If you’re planning for Halloween in Texas, you’re staring straight at one of the most unpredictable stretches of the year. Some evenings bring that crisp, perfect-for-walking air, but other nights? It stays so warm that a costume feels more like July than late October. Usually, you’ll see highs in the mid to upper 70s, with lows dropping into the 50s inland and the 60s near the coast.
Don’t forget to keep rain in mind. History shows about one in three Halloweens in parts of Texas, like Houston and College Station, has seen at least some showers.
Heavy storms don’t happen often, but they have popped up, and even a light drizzle can force you to rethink your plans.
Texas is huge, so your Halloween experience shifts a lot depending on where you are. Coastal spots usually stay milder, while it cools down faster up north and in the middle of the state.
If you know these patterns, you can set more realistic expectations and make the most of Halloween. Trick-or-treating, hosting, or even just traveling across Texas—weather plays a big part.
Typical Halloween Temperatures Across Texas
When you’re planning for Halloween in Texas, you’ll usually get mild afternoons and cooler evenings. But that can swing a lot depending on your location.
Records show conditions can go from warm and muggy to chilly and crisp, so it makes sense to prepare for anything.
Daytime Highs and Evening Lows
Across most of Texas, average daytime highs on Halloween land in the mid to upper 70s°F. Central areas like Austin and College Station usually hit the mid-70s, while coastal cities such as Galveston stay closer to the low 70s.
Evenings cool off fast. Average lows dip to the low 50s in northern Texas, mid-50s in central areas, and low to mid-60s along the Gulf Coast.
That drop can really change how trick-or-treating feels, depending on the hour.
In Houston, you’ll usually see an average high around 76°F and a low near 57°F. Galveston is a bit warmer at night, with highs close to 75°F and lows near 64°F.
That’s the coast for you—temperatures don’t swing as wildly as they do inland.
Temperature Variability by Region
Texas covers a lot of ground, so Halloween temperatures can be all over the place. North Texas cools down faster, and some evenings dip near the 40s.
Central Texas sits in the middle, with comfortable afternoons and crisp nights.
Coastal Texas stays warmer and more humid. Galveston, for example, almost never drops below the upper 40s on Halloween.
Inland, though, you can feel a sharper chill after sunset.
Costume choice really depends on where you are. Dallas or Fort Worth might have you reaching for a jacket, but in Corpus Christi you’ll probably be fine in something lighter.
Sometimes the difference between regions is more than 15°F on the same night.
Historical Extremes for Halloween
Averages are helpful, but the extremes really show how wild Texas weather can be. In Houston, the warmest Halloween hit 88°F (several times, like in 2004). The coldest dropped all the way to 29°F in 1993.
Austin saw record highs of 90°F in both 1997 and 2003. On the flip side, freezes have happened in North and Central Texas, so cold fronts can show up in a hurry.
Rain sometimes makes a splash too. In 1981, College Station got over 2.5 inches on Halloween, while Houston picked up more than 5 inches in 2015.
Big weather swings happen fast—one year it’s dry, the next it’s a downpour.
Halloween Weather Patterns in Dallas
If you’re in Dallas on October 31, you can usually expect mild afternoons and cooler nights. Still, rain or a sudden cold snap can show up and change things.
The city’s weather history has seen everything from warm evenings to chilly trick-or-treat hours and the occasional storm.
Average Dallas Temperatures on October 31
Dallas typically gets comfortable daytime highs in the low to mid-70s °F by late October.
The average maximum temperature is about 72°F, and the average minimum is close to 51°F.
So, you’ll have a mild afternoon before temperatures drop pretty quickly after sunset.
Extreme heat doesn’t really happen here—Dallas has never hit 100°F on Halloween. Freezes are rare, with just a few recorded over the past century.
If you’re planning to be outside, a light jacket probably makes sense once the sun goes down.
That swing from afternoon warmth to evening chill is a classic late October thing in North Texas.
Precipitation Chances in Dallas
Rain isn’t a guarantee on Halloween in Dallas, but it’s not rare either. Records show measurable rainfall on about one in three Halloweens, so you’ve got a 29% chance of wet weather.
When rain does fall, the average amount is around 0.43 inches. Some years have seen much heavier totals.
Thunderstorms have happened, but snow, sleet, or ice haven’t shown up on Halloween in the city.
Fog has rolled in a few times too, which can make visibility tricky during the evening. If you’re heading out, it’s smart to be ready for light rain or damp conditions, even if the day starts off dry.
Notable Past Weather Events in Dallas
A few Halloweens in Dallas have stood out for their odd weather. In 1993, trick-or-treaters bundled up for a record low of 29°F, just two days after a rare October snowfall.
