Thanksgiving in Texas usually brings mild afternoons and cool mornings, but the weather can flip fast depending on your location. Most of the state sees highs in the 50s to 60s, with colder air in the Panhandle and warmer temps near the Gulf Coast. Snow almost never shows up, but chilly mornings and the occasional damp day aren’t out of the question.
You might catch a crisp football game in Dallas, enjoy a breezy walk in Austin, or relax at a warm gathering in Houston. Every region has its own pattern, so knowing what’s typical helps you plan travel, outdoor time, and even what to pack.
Texas weather history shows everything from frosty mornings to record warmth on Thanksgiving Day. That wide range really makes it worth checking typical conditions, past extremes, and how different cities handle the holiday.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Texas
You’ll usually find mild to cool conditions across Texas during Thanksgiving, but the details really depend on where you are. Temperatures swing from chilly mornings up north to warm afternoons down south, and while rain isn’t common, it can still happen.
Statewide Temperature Ranges
Late November usually brings cooler air, but Texas is so big that daily highs and lows can vary a lot. Average highs go from the 50s in the Panhandle to the 70s along the Gulf Coast.
Nights drop into the 30s in northern areas, while southern cities often stay in the 50s. Cold fronts move through often and can drop temps fast.
For example, Amarillo has seen Thanksgiving highs as low as 10°F, while Houston has hit the upper 80s. That’s a serious contrast between the northern plains and the coast.
If you’re heading outside, bring layers. A light jacket works for central or southern Texas, but up in the Panhandle or North Texas, you’ll want something heavier.
Regional Climate Differences
Texas regions each have their own holiday weather quirks. In North Texas, like Dallas-Fort Worth, Thanksgiving mornings start in the 40s and usually warm up to the 50s or 60s.
South Texas cities such as San Antonio and Brownsville regularly see highs from the 60s up to the 80s. The Panhandle stays coldest, with Amarillo averaging highs in the mid-50s and lows near freezing. Snow sometimes falls here, though it’s not common.
Central Texas cities like Austin usually land in the 60s, with cool mornings and mild afternoons. Along the Gulf Coast—think Houston and Corpus Christi—you’ll get milder nights and warmer afternoons. Humidity runs higher, but rain chances stay fairly low in late November.
Weather Variability Year-to-Year
Thanksgiving weather in Texas can swing wildly year to year. Sometimes you’ll get sunny skies and short sleeves, and other times, cold fronts bring frost, rain, or even snow up north.
Amarillo has seen both single-digit lows and warm highs over 80°F. Houston has recorded Thanksgivings near 87°F, and Dallas sometimes wakes up to freezing mornings. These swings show how the state gets hit by both Gulf moisture and Arctic air.
Rain isn’t common, but it happens. In Amarillo, measurable rain falls about 12% of the time on Thanksgiving, and snow shows up about 5% of the time. Most of Texas, though, usually gets dry and mild weather.
Precipitation Patterns During Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Texas is mostly mild, but rain—and rarely, snow—can still shake up your holiday plans. Patterns shift a lot across the state, with eastern areas getting more rain, and the west staying much drier.
Average Rainfall Across Texas
Rainfall around Thanksgiving really depends on where you are. The eastern half, including cities like Houston and Dallas, averages 0.5 to 1 inch of rain in late November.
Central Texas, like Austin and San Antonio, usually gets less than 0.5 inch. Out west, in places like El Paso and Midland, measurable rain almost never happens. These spots often record less than 0.1 inch for the holiday period.
This east-to-west split comes from Texas’ climate—Gulf moisture keeps the east wetter. Rain usually arrives with passing cold fronts. These fronts can bring quick showers or thunderstorms, especially up north and east.
Most Thanksgivings stay dry, but if you’re driving long distances, you should prepare for occasional wet roads.
Likelihood of Snowfall
Snow on Thanksgiving in Texas is rare, but it does happen. The Panhandle and northern High Plains have the best shot. Amarillo, for instance, has seen measurable snow on a handful of Thanksgiving Days over the past century.
