Weather in Galveston, Texas
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Overcast—82°75°
- SundayMay 17Thunderstorm11%83°78°
- MondayMay 18Thunderstorm18%83°78°
- TuesdayMay 19Drizzle59%86°77°
- WednesdayMay 20Light Showers59%84°75°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle42%86°75°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle56%85°76°
- PM 2.5
- 10.8 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 17.2 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 2.0 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 86.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:45 AM
- Moonset
- 1:26 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Galveston at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 5°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: February 10 (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 | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| March | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| April | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | — |
| May | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | — | 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 Galveston's peak heat with average temperatures around 86°F, while January delivers the year's coldest weather at roughly 56°F. September sees the heaviest rainfall at 6.7 inches, contrasting with April's dry period of just 2.1 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56° | 4.3″ | 5 |
| February | 59° | 2.1″ | 3 |
| March | 65° | 3.0″ | 4 |
| April | 72° | 2.1″ | 3 |
| May | 78° | 3.0″ | 3 |
| June | 84° | 4.2″ | 6 |
| July | 86° | 3.4″ | 6 |
| August | 86° | 4.7″ | 5 |
| September | 82° | 6.7″ | 7 |
| October | 75° | 5.2″ | 5 |
| November | 66° | 4.3″ | 5 |
| December | 59° | 4.2″ | 5 |
Regional context
Galveston falls within the humid subtropical climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal rhythms, 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
Ruby-throated Hummingbird migration peaks in late April as these tiny travelers return from Central American wintering grounds.
Southern Magnolia trees begin their flowering cycle in May, producing large white blooms that perfume the coastal air.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Galveston?
- Spring's final frost typically occurs around mid-February in Galveston, while the first fall frost usually arrives near mid-December.
- What is the rainy season in Galveston?
- September ranks as the wettest month, delivering approximately 6.7 inches of rainfall; annual precipitation totals roughly 47 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Galveston?
- August typically brings the year's highest temperatures, averaging about 86°F.
- What is the coldest month in Galveston?
- January usually records the coldest temperatures, averaging about 56°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Galveston?
- Plant cool-season crops like peas and lettuce around the last spring frost in mid-February; wait 1–2 weeks later to plant warm-season varieties such as tomatoes and peppers.
- How many rainy days does Galveston get?
- Galveston experiences rain on approximately 56 days each year.
- What hardiness zone is Galveston?
- Check the USDA's online zone lookup tool using Galveston's ZIP code for the current hardiness zone, which reflects the area's lowest average winter temperatures.
Climate
Galveston, Texas experiences a humid subtropical climate. Winter temperatures in January hover around 56°F, while summer heat in July reaches an average of 86°F — creating a 30°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 47 inches, falling across roughly 56 rainy days throughout the year.
Geography drives the local climate patterns: latitude at 29.2°N, nearby water bodies, and elevation all influence plant growth cycles, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.