Your First Texas Summer — A Survival Checklist

Texas Summer Reality

If you are arriving in Austin from South Korea, you may think you know hot summers. Korean summers are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-90s. Texas summer is a different kind of heat. From mid-June through mid-September, Austin routinely sees daily highs between 100 and 108 degrees Fahrenheit (38-42 degrees Celsius). The UV index regularly hits 10 or higher. And unlike Korean summers, which include a monsoon season that brings periodic relief, Texas heat is relentless — day after day of clear skies and blazing sun.

The good news is that Texas heat, while intense, is manageable with the right preparation. Hundreds of thousands of people live here year-round. The key is adjusting your habits and expectations for those two to three peak months.

Home: A/C, Filters, and Power Bills

Air conditioning is not a luxury in Texas — it is critical infrastructure. Your A/C system will run nearly continuously from June through August, and keeping it maintained is essential.

• A/C filter schedule: Replace your HVAC filter every 30 days during summer. A clogged filter forces the system to work harder, raises your power bill, and can cause the unit to freeze up. Standard filters are available at any Home Depot or H-E-B for a few dollars each.
• Thermostat tips: Setting your thermostat to 76-78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 74-76 at night is a reasonable balance between comfort and cost. Going below 72 degrees significantly increases electricity consumption and can strain the system during peak heat.
• Power bill management: Texas operates on the ERCOT grid, and electricity rates vary by provider and plan. If you are on a variable-rate plan, summer bills can spike dramatically. Expect electricity bills of $150-250 per month for a standard apartment during summer. Running ceiling fans helps circulate cool air and lets you set the thermostat a degree or two higher.

Outdoor Safety

Being outdoors in Texas summer requires conscious planning. The heat is not just uncomfortable — it can be genuinely dangerous.

• Hydration: Drink water constantly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Add electrolyte packets (brands like Liquid IV or Pedialyte are available at any pharmacy) when you will be outside for extended periods. Coffee and tea count as fluids, but they are not substitutes for water.
• Sunscreen: Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every two hours when outdoors. The Texas sun is intense enough to cause visible sunburn in 15-20 minutes for lighter skin tones. Reapply after sweating.
• Timing: Schedule outdoor activities before 10:00 AM or after 7:00 PM. The window from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM is when the heat index is at its worst. Even a 20-minute walk at midday can leave you feeling drained.

Car Safety

Your car requires special attention during Texas summer. The interior of a parked car can reach 150-170 degrees Fahrenheit within 30 minutes.

• Never leave items in the car: Electronics, medications, aerosol cans, and lighters can be damaged or become hazardous in extreme heat. Chocolate, cosmetics, and anything with a low melting point will be destroyed.
• Windshield sunshade: A reflective windshield shade reduces interior temperatures significantly. They cost about $10-15 at any auto parts store and are worth every cent.
• Tire pressure: Heat causes tire pressure to increase. Check your tire pressure in the morning before driving, when tires are cool. Overinflated tires on hot pavement increase blowout risk.
• Keep water in the car: Always carry a bottle or two of water in the car. If you break down or get stuck in traffic, having water immediately available matters.

Heat Illness: Know the Signs

Understanding the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be life-saving.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cold or clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, and a fast but weak pulse. If you or someone you are with shows these signs, move to a cool environment immediately, drink water, and apply cool cloths to the skin. Heat exhaustion is serious but treatable if caught early.

Heat Stroke

Symptoms include a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid and strong pulse, confusion, and possible loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cool area and try to lower their body temperature with cool water or cloths while waiting for help.

The threshold between heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be crossed quickly, especially for people who are not acclimated to extreme heat. First-year assignees arriving from Korea in May or June are at higher risk simply because their bodies have not adjusted yet.

Fun Despite the Heat

Texas summer does not mean staying indoors for three months. Austin has plenty of options for enjoying the season without suffering through the worst of the heat.

• Indoor spots: Austin's museums, movie theaters, malls, and libraries are all air-conditioned refuges. The Blanton Museum of Art, Bullock Texas State History Museum, and local movie theaters are all popular weekend destinations during summer.
• Early morning hikes: Barton Creek Greenbelt, Mount Bonnell, and the trails at McKinney Falls State Park are all excellent — if you start before 8:00 AM. Bring water, wear a hat, and plan to be done before 10:00 AM.
• Evening lake activities: Lady Bird Lake and Lake Travis are popular for evening kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming once the sun begins to drop. Sunset on the water is one of the best parts of Austin summer.