Best Time to Visit El Paso, Texas, for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

El Paso is a beautiful city, full of culture and history. So it's no wonder it's become a popular vacation destination recently. However, the time of year you travel to "Sun City" can affect your trip. Understanding crowd levels, costs, and changes in the weather over the year can help you determine the best time to visit El Paso, Texas.

Summer (June to September) has the warmest weather, with temperatures in the 90 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit range, and it's also the busiest time of year. Conversely, fall (September to December) sees milder weather, and many events are hosted that are popular with locals and visitors.

Winter (December to March) is the most affordable time to visit El Paso because you are more likely to find good deals on flights and hotels. Spring (March to June) is a transitional season, which offers generally affordable prices, medium crowd levels, and excellent weather.

This corner of West Texas has plenty to offer travelers all year. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to plan your dream trip to "the City of the 915."

Are you on your way to El Paso last-minute?

Book your El Paso accommodations and experiences early! Below are some top recommendations to get you started.

🏨 Top accommodations in El Paso

• Holiday Inn Express - el Paso - Sunland Park Area (rated highly)
• The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park (5-star rating)
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites - el Paso North (relax by the pool)

☂️ Top tour and experience in El Paso

• UTV Adventure Tour Rental

Best Time to Go to El Paso

El Paso, Texas Vacation Planning Questions

Grossinger/Shutterstock.com

When is the best time to visit El Paso, Texas?

If you're trying to figure out when to visit El Paso for the best weather, both spring (March to June) and fall (September to December) are ideal times to plan your trip. The weather is similarly beautiful throughout both seasons.

The temperature during these seasons is usually in the 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit range at night and the 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit range during the day. You're also likely to go your entire trip without encountering any rain.

You won't be bothered too much by crowd levels in the fall; however, spring tends to be more crowded as El Paso is becoming a popular spring break destination. Booking your trip a month or two ahead of time is advised to ensure you get the best flight and hotel deals.

Does it snow in El Paso?

Though winter (December to March) in El Paso is mild, snow is possible with temperatures that hover between 33 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Flurries usually occur at night in late December or January and melt quickly unless the area is going through an uncommonly cold period.

Jeff Schultes/Shutterstock.com

What are the airports close to El Paso, Texas?

El Paso International Airport is the closest to El Paso, only seven miles away from the city. It's the busiest airport in West Texas, with over three million travelers passing through its doors annually.

Abraham González International Airport, in Chihuahua, Mexico, is another nearby option if you don't mind crossing a border. The drive to El Paso from Abraham González International Airport takes less than an hour on average.

If you don't mind the seven-hour drive once you land, you can look at flights to Amarillo International Airport in Amarillo, Texas; this allows you to take in the Texas scenery as you travel to El Paso.

Grossinger/Shutterstock.com

What is the best way of getting to El Paso, Texas?

The best way to get to El Paso depends on your departure location. Driving might be an option if you're traveling from elsewhere in Texas or from New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, or Northern Mexico.

If you live further away, driving will involve a multiple-day road trip; it's a great way to see the southwest US, though!

In many cases, flying is the best way to get to El Paso, and the closest option is El Paso International Airport, a well-connected hub with arrivals nationwide. If you want to fly, the best month to visit El Paso is January, when tickets tend to be discounted.

Jeff Schultes/Shutterstock.com

What are the airlines that fly to El Paso?

There are numerous airline options if you intend to book a flight to El Paso International Airport. American Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Alaska Airlines all offer domestic flights in and out of El Paso International Airport.

Despite its name, there are no direct International flights to El Paso. However, United and Delta frequently connect travelers from abroad who wish to visit the El Paso area. In addition, airlines are subject to route changes depending on demand, so other airlines may fly to El Paso International Airport in the future.

If none of these airlines suit your travel needs, you can search for flights to other Texas airports. Amarillo International Airport, for example, is connected to different cities.

What is the average temperature in El Paso, TX?

El Paso's weather is usually dry, with very little precipitation and temperatures ranging between mild and warm.

In the winter (December to March), the average temperature is 61 degrees during the day and 34 degrees Fahrenheit at night. El Paso is known to dip below freezing occasionally during winter, which could bring on snow flurries.

Spring's (March to June) weather warms rapidly to an average high of around 81 degrees Fahrenheit and sometimes reaches a pretty warm 89 degrees. Conversely, the season's lows hover around 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

Summer (June to September) is the city's warmest season. Days see scorching highs of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but it cools to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

Fall (September to December) is warm and generally comfortable. 79-degree Fahrenheit days are standard, as are 52-degree Fahrenheit evenings.

