The end of fall in Texas is complex because the answer depends entirely on the definition used. Seasons can be defined astronomically by the Earth’s orbit, meteorologically by fixed calendar dates, or practically by the arrival of consistent cold weather. Due to the state’s massive size, the end of fall can occur anywhere between November and late December, or even later.
The Astronomical Definition
Astronomically, the end of fall is determined by the Earth’s orbit and axial tilt, marked by the Winter Solstice. This Solstice, typically falling on December 21st or 22nd, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This celestial definition marks the precise moment winter begins, regardless of the weather conditions experienced in Texas. It represents the point when the sun reaches its lowest position, after which daylight hours begin to increase.
The Meteorological Definition
Meteorologists use a standardized system to define seasons for easier data collection and comparison. The meteorological calendar divides the year into four seasons, defining fall as the three-month period of September, October, and November. Under this fixed system, fall officially ends on November 30th, and winter begins on December 1st. This approach organizes climate records into consistent blocks useful for calculating seasonal averages, but it does not reflect the actual shift in daily weather patterns.
Regional Climate Shift in Texas
For Texans, the true end of fall is when the weather begins to feel like winter, which varies significantly across the state’s vast geography. The arrival of sustained cold fronts, commonly known as “Blue Northers,” signals the conclusion of mild autumn weather. These strong fronts sweep down from the north, bringing prolonged temperature drops.
In the Texas Panhandle and North Texas, represented by cities like Amarillo, the transition is much earlier and more abrupt. Amarillo’s average first-freeze date is typically in mid-to-late October, and consistent cold weather often arrives in late November.
In contrast, South Texas and the Gulf Coast, including areas like Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley, experience a much longer fall season. The average first-freeze date is rare or occurs much later, sometimes not until January or February. Mild, fall-like temperatures, with daytime highs in the 70s, can persist into late December and occasionally into the new year.
The end of fall across the central and southern parts of the state is characterized by the first strong cold front that brings a sustained 15-degree or more temperature drop. For San Antonio, this strong front typically arrives around mid-October, signaling the shift away from summer heat. However, consistent, winter-like weather often does not settle in until well after the astronomical and meteorological dates have passed.