Central and southern Texas almost never see snow this early. Dallas–Fort Worth has only picked up a trace on a couple of occasions, and places like Houston or Corpus Christi have never had Thanksgiving snow.
When snow does show up, it usually follows a strong Arctic cold front. These events are short but can mess with travel. In northern Texas, you’ll want to watch for sudden cold snaps that might bring light snow or freezing rain.
Notable Wet and Dry Years
Texas Thanksgivings have gone from very wet to bone dry. North Texas has had years with over an inch of rain, making holiday travel soggy. Other years, barely a drop falls across most of the state.
The 1992 Thanksgiving storm stands out for heavy rain and snow across parts of the southern Plains, which made travel tough in northern Texas. In more recent years, long dry spells have left much of Texas rain-free during the holiday.
While averages suggest mostly dry conditions, you should always check short-term forecasts. One cold front can bring rain or even a quick burst of wintry weather.
Temperature Extremes and Records
Thanksgiving weather in Texas can swing from warm afternoons to cold, wet days. Records show both unseasonably hot temperatures and unusually cold snaps, plus the occasional wintry surprise.
Record Highs and Lows
In Dallas/Fort Worth, the warmest Thanksgiving hit 88°F on November 25, 1965. Other years, highs have climbed into the 80s, so late November can still feel like summer in some spots.
Cold records are just as dramatic. The coldest Thanksgiving at DFW dropped to 23°F in 1993, and the high that day only reached 35°F. That’s the coldest Thanksgiving Day on record for North Texas.
Minimum temps in the low 20s have happened, too—like 21°F in 1911. These sharp drops show how fast Texas weather can turn.
Extreme cold is rare, but Dallas/Fort Worth has seen freezes on 19 Thanksgiving Days. No Thanksgiving there has ever hit 100°F, though, so there’s at least some limit to the heat.
Recent Thanksgiving Weather Events
Recent Thanksgivings have delivered some strange weather. On November 25, 1993, freezing rain and sleet made things icy across North Texas, right in time for the Dallas Cowboys’ annual game.
Another odd one was November 22, 2007, when a light mix of sleet and snow fell. Snow showed up at DFW Airport, but sleet was more common around the region.
Rain has played a role too. On November 26, 2015, the Metroplex picked up 2.71 inches of rain, making it one of the wettest Thanksgivings.
These events remind you that most years bring mild, dry weather, but Thanksgiving in Texas can still surprise you with cold snaps, wintry mixes, or heavy rain.
Weather Differences by Major Texas Cities
Thanksgiving weather in Texas changes a lot depending on where you are. You’ll find mild and humid conditions along the Gulf Coast, but it’s often chilly—and sometimes wintry—in the Panhandle.
Dallas-Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth usually sees cool, changeable weather during Thanksgiving. Average highs hover around 63°F, with lows near 43°F. Freezes don’t happen every year, but they’ve shown up almost 20 times.
Rain falls about one out of every five years, with measurable amounts averaging 0.37 inches when it does. Fog is more common than snow, but rare wintry events have happened. The coldest Thanksgiving here only reached 35°F in 1993, while the warmest soared to 88°F in 1965.
If you’re planning to be outside, bring layers. Mornings can feel much colder than the afternoons, so it’s smart to dress for both.
Houston
Houston usually brings milder, more humid weather. Average highs sit near 70°F, with lows in the mid-50s. Freezing temps are very rare this time of year, but you might still notice a cool morning.
Rain chances run higher than in North Texas. Light showers or overcast skies are common, but big downpours don’t happen much. The coast keeps temps from dropping fast, so you rarely need heavy winter clothes.
If you’re traveling, expect heavier holiday traffic but fewer weather delays than up north. Outdoor events are usually comfortable, though you might want a light jacket for the evening.
San Antonio
San Antonio’s Thanksgiving weather usually feels pleasant and mild. Afternoon highs land in the mid to upper 60s, and nighttime lows drop into the upper 40s. Freezing temps aren’t common, but they can happen.
Rainfall stays light, though quick showers sometimes blow through. The air is drier than Houston, so outdoor activities often feel more comfortable. Sunshine is pretty common, so you’ve got a good shot at clear skies.
