor activities, though visitors should prepare for temperature extremes during January cold fronts and the peak summer heat of July and August.

Question 5

What is the weather like in Houston in December?

Accepted Answer

Houston experiences mild winter weather in December, with average temperatures around 15.5°C (59.8°F) based on 2024 data.

Daily highs typically reach 20.8°C (69.4°F), while nighttime lows average 10.6°C (51.1°F). The temperature range in December 2024 was notable, with the warmest day reaching 26.5°C (79.7°F) on December 30 and the coldest morning dropping to 2.0°C (35.6°F) on December 12. About half the month saw highs above 20°C (68°F), while only 4 days experienced lows below 5°C (41°F).

December in Houston is relatively wet, with 129.3mm (5.1 inches) of rainfall spread across 14 days in 2024. The heaviest rainfall occurred on Christmas Eve, December 24, with 38.7mm of precipitation. Despite the rain, the city still received 204.9 hours of sunshine throughout the month, averaging 6.6 hours per day.

Humidity remains fairly high at 79.5% on average, typical of Houston's Gulf Coast climate. For visitors planning a December trip to Houston, pack layers to accommodate the variable conditions and expect occasional rain showers alongside pleasant, mild days perfect for outdoor sightseeing.

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FAQ

How humid is Houston throughout the year?

What is the sunniest time of year in Houston?

How much total rainfall does Houston receive per year?

What were the temperature extremes in Houston in 2024?

What is the weather like in Houston in December?