Texas Climate Zones: Five Distinct Regions

Texas spans 268,596 sq mi—large enough for five Köppen climate zones.

ZoneRegionCharacteristicsJan AvgJul AvgAnnual Precip
Humid Subtropical (Cfa)East TX (Houston, Dallas, Tyler)Hot humid summers, mild winters, no dry season45°F (7°C)85°F (29°C)40–50 in
Tropical (Aw/Am)South TX (Brownsville, McAllen, Coast)Hot, distinct wet/dry seasons, rare freeze55°F (13°C)90°F (32°C)50+ in
Semi-Arid Steppe (BSh/BSk)Central/West (San Angelo, Midland, Lubbock)Hot summers, mild winters, low rain, high evaporation35°F (2°C)95°F (35°C)20–25 in
Arid Desert (BWh/BWk)Far West (El Paso, Big Bend)Very hot summers, mild winters, very low rain45°F (7°C)100°F (38°C)<10 in
Highland / Mountain (Csb/H)Guadalupe, Davis, Chisos MtnsCool summers, cold winters, orographic precip30°F (-1°C)75°F (24°C)25+ in

Drivers

  • Latitude (26°–36°N).
  • Gulf moisture (east) vs. rain shadow (west).
  • Elevation (sea level → 8,751 ft Guadalupe Peak).
  • Continentality: interior extremes.

Impacts

  • Agriculture: cotton (south), wheat (north), citrus (valley), ranching (west).
  • Energy: wind (Panhandle), solar (west), oil/gas (Permian).
  • Water: Ogallala Aquifer depletion (north), Rio Grande stress (south).

Texas weather isn’t one thing—it’s five climates in one state.

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