The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Austin
Picking a wedding date in Austin is mostly a weather decision. I'm a destination wedding photographer based in Austin, Texas, and the first thing I'd tell a couple is to look at the real numbers instead of guessing. The figures below come from the National Weather Service's climate pages for Austin Bergstrom International Airport, using 1991 to 2020 normals. I only list months where I could pull the numbers directly.
Winter: January and February
January normals are a high of 62.5 degrees and a low of 37.7 degrees, with about 2.82 inches of rain. February is a high of 66.4 degrees and a low of 42.1 degrees, with about 1.89 inches of rain. It is cool, often dry, and the light is soft. Bring a wrap for the evening, plan your ceremony for the warmest part of the afternoon, and expect an early sunset.
Spring: late March into May
Spring is wildflower season. According to FOX 7 Austin, bluebonnets typically peak from the end of March through mid April. By May, the normal high is 86.8 degrees and the low is 65.2 degrees, and the National Weather Service lists May as Austin's wettest month, with about 5.00 inches on average. Spring is gorgeous but can bring storms, so a rain plan matters. I wrote about timing and places in Bluebonnet Engagement Photos Near Austin.
Summer: June through August
The normal high in June is 93 degrees with a low of 71.5. By August, the National Weather Service describes normal highs in the upper 90s and lows in the mid 70s. The first 100 degree day arrives, on average, around July 9, and the last around August 21 (August 30 over the last 30 years). If you love summer, plan a late day ceremony and read my tips on planning a wedding in the Texas heat.
Fall: October and November
October normals are a high of 82.5 degrees and a low of 57.2 degrees, with about 4.25 inches of rain, which makes it the second wettest month. November is a high of 71.7 degrees and a low of 46.9 degrees, with about 2.68 inches of rain. For many couples this is the sweet spot: comfortable highs, cooler evenings, and golden light. Fall color in the Hill Country usually shows up in November, and I put together a plan in Fall Color at Lost Maples.
What this means for your photos
Light changes with the season. In the heat of summer, shade and late afternoon matter most. In winter, the sun sets early, so the ceremony and portraits need to happen earlier in the day. In spring and fall, you get the most flexibility, but spring storms and fall rain are both real possibilities. Whatever you choose, build a backup plan, whether that is an indoor space, a covered patio, or a flexible timeline.
A quick way to choose
If you want mild weather and the widest choice of dates, look at late October through November. If you want wildflowers, aim for late March to mid April and stay flexible. If you want the best price and fewer crowds, winter can be a great fit. If you are set on summer, commit to a late ceremony and lots of water and shade.
Where I got the numbers
These are the National Weather Service Austin climate pages: January, February, May, June, October, November, and the Austin climate summary for August and 100 degree day dates. The FOX 7 bluebonnet article covers wildflower timing.
If you have a date in mind, send me a note on the contact page and we can talk through the light.
Ready to talk about your day?
Send me a message through the contact page with your date and location, and I will get back to you. If you want more Austin wedding and engagement ideas, follow me on social media. And if this guide helped, please share it with a friend who is planning a wedding.