When you think of Christmas in Austin, you might picture a mild holiday. But the city’s weather archives reveal extremes that range from scorching 90° days to a trace of snow.
The Hottest Christmas Ever
Austin’s most intense Christmas heat occurred in 1955, when the temperature on Christmas Day climbed to 90°. This 10° jump above any other recorded year stands out as the record high for the holiday.
In 1964, the city tied with 1955 for the hottest Christmas Eve, registering a high of 82°. That same night was the warmest Christmas Eve on record.
The 1955 heat event is a reminder that the city’s climate can push well beyond the typical 62° high and 42° low many expect for the season.
The Coldest Christmas in History
The coldest Christmas in Austin’s history was recorded in 1983. On Christmas Eve, the daytime high dropped to just 23°, while the low fell to a bone-chilling 12°.
Christmas Day that year saw a maximum of 25° and a low of only 10°, making 1983 the coldest holiday on record.
These temperatures illustrate how Austin’s weather can swing dramatically, even on a day traditionally associated with warmth.
The Wettest Christmases
While Austin rarely sees snow on Christmas, it does experience liquid precipitation. The average for both Christmas Eve and Day is less than a tenth of an inch.
However, several years have seen much more rain. Christmas Eve 1975 and Christmas Day 2000 each received over 1.5 inches of rain.
Additionally, Christmas Eve 2023 and Christmas Day 1938 each brought more than an inch of precipitation.
These wettest events highlight the city’s potential for heavy rain even during the holiday season.
The Snowiest Moments
Austin’s official snow record shows only two trace events. A trace of snow fell on Christmas Eve in 1998, and a trace fell on Christmas Day in 1939.
A trace is the smallest amount of snowfall that can be recorded by the National Weather Service.
Because of the low amounts, neither event qualifies as a “white Christmas,” which requires at least one inch of snow on the ground.
Austin has never officially recorded a white Christmas.
Understanding the “White Christmas” Definition
The National Weather Service defines a white Christmas as having at least one inch of snow on the ground during its morning observation.
Austin’s trace snowfalls in 1998 and 1939 did not meet this threshold.
The city’s climate and geography make a true white Christmas highly unlikely.
KXAN’s Role in Bringing the Data to You
This story is part of the KXAN Data Hub, where numbers help tell the whole story.
The Hub includes data-driven stories on weather, climate, politics, education, sports, and growth in Texas.
Each story is updated as new data becomes available, ensuring readers have the most current information.
The editor’s note indicates that the accompanying video showcases the latest from the KXAN First Warning Weather team.
Key Takeaways
- Austin’s record high for Christmas Day is 90°, set in 1955.
- The coldest Christmas saw lows of 10° in 1983.
- Several Christmases have exceeded an inch of rain, with 1975, 2000, 2023, and 1938 notable.
- Snow has only ever been recorded as a trace, never meeting the white-Christmas threshold.
Austin’s Christmas weather history shows that the city can experience a wide range of conditions, from hot, dry days to heavy rain and even fleeting snow.
The data remind us that even in a city known for mild winters, the holiday season can bring surprises.
