Summer Road Trips in Texas
Routes
30
Avg Distance
866 mi
Avg Drive
14h 42m
Destinations
10
Summer in Texas means embracing the heat with road trips that span the state's diverse landscapes. With 30 routes averaging 866 miles and nearly 15 hours of driving, you can explore everything from high-altitude climbs to flatter terrains. These drives offer a drive score of 8, indicating a solid experience for summer adventurers.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.48/gal
Diesel: $4.80/gal
Typical trip cost
$111–$212
One-way, ~866 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~303 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-07-13
Climate through the year: Texas
Texas peaks at around 98°F in Aug and cools to 63°F / 42°F in Jan. Wettest month is May at ~5 in of rain. Table highlights Summer months.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63 | 42 | 2.6 | — |
| Feb | 67 | 46 | 1.9 | 0.2 |
| Mar | 73 | 52 | 2.9 | — |
| Apr | 80 | 59 | 2.4 | — |
| May | 87 | 67 | 5 | — |
| Jun peak | 93 | 73 | 3.7 | — |
| Jul peak | 97 | 75 | 2 | — |
| Aug peak | 98 | 75 | 2.7 | — |
| Sep | 91 | 70 | 3.5 | — |
| Oct | 83 | 61 | 3.9 | — |
| Nov | 72 | 51 | 2.9 | — |
| Dec | 64 | 43 | 2.7 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for TX — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
- Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
- Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Routes
Editor's pick
Houston, TX → Los Angeles, CA
Through: Loop 1604 North
This cross-country route features high-altitude sections with climbs reaching 4658 feet, offering a significant challenge and impressive views. Its drive score of 8 promises a rewarding experience for those seeking dramatic elevation changes.
Editor's pick
Converse, TX → Indianapolis, IN
Through: Fort Worth → Texarkana → Convention Center +4 more
Primarily flat terrain defines this extensive drive, making it a more relaxed journey across states. With a drive score of 8, it's a dependable option for covering considerable distance with minimal strenuous elevation gain.
Editor's pick
Hemphill, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 287 West: Tyler
Traversing hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes up to 3961 feet, this Texas-to-Texas route offers a solid 8 drive score. It's a great way to see the state's varied topography without extreme climbs.
Buna, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Milam, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 287 West: Tyler
El Paso, TX → Orange, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
West Orange, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
South Padre Island, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Alamodome
Orange County, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
El Paso, TX → Vidor, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Port Neches, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
Groves, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Central Gardens, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Kountze, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Laguna Heights, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Alamodome
Port Arthur, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Beaumont, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Bevil Oaks, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Pinewood Estates, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Center, TX → El Paso, TX
El Paso, TX → Laureles, TX
Through: Downtown → Brownsville
El Paso, TX → Los Fresnos, TX
Through: Downtown → Brownsville
Pine Island, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Olmito, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Alamodome
El Paso, TX → Atlanta, TX
Through: Shreveport → Winona
Rancho Viejo, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Alamodome
Fannett, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Texarkana, TX → El Paso, TX
Socorro, TX → Brownsville, TX
Through: Downtown
China, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North