1991 brought a cold, rainy day with temperatures stuck between 34°F and 43°F. In contrast, 1981 saw heavy thunderstorms that dumped more than 3.6 inches of rain, making it the wettest Halloween on record.
Unpredictable? Absolutely. Even though most years are mild, you’ve got to be ready for sudden cold fronts or rain that could change your plans.
Precipitation Trends and Rainfall Probability
Rain on Halloween in Texas depends a lot on where you are. Some years bring clear skies, while others get steady showers or even heavy downpours if a stalled weather system hangs around.
Chance of Rain on Halloween
If you’re in Southeast Texas—Houston, Galveston, or College Station—you have about a 1 in 3 chance of rain. Historical data shows rain has fallen on Halloween about 33% of the time in these spots.
Go farther north to Dallas–Fort Worth, and the odds are a bit lower but still worth noting. Cold fronts often roll through in late October, sometimes sparking showers right around Halloween.
Rain chances aren’t evenly spread across Texas. Coastal areas get more humidity and frequent showers, while western and central Texas usually stay drier.
Still, no one’s totally safe from a rainy Halloween.
Typical Rainfall Amounts
When rain does show up, it’s usually light to moderate. Average rainfall on Halloween is less than a quarter inch in many cities, like Houston, Galveston, and College Station.
Heavy rain is rare, but it happens. In 1981, a stalled front dumped 5 to 10 inches of rain across Southeast Texas, flooding several counties.
Houston picked up over 5 inches on Halloween in 2015.
Here are some long-term averages:
| City | Avg Rainfall (Oct 31) | Wettest Halloween on Record |
|---|---|---|
| Houston | 0.24″ | 5.14″ (2015) |
| Galveston | 0.18″ | 2.97″ (2013) |
| College Station | 0.19″ | 2.51″ (1981) |
Most years, there’s little or no measurable rain, but it’s smart to plan for the occasional surprise.
Thunderstorms and Fog Occurrences
Thunderstorms aren’t as common on Halloween as they are in spring or summer, but they can still pop up if a cold front meets Gulf moisture.
These storms are usually scattered and short-lived, but they might bring lightning and a quick burst of heavy rain.
Fog can be an issue too, especially near the coast or in low-lying areas. Warm Gulf air mixing with cooler evening temps sometimes creates dense fog, which makes driving and trick-or-treating a bit trickier.
Widespread severe weather is rare, but even a quick storm or patch of fog can throw off your outdoor plans. Keeping an eye on local forecasts helps you avoid surprises on Halloween night.
Regional Differences in Texas Halloween Weather
Halloween weather in Texas really depends on your location. Northern areas often get stronger cold fronts, the coast stays milder and more humid, and central and western parts can swing from warm afternoons to chilly nights.
Weather in North Texas
North Texas usually gets cooler Halloween nights than other regions. Average lows often fall into the 40s or low 50s, and a strong cold front can sometimes bring freezing conditions.
Daytime highs typically stay in the 60s or low 70s, but sharp drops aren’t unusual.
Rainfall is another thing to watch. October doesn’t always bring heavy storms, but the region sees fall cold fronts that can trigger rain or even isolated severe weather.
Some years, storms have dumped several inches of rain right around Halloween.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, remember that North Texas weather can change fast. A costume that works for a warm afternoon might be a bad idea once the sun sets and it gets cold.
Coastal and Gulf Regions
Along the Gulf Coast, Halloween usually feels milder and more humid. Average highs stay in the mid-70s, and lows hover in the 60s, warmer than inland areas.
The Gulf keeps nights from getting too cold, so heavy jackets aren’t usually needed.
Rain is a regular thing here. Data shows rain on about one-third of Halloweens in cities like Galveston and Houston.
Heavy storms don’t happen as much, but tropical moisture can still bring showers or steady rain.
Humidity matters too. Even if temperatures are moderate, the air can feel sticky. If you’re walking a lot for trick-or-treating, lighter costumes and breathable fabrics help you stay comfortable.
Central and West Texas Conditions
Central Texas can see a wide range of Halloween weather. Average highs sit in the 70s, but evenings cool into the 50s.
Some years bring warm, dry conditions for trick-or-treating, while others get sharp cold fronts that drop temperatures quickly after sunset.
Rain is less common than along the coast, but when it comes, it can be heavy. In past years, stationary fronts have produced several inches of rain in a short time, especially near Austin and College Station.
West Texas is drier overall. You’ll usually see clear skies and cooler nights, with lows sometimes dipping into the 40s.
