Houston summers are a real thing. It isn't only the number on the thermometer, it's the humidity, and it can catch visitors by surprise. Plan around it and summer is totally doable.
Flip your day
- Morning. Buffalo Bayou trails, Hermann Park and anything else outside.
- Midday. Go indoors: the Menil, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Cistern, the Galleria or a long lunch.
- Evening. The Waugh Drive bats and the Turrell skyspace at sunset, then patio time once it cools a little.
Our things to do list has more ideas for hot days. Pack a light layer too, since buildings run the AC hard.
Know the warning signs
This comes from National Weather Service guidance. It's worth a minute of your trip planning.
Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, a fast weak pulse, cramps, dizziness, nausea, headache or fainting. Get to a cool place, loosen clothing, use cool wet cloths and take small sips of water. Get medical care right away if the person vomits, gets worse or isn't better within an hour.
Heat stroke: confusion, slurred speech, a throbbing headache, body temperature above 103°F, hot skin that's red, dry or damp, a rapid strong pulse, or passing out. Call 911 right away. Move the person somewhere cooler and cool them down with cloths or a bath. Don't give them fluids.
The easy stuff that helps
- Drink water early. Don't wait until you're thirsty, especially after a long night.
- Dress for it. Light clothes, a hat, sunscreen and bug spray for dusk.
- Check on your people. Heat sneaks up on anybody who isn't used to it.
- Never leave anyone in a parked car. Not people, not pets, not for a minute.
Storms and street flooding
Afternoon storms can roll in fast, and heavy rain can flood streets and underpasses quickly. The National Weather Service warns that fast-flowing water around a foot and a half deep can carry off a vehicle, and it's harder to see at night. Never drive or walk into water when you can't tell how deep it is. Turn around, don't drown. Wait for it to clear, and don't assume it'll clear on your schedule.
If you hear thunder, head indoors.
Hurricane season
Hurricane season runs June through November. Most trips won't see a storm, but it isn't something to ignore. Book flexible when you can, watch the forecast before and during your trip, and if a storm is coming, follow what local officials tell you. More in Houston by season.
One more thing
Summer's a great time to find a lower room rate, and a terrible time to be careless. Weed still isn't legal here for visitors, so leave it at home and enjoy the AC.
Where this comes from
Rules change, so check these before you travel. This is general information, not legal advice.
