Weather in Waco, Texas
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast17%87°70°
- SundayMay 17Thunderstorm11%85°74°
- MondayMay 18Thunderstorm30%90°75°
- TuesdayMay 19Thunderstorm52%88°71°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers59%74°67°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Showers65%81°66°
- FridayMay 22Thunderstorm51%84°65°
- PM 2.5
- 6.3 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 9.5 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 1.7 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 85.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:48 AM
- Moonset
- 1:42 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Waco at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 4°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: February 24 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Peak growing season
As of May 17, the growing season is at its peak — frost is months away. Continue succession-planting beans and summer squash. Start fall brassicas (broccoli, cabbage, kale) from seed indoors for transplanting in late summer.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
August brings Waco's peak heat at roughly 85°F mean temperature, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at around 47°F. May typically produces the most rainfall at 4.4 inches, contrasting with July's drier 1.9 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47° | 2.7″ | 4 |
| February | 51° | 2.7″ | 4 |
| March | 58° | 3.5″ | 5 |
| April | 65° | 3.2″ | 4 |
| May | 74° | 4.4″ | 6 |
| June | 81° | 3.6″ | 4 |
| July | 85° | 1.9″ | 3 |
| August | 85° | 2.4″ | 3 |
| September | 78° | 3.1″ | 4 |
| October | 68° | 4.3″ | 4 |
| November | 57° | 2.9″ | 4 |
| December | 49° | 2.8″ | 5 |
Regional context
Waco falls within a humid subtropical climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Houston, TX, Dallas, TX, San Antonio, TX, Austin, TX, Fort Worth, TX.
Naturalist notes
Late May brings the flowering peak of native yaupon holly trees throughout central Texas.
Painted bunting males arrive from their wintering grounds and establish territories during April and early May.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Waco?
- Waco's last spring frost typically occurs around mid-March, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Waco?
- May ranks as the wettest month with about 4.4 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's roughly 38 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Waco?
- August typically brings the warmest temperatures, averaging about 85°F.
- What is the coldest month in Waco?
- January usually delivers the coldest weather, averaging about 47°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Waco?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-March, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Waco get?
- Waco experiences about 51 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Waco?
- Waco's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool with the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Waco, Texas experiences a humid subtropical climate. January temperatures hover near 47°F while July averages 85°F, creating a 38°F seasonal swing.
Throughout the year, Waco receives about 38 inches of precipitation spread over roughly 51 rainy days.
Location at 31.6°N latitude, proximity to large water bodies, and elevation combine to determine what grows here, when frost threatens, and how daily weather patterns unfold.