The climate of Galveston
Identified within the Köppen climate classification as Cfa,
Galveston,
Texas, possesses a humid subtropical climate lacking a dry season. This coastal city situated in the Gulf of Mexico experiences consistent weather, with variations in temperature, humidity, and other parameters.
Examining the year as a whole, Galveston enjoys mild winters with temperatures ranging from 51.6°F (10.9°C) to 62.6°F (17°C) and warmer summers where temperatures occasionally reach 87.4°F (30.8°C). Relative humidity remains fairly stable throughout the year, fluctuating between 75% and 81%, which contributes to the city’s overall moist atmosphere. Rainfall is another constant factor, with the city receiving between 0.75" (19mm) and 4.29" (109mm) per month. Interestingly, despite the high rainfall, snow is a rare occurrence, only making an appearance a few days a year.
The city's maritime environment greatly impacts its weather patterns. The temperature of the sea varies from 56.5°F (13.6°C) in colder months to 87.2°F (30.7°C) during the peak of the summer. These temperature fluctuations influence Galveston's mild climate trend. Moreover, wind speeds generally hover between 9.4mph (15.1km/h) and 12.9mph (20.8km/h), while visibility remains constant at approximately 6 miles all year round.
An interesting anomaly in Galveston’s weather pattern is the amount of sunlight it receives. Despite the consistently high level of cloud cover ranging from 26% to 49%, the number of sunshine days can range anywhere from 8.3 days to 18.2 days a month, providing an ample amount of pleasant, sunny days.
The Best Time to Visit Galveston
For optimal weather conditions, the best period to visit
Galveston would be around
May. During this month, the average high temperature is 79.3°F (26.3°C) and the low is 73.8°F (23.2°C). Moreover, the sea temperature reaches 77.5°F (25.3°C) making outdoor water activities comfortable. Wind conditions are also more favorable with an average velocity of 12.1mph (19.5km/h). The UV index is at 7, so precautions and sun protection are advisable.
The Worst Time to Visit Galveston
If visitors are averse to high humidity and rainfall,
September is potentially a less ideal time for a
Galveston trip. Average rainfall peaks to an annual high of 4.29" (109mm) spread across approximately 19.9 days. Despite high temperatures hovering around 84.2°F (29°C), the high humidity of 75% may result in an overall uncomfortable experience.
Spring Weather in Galveston
Spring ushers in a gradual rise in temperatures for
Galveston ranging from 51.6°F (10.9°C) to 73°F (22.8°C). Rainfall moderately increases from 1.22" (31mm) to 1.85" (47mm) during this period. As snowfall is absent, the weather during spring is primarily characterized by moderate temperatures and a noticeable increase in daylight hours from 10.5 to 13.6 hours.
Summer Weather in Galveston
Summer in
Galveston is characterized by high temperatures reaching up to 87.4°F (30.8°C). Alongside this, relative humidity also increases to around 77%. Summer is also the wettest season with rainfall climbing to 3.46" (88mm) in
August. Even though these months experience the highest cloud cover percentages, the city still receives considerable sunlight, 10.8 hours on average per day.
Autumn Weather in Galveston
Autumn sees a reduction in temperature, starting from 84.2°F (29°C) in
September and dropping to 68.9°F (20.5°C) by
November. Rainfall also lessens from its summertime high but is still significant, clocking in at 2.28" (58mm). Despite the fall in temperatures, the sea remains warm averaging 83.8°F (28.8°C) in September, steadily cooling to 69°F (20.6°C) by November.
Winter Weather in Galveston
Though experiencing its coldest months, winters in
Galveston are relatively mild with temperatures from 54.9°F (12.7°C) to 62.6°F (17°C). The sea temperatures drop to their annual minimum, settling at 60.3°F (15.7°C) by
December. Rainfall also reduces to its lowest for the year at 1.38" (35mm), and the city sees increasing amounts of sunshine, with the count of sunshine days reaching 14.3 by December. Winter is also characterized by slightly higher wind speeds, averaging at 12.1mph (19.5km/h) by the year-end.
Weather in January
Starting off the year is a period of cold weather coupled with an average humidity signal of 77%.
January sees a calm wind, moving at approximately 12mph (19.3km/h) and peaking at 18.3mph (29.5km/h). As
Galveston transitions from the holiday season, residents prepare for less hours of sunshine, daylight, bouts of rainfall and even snowfall, albeit very limited.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As winter nears its end,
February in
Galveston offers a glimpse of warmth. The sea temperature clocks in at 57.4°F (14.1°C) offering a slightly warmer condition for aquatic enthusiasts compared to
January. Days become slightly longer, virtually opening doors for longer periods of outdoor activities.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Galveston welcomes Spring as
March kicks in, bringing forth a considerable increase in overall temperatures. A notable warmth comes to the Galveston sea, which heats up to 62.9°F (17.2°C), creating a pleasant environment for water-related endeavors.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Further ushering in the spring tide,
April responds with a rise in various weather parameters. A distinguishing feature of April is the rapid increase in sea temperature, it soars to a comfortable 71.3°F (21.8°C) inviting a lot of beach activity.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May sees the emergence of summer in
Galveston, making it warmer and brighter. In contrast to the previous months, May experiences a significant rainfall increase hitting 1.85" (47mm) on average while cloud cover decreases to a mere 30%.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The heat continues to intensify as
Galveston,
Texas moves deeper into summer. Noticeably, the sea gets warmer, reaching a welcoming 83.9°F (28.8°C), making the water almost irresistible for swimming and diving.
June is indeed a sunny and lively month, despite the humidity and rain which also begin to increase.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As the peak of summer,
July experiences the highest temperatures all year. The sultry days, hinted by the sea temperature climaxing at 86.1°F (30.1°C), are balanced out by a breeze blowing at a cozy 9.8mph (15.8km/h). July is not only the warmest but also sees some of the highest rainfall levels peaking at an average of 3.19" (81mm).
Weather in July »Weather in August
August continues riding the crest of
Galveston’s summer wave, witnessing the year's highest average low temperature of 81.9°F (27.7°C). This peak summer month also faces a notably high amount of rainfall, experiencing an average of 3.46" (88mm).
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the advent of
September,
Galveston starts bidding farewell to the summer and welcoming Fall. September sets the peak annual rainfall record with an average of 4.29" (109mm). Despite this shift, the sea remains warm, and the breeze is consistent, providing solace from the remaining heat of summer days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October offers respite from the hot summer months and a preview of the upcoming winter in
Galveston. October stands out with a stark contrast to
September, experiencing a significant drop in rainfall to an average of 2.28" (58mm).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November marks the beginning of low temperatures and less rainfall in
Galveston,
Texas, moving decisively into the colder months. A noticeable reduction to 61.3°F (16.3°C) in the average temperature makes water activities less desirable.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Finally,
December sees the full onset of winter with moderately chilly temperatures and the sea cooling down to 60.3°F (15.7°C). This decrease in water temperature coincides with the year's lowest average temperature of 54.9°F (12.7°C), making December the coldest month of the year.
Weather in December »