Kit Leong/Shutterstock.com

What are the cheapest hotels in El Paso?

El Paso has many accommodation options to suit any budget, and booking an affordable getaway to the area is not difficult. Staying at the Days Inn near El Paso International Airport is an excellent choice for a simple and comfortable room in a surprisingly quiet neighborhood.

If you want to be centrally located, reserve a room at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites in El Paso's Downtown area. Multiple parks, restaurants, and attractions are within a short distance from the hotel.

In general, Downtown El Paso and the northern part of the area offer cheap options, though making your reservations early will help you find good deals.

Traveller70/Shutterstock.com

What are the cheapest motels in El Paso?

If you're driving to El Paso, a motel is a viable place to stay, especially if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the city instead of at your accommodation. Although it's close to the airport, staying at the nearby Super 8 offers quiet rooms and all the essential amenities you need.

If you'd prefer to stay closer to the city center, make your reservations at Motel 6 in Southeast El Paso. This motel is within a mile of multiple parks and restaurants and is also pet-friendly if you want to bring your furry friend.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in El Paso, Texas

Frontpage/Shutterstock.com

Winter in El Paso

Though it doesn't usually snow in El Paso, the city still knows how to celebrate the winter (December to March) season.

For example, Winterfest begins at the end of November and continues through the beginning of January. The festivities include holiday movie screenings, ice rinks, and parades. There are also many indoor activities to enjoy if it gets cold out, like experiencing indoor skydiving!

Even if you don't partake in any special events, winter is still a great month to visit the area. The weather is mild, with daytime temperatures in the 59 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit range. After December, crowd levels are manageable, and you can find cheap flights and hotel rooms.

Spring in El Paso

Spring (March to June) is often considered the best time of year to visit El Paso, usually due to the season's beautiful weather. Daily highs range between 73 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit, and it rarely rains.

The nice weather increases the number of events held around the city. One popular spring event to check out is the Sun City Craft Beer Festival, held at the city's convention center. You can also take advantage of the great weather and explore the city on foot, visiting top attractions and El Paso landmarks.

Previously, spring was a shoulder season for tourism with moderate crowd levels, but it's become more popular among spring break travelers. As a result, the city can be bustling between the middle of March and the end of April, especially on weekends. Making reservations early will ensure you find good deals to suit your budget.

Summer in El Paso

Despite the 94 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit days, summer (June to September) is a lively time to visit El Paso. With local and out-of-town families enjoying the area's unique history and culture, expect crowds throughout the season.

There's a bright side to the influx of people around the city; events are held all season long in all of El Paso's districts. For example, the weekend-long Billy the Kid Festival is a favorite in the San Elizario neighborhood.

Independence Day is another busy but exciting time to come to this part of West Texas. Fireworks displays and parades are not uncommon events. If you want to escape the city and crowds, consider booking an El Paso UTV adventure, which allows you to explore the nearby desert.

Those visiting during this season will need a flexible budget because the summer holidays and events make discounts on lodging or travel unlikely.

Fall in El Paso

El Paso's crowd levels start to dwindle after Labor Day in early September as children return to school for the year, and fewer families can vacation now. So, if you don't have a high tolerance for crowds, fall (September to December) is the best time to travel to El Paso.

In addition, you'll be able to book a more budget-friendly trip because the low demand for amenities leads to a drop in hotel and airline costs. Best of all, the weather is lovely in the fall as temperatures are in the 68 to 89 degree Fahrenheit range, and it only rains two days a month on average.

Despite a drop in the number of visitors, there are still plenty of things to do, so don't expect fall to be an overly quiet time! Independent movie lovers flock to the area in September for the El Paso Film Festival.

Chalk the Block is also held in the Downtown Arts District and showcases the talents of local and out-of-town artists as they create intricate chalk designs.

In Summary

With its dry, mild weather and its unique and eclectic culture, there's something in El Paso for any traveler. However, while there's no wrong time to visit "Sun City," certain factors, such as crowd levels and flight and hotel costs, can affect your visit.

Crowd levels and costs are lowest in the fall (September to December) and winter (December to March). People who love warm weather and local events may have a better time visiting the city in spring (March to June) or summer (June to September).

This article should have given you all the information you need to determine when to organize the El Paso getaway of your dreams. Now, you just need to start planning it!

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

Give us feedback about this article