At a Glance
- Hottest New Year’s Day: 85° in 2006
- Coldest New Year’s Day: 17° low in 1928
- Wettest New Year’s Eve: 2″+ rain in 1902 & 1978
- Snowiest New Year’s Day: 1″ snow in 1947
- Why it matters: Austin’s New Year’s weather can swing from scorching heat to unexpected snow, affecting celebrations, traffic, and public safety.
Each January 1st, Austin’s climate can surprise residents and visitors alike. While the average New Year’s brings mild temperatures and a trickle of rain, the city’s historical record shows extremes that can alter plans and safety measures.
Record Heat and Cold
The National Weather Service’s archive shows the highest New Year’s temperatures in Austin occurred on New Year’s Eve in 1951 and 2021, both reaching 83°. The peak New Year’s Day temperature came in 2006 at 85°. In contrast, the coldest New Year’s Day was in 1928, with a high of only 25° and a low of 17°, the lowest all-day low on record.
Rainfall Extremes
Austin typically sees about a tenth of an inch of rain on New Year’s Eve and Day. However, several years recorded far more precipitation: more than 2″ fell on New Year’s Eve in 1902 and 1978, and on New Year’s Day in 1944. The most recent heavy rain event was 1.78″ on New Year’s Eve in 2020.
Snow in the Capital
Snow is rare in Austin, but the city has recorded six snow events on New Year’s Eve or Day. The largest snowfall was a combined 1″ on New Year’s Eve 1946 and New Year’s Day 1947. A trace of snow has also been recorded twice on each of those days in other years.
Extreme Weather Records
| Event | Year(s) | Record |
|---|---|---|
| Hottest New Year’s Eve | 1951, 2021 | 83° |
| Hottest New Year’s Day | 2006 | 85° |
| Coldest New Year’s Day | 1928 | 17° low |
| Wettest New Year’s Eve | 1902, 1978 | 2″+ |
| Wettest New Year’s Day | 1944 | 2″+ |
| Most recent heavy rain | 2020 | 1.78″ |
| Snowiest New Year’s Eve | 1946 | 1″ |
| Snowiest New Year’s Day | 1947 | 1″ |
| Trace snow events | multiple | trace (twice each) |
Key Takeaways
- Austin’s New Year’s record highs reached 85° on 2006.
- The coldest day was 1928 with a low of 17°.
- Record rainfall exceeded 2″ on several occasions, and snow has fallen in 1946/1947.
Whether you’re planning a New Year’s party or simply curious about Austin’s climate history, these records show how dramatically the city’s weather can shift from one year to the next.
