Most tourists visit San Antonio in summer, though it’s not the ideal season. The weather is hot, and restaurants and attractions tend to be crowded. That said, there are plenty of places to cool off around town, and hotel rates are slightly lower (conventioneers come in the fall, winter, and spring). Also consider that some of the most popular family-oriented attractions, such as SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, keep far longer hours when school’s out.
In fall and spring, temperatures are comfortable for exploring. If there’s a large convention in town, downtown hotels will have high occupancy rates and, consequently, higher prices. Tip: Check out the “Meeting Professionals” calendar on the Visit San Antonio website to see what meetings are planned for the time you’re planning to visit.
Winter is a slow season for San Antonio hotels, and good deals can be had. December, in particular, is a great time to see San Antonio, if you don’t mind running the risk of cold weather (see below). The River Walk is all lit up with lights, and piñatas are hung everywhere.
San Antonio is the most popular in-state destination for Texans, many of whom come for the weekend. This, too, can raise room rates for hotels on the River Walk, but not necessarily for downtown business hotels or hotels in the vicinity of the airport. Try these options on weekends for discount rates.
Pack for weather contingencies, even in summer. You never know when an unexpected cool front or storm system will blow in. And you can depend on needing a sweater or light jacket when you go out to eat. Air-conditioning in many San Antonio restaurants is cranked up to frigid levels—maybe to compensate for how many warm bodies they pack in, maybe to keep patrons from lingering too long.
From late May through September, expect regular high temperatures and often high humidity.
Fall and spring are prime times to visit; the days are pleasantly warm and, at least in late March or early April, the wildflowers in the nearby Hill Country will be in glorious bloom. Temperate weather combined with lively Christmas celebrations make November and December also good months to visit. Sometimes a “Norther” wind blows in, dropping daytime temperatures to between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4°-10°C). January and February can be colder, but not necessarily—it’s a matter of luck.
Holidays
Banks, government offices, post offices, and many stores, restaurants, and museums are closed on the following legal national holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day), Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Monday in January), Presidents’ Day (3rd Monday in February), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), July 4 (Independence Day), Labor Day (1st Monday in September), Columbus Day (2nd Monday in October), Veterans Day/Armistice Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (4th Thursday in November), and December 25 (Christmas). The Tuesday after the first Monday in November is Election Day, a federal government holiday in presidential-election years (held every 4 years).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
