Quick Answer
March–April and October–November are the best times to visit Dallas. The city’s world-class Arts District (the largest contiguous urban arts district in the US), the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and Deep Ellum’s music scene are all best enjoyed in comfortable temperatures. The State Fair of Texas in October is a genuine cultural event worth planning around. For everything to do, see our Dallas city guide. Check hotel availability for State Fair and major event weekends early.
Season Overview
| Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Crowds | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | Medium | Low | Low |
| February | 12°C | Medium | Low | Low |
| March | 17°C | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| April | 22°C | High | High | Medium-High |
| May | 27°C | High | High | High |
| June | 32°C | Medium | Medium | Medium-High |
| July | 37°C | Low | Low-Medium | Medium |
| August | 38°C | Low | Low | Medium |
| September | 32°C | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| October | 23°C | Medium | Very High | High |
| November | 16°C | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| December | 10°C | Medium | Low | Low |
Peak Season: October (State Fair) and April–May
The State Fair of Texas, held at Fair Park for 24 days every October, is the single biggest annual event in Dallas and one of the largest state fairs in the country by attendance (approximately 2 million visitors). It runs from late September through mid-October and features fried food competitions, live entertainment, the Cotton Bowl Classic football game, and the unveiling of new-model cars by major automakers. Hotels across Dallas fill significantly for State Fair weekends.
April and May offer the best natural weather before summer heat arrives. The Dallas Arts District has several major annual programming events in spring. The AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at McKinney (30 minutes north) draws PGA crowds in May. Severe weather is possible in spring - the tornado season in North Texas peaks in April and May, though direct hits on the Dallas urban area are infrequent.
Shoulder Season: March and November
March is a good month. Spring break brings some increased traffic, but by mid-to-late March temperatures are comfortable at 14–20°C and the restaurant scene in Bishop Arts District and Lower Greenville is operating at full capacity. The Dallas St. Patrick’s Day parade is a major event.
November is underrated. Post-State Fair and pre-Thanksgiving, the city has a relaxed quality. The Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Perot Museum of Nature and Science are all excellent and generally uncrowded. Hotel rates near downtown drop meaningfully.
Off Season: December–February and June–August
Dallas summer is genuinely extreme. July and August regularly see temperatures of 37–40°C with only moderate humidity (lower than Houston), but the heat alone is exhausting for outdoor activity. Dallas Cowboys games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (20 minutes west) are held regardless of temperature, but tailgating in August heat requires planning. The indoor attractions - aquarium, museums, the Dallas World Aquarium - become essential.
Winter is mild. December averages 10°C, and ice storms (freezing rain) are a risk in January–February rather than heavy snowfall. Dallas’s 2021 winter storm was an outlier, but it demonstrated the city’s vulnerability to extreme cold events. Check forecasts for any January–February visit.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C, cool | Low | Low | Dallas Marathon, quiet |
| February | 12°C, mild | Low | Low | Ice storm risk (rare), Valentine’s events |
| March | 17°C, pleasant | Medium | Medium | St. Patrick’s Day, spring break |
| April | 22°C, ideal | High | Medium-High | Arts District programming, bluebonnets |
| May | 27°C, warm | High | High | AT&T Byron Nelson golf |
| June | 32°C, hot | Medium | Medium-High | Heat arrives, outdoor events ease |
| July | 37°C, extreme | Low-Medium | Medium | Heat advisories, AT&T Stadium events |
| August | 38°C, extreme | Low | Medium | Hottest month |
| September | 32°C, still hot | Medium | Medium | Heat easing late September |
| October | 23°C, excellent | Very High | High | State Fair of Texas |
| November | 16°C, pleasant | Medium | Medium | Quiet season, good restaurant weather |
| December | 10°C, cool | Low | Low | Holiday events, light displays |
Key Events and Festivals
- State Fair of Texas - late September/October, Fair Park, approximately 2 million visitors
- Cotton Bowl Classic - January 1, Cotton Bowl Stadium at Fair Park
- AT&T Byron Nelson - May, TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, PGA Tour event
- Dallas Arts Month - April, Arts District and citywide events
- Veritex Community Bank Champions Classic - October, AT&T Stadium
- Dallas Marathon - December, downtown Dallas
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