Dry air makes evenings feel crisp, so you might want an extra layer if you’ll be outside after dark.
Impact of Weather on Halloween Activities
Weather in Texas can shift fast in late October. Mild afternoons may turn into chilly evenings, and rain happens often enough to mess with outdoor plans.
If you’re ready for the changes, you’ll have a better shot at enjoying the holiday while staying safe and comfortable.
Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips
In parts of Texas, Halloween often brings rain—about one-third of the time, actually. Wet leaves and slick sidewalks show up, making slipping a real risk.
If you carry a small flashlight or stick some reflective tape on costumes, you’ll be much easier to spot on those gloomy, rainy evenings.
Temperatures sometimes dip into the 40s or 50s, and kids can get cold trekking from house to house. Light layers under costumes help them stay warm and still move around easily.
It’s smart to check the local forecast for sudden cold fronts, since those often barrel through in late October and can drop temps fast after sunset.
Wind can blow decorations right into your path or send yard displays toppling over. Watch out for inflatable decorations or extension cords—they might shift if a gust hits.
If you plan your route through well-lit neighborhoods with decent sidewalks, you cut down on risks when the weather acts up.
Costume Planning for Variable Weather
Texas Halloweens are unpredictable. One year, you might sweat in the 80s by afternoon, and the next, you’re shivering near freezing after dark.
So, it makes sense to pick costumes that handle those swings.
Layering works best:
- T-shirts or leggings under thin costumes for chilly nights
- Removable jackets or capes for warmth you can ditch if it heats up
- Breathable fabrics so you don’t overheat if the evening stays warm
Rain can show up too. Umbrellas are kind of a hassle when trick-or-treating, so go for water-resistant layers or a poncho.
Closed-toe shoes beat sandals if you end up slogging through wet or muddy yards.
Masks and makeup don’t always handle weather well. Humidity smears face paint, and cold air makes stiff plastic masks miserable.
Test out costume materials ahead of time, just to see how they hold up in whatever weather you get.
Outdoor Event Considerations
Community festivals, haunted trails, and trunk-or-treats all depend on decent weather.
October in Texas can bring heavy rain events or even a surprise cold snap, so organizers and families need to stay flexible and ready for changes.
If rain is likely, find out if events have indoor backup spots.
Parking lots and fields sometimes flood fast during Texas storms, and that can make some venues a no-go.
Bringing a small foldable chair or a blanket helps if the ground’s damp but the event goes on.
Cool evenings mean packing extra layers, especially for kids who’ll be outside for hours.
Gloves, hats, or blankets can make outdoor movies or parades way more comfortable.
And don’t forget, for those warmer Halloweens, sunscreen and water still matter—afternoon sun can be stronger than you expect.
Wind can cause trouble too. Strong gusts might move tents or decorations, so steer clear of anything not tied down.
If you prep for these possibilities, you can still enjoy the festivities without getting caught off guard by the weather.
Year-to-Year Variability and Climate Trends
Halloween weather in Texas jumps from warm and dry to chilly and wet, depending on the year.
You might notice steady patterns, but history throws in sudden cold fronts and heavy rain more often than you’d think.
Long-term climate data points to gradual warming, especially at night, and that really changes how the season feels.
Recent Halloween Weather Patterns
Most years, you can expect mild afternoons—highs in the mid to upper 70s for much of Texas.
At night, lows usually settle in the 50s inland and 60s closer to the coast.
About one in three Halloweens in southeast Texas brings measurable rain, so having an umbrella handy isn’t a bad call.
Some years are just weird. In 1993, Houston and College Station dropped to 29°F, which was one of the coldest Halloweens ever.
Then, in 2004, several cities hit highs near 90°F.
Halloween has even been washed out before—1981 brought over 10 inches of rain to parts of southeast Texas along a stalled front.
These swings make it clear: averages help, but you really have to plan for all kinds of weather.
A light jacket or rain gear could be just as useful as short sleeves, depending on what the day brings.
Long-Term Climate Shifts
Over the past 50 years, Texas has seen October nights warm by almost 3°F on average. So, those sharp chills that used to hit late in October? They’re just not showing up as often.
Warmer nights give you a longer stretch of comfortable evenings outside. On the flip side, that could mess with seasonal crops like pumpkins.
Rainfall patterns keep bouncing around, but extreme events still shape the story. Climate records show some years just dump rain out of nowhere, even if the long-term average doesn’t budge much.
All this makes Halloween weather feel like a bit of a guessing game.
As things keep warming up, you’ll probably notice more mild evenings and not so many frosty trick-or-treat nights. But don’t count out those strong cold fronts—Texas still throws them in the mix.