Texas & San Marcos
Texas Weather by Season: What Clothes Should International Students Pack?
Weather worries many families choosing a study destination — yet Texas is exactly why Vietnamese and Southeast Asian students adapt quickly: warm sunshine most of the year and a short, mild winter. San Marcos sits in Central Texas (Hill Country), 30 minutes from Austin, with a humid subtropical climate.
Four seasons in San Marcos
| Season | Months | Average temps | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Sep – Nov | 15–30°C (59–86°F) | Best of the year, sunny, cool nights — main intake |
| Winter | Dec – Feb | 3–18°C (37–64°F) | Short and mild; a few cold fronts near 0°C, snow is rare |
| Spring | Mar – May | 15–30°C | Bluebonnets across the Hill Country, showers, pollen season |
| Summer | Jun – Aug | 25–38°C (77–100°F) | Hot and bright; the 22°C San Marcos River is the place to cool off |
Does it snow?
Snow in San Marcos is rare — once every few years and gone within the day. Each winter, however, brings 2–3 cold fronts from the north that push temperatures near freezing for a few days. Keep one warm jacket for those.
Packing list
- Mostly summer/fall clothes: t-shirts, jeans, sneakers — worn 8–9 months a year.
- One warm jacket + one hoodie/cardigan: enough for a Texas winter; no heavy down coat needed.
- Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen: Texas sun is intense with a high UV index.
- Light rain jacket/umbrella: heavy spring showers.
- Swimwear: the river and campus pools are a signature of student life.
Tip: clothing is cheap in the U.S., especially at San Marcos Premium Outlets — pack basics and buy the rest after arrival.
Natural hazards?
Central Texas is outside the hurricane zone (unlike Houston); tornadoes mostly affect North Texas. The main risk is heavy spring rain causing local flooding. TXST's TXState Alert system texts and emails all students during severe weather or emergencies.
Packing questions? The Vietnam Office has a detailed pre-departure checklist for TXST students.