Texas has multiple climate zones because of its size. In broad terms, the east is humid, the center is transitional, the west is semi-arid to arid, and the Gulf Coast is subtropical. The state is commonly described as having **humid subtropical** conditions in the east and along much of the coast, while parts of West Texas fall into **semi-arid steppe** and **desert** classifications under the Köppen system.
Average temperatures vary widely by region. Summers are generally hot statewide, with many places frequently exceeding 90°F (32°C). South and Central Texas often experience prolonged heat. Winters are usually mild in the south and along the coast but cooler in North Texas and the Panhandle, where freezes, sleet, snow, and ice storms are more common. Mountain areas in the far west are cooler than surrounding lowlands.
Rainfall is heaviest in East Texas and the Gulf Coast, where annual totals are much higher than in western counties. West Texas is much drier, and drought is a recurring concern. Snowfall is generally light outside the Panhandle and far western high elevations, though rare major winter storms can affect a large part of the state.
Natural hazards include hurricanes and tropical storms on the Gulf Coast, inland flooding, tornadoes in many regions, severe thunderstorms, hail, drought, wildfires, extreme heat, and occasional winter storms. The best time to visit depends on destination, but spring and fall are often the most comfortable seasons in much of the state.
| Region | General Climate | |---|---| | Gulf Coast | Humid subtropical; hot summers, mild winters, hurricane risk | | East Texas | Humid, forested, relatively high rainfall | | Central Texas | Hot summers, variable rainfall, flash-flood risk | | North Texas | Four-season variation, severe storms possible | | Panhandle | Drier, windier, colder winters | | West Texas | Semi-arid to arid, hotter days and cooler nights |