If you’re exploring the city or Hill Country, plan for cool mornings and warmer afternoons. A sweater or light jacket is usually enough.
Amarillo
Amarillo gets the coldest Thanksgiving weather in Texas. Highs stick in the low to mid-50s, and lows dip into the upper 20s or 30s. Freezes are the norm, and snow has made a few appearances around the holiday.
Winds run stronger here than in most other Texas cities. Gusts can make it feel even colder, so wind protection really helps. Rain is rare, but when it does come, it might mix with sleet or snow.
If you’re spending Thanksgiving in Amarillo, get ready for real late-fall weather. Warm coats, gloves, and layers are a must—especially if you’re headed outdoors in the evening.
Impact of Thanksgiving Weather on Travel and Activities
Rain, wind, and cooler temperatures often shape how you get where you’re going and what you can comfortably do once you’re there. Late November weather in Texas can shift fast, so planning around the forecast helps avoid delays and keeps your holiday traditions on track.
Driving and Flight Considerations
Thanksgiving always brings a rush on the roads, and even a little rain can really slow things down on Texas highways. Long drives between cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio get a lot more stressful when wet roads and heavy traffic combine.
If a cold front comes through, you’ll probably notice visibility drops and your drive takes even longer.
Air travel isn’t immune either. Rain and storms, especially in East and Central Texas, often cause delays at big airports like Bush Intercontinental, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin-Bergstrom.
Snow rarely shows up, but those wind shifts after a front can still mess with flight schedules.
Keep these things in mind to make your trip smoother:
- Check forecasts before you head out, especially Sunday through Tuesday when cold fronts usually move in.
- Give yourself extra time whether you’re driving or flying.
- Pack light layers since afternoons can feel warm, but evenings might get surprisingly chilly.
If you plan for slower conditions, you’ll dodge the worst headaches and keep your schedule a bit more open.
Outdoor Events and Gatherings
Cooler and drier weather usually settles in by Thanksgiving Day, so outdoor stuff like backyard football or grilling feels pretty comfortable. Most of Texas sees afternoon highs in the 60s or low 70s, which works for most gatherings.
Rain can throw a wrench in your plans, though. If the cold front hangs around, showers might stick around midweek, making outdoor seating or barbecues less appealing. Covered areas or backup indoor plans come in handy here.
Temperature swings happen a lot. A sunny afternoon feels great, but evenings can get chilly fast, especially up north or out west. If you have jackets or blankets ready, your guests will thank you once the sun goes down.
Long-Term Forecasts and Climate Outlooks
If you’re looking ahead at Thanksgiving weather in Texas, two main sources usually pop up. One leans on history and solar cycles, while the other goes heavy on climate models and probability maps. Both give you a way to plan, but they each have their own style.
Farmer’s Almanac Predictions
The Farmer’s Almanac builds its long-range forecasts off past weather, solar activity, and all those long-term averages. For Texas, their predictions often mention warmer-than-normal weather up north and a cooler, wetter pattern in the south.
You might spot notes about rain showers for southern Texas, especially near the Gulf Coast. Those showers don’t usually cover the whole region but can still mess with travel or outdoor plans.
On the other hand, northern and central Texas usually get sunny and mild weather, with snow almost never making an appearance.
The Almanac’s forecasts help you see big trends, like whether Thanksgiving might run warmer, wetter, or drier than normal. They’re not super precise, though. Treat these as a general heads-up, not a day-by-day prediction.
National Weather Service Outlooks
The National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center puts out 6–10 day, 8–14 day, and seasonal outlooks. These maps show the odds that temperatures and precipitation will end up above or below average.
In Texas, the NWS usually leans toward above-average temperatures in late November. So, you’ll probably get more mild afternoons than cold snaps.
Precipitation outlooks change, but the state mostly trends drier, except for the south, which sometimes gets some rain.
NWS outlooks use climate models and updated data, unlike the Almanac. You get a science-based look at temperature and rainfall chances, but they don’t tell you if it’ll rain on Thanksgiving morning.
Instead, these outlooks help you get a sense of the most likely conditions for the week.