Summer Road Trips in Texas
Routes
30
Avg Distance
868 mi
Avg Drive
14h 43m
Destinations
12
Texas summer drives offer a spectrum of experiences, from scorching plains to surprisingly elevated terrain. With 30 routes available, averaging 868 miles and nearly 15 hours, you can find a long-haul adventure suited to your summer plans. This season's drives present varied landscapes, with some reaching over 4,600 feet in elevation and boasting excellent EV charger coverage, with up to 32 fast chargers noted on some routes.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.69/gal
Diesel: $5.60/gal
Typical trip cost
$118–$224
One-way, ~868 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~304 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-08-31
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 expansive cross-country route grabs attention with its high-altitude sections and significant climbs, reaching up to 4,658 feet. It's a trek that promises dramatic elevation changes across its 1,546 miles.
Editor's pick
Converse, TX → Indianapolis, IN
Through: Fort Worth → Texarkana → Convention Center +4 more
For those prioritizing consistent charging, this 1,160-mile trip stands out with 'good' EV coverage and a notable 32 DC fast chargers. It mostly traverses flat terrain, making for a straightforward drive.
Editor's pick
Hemphill, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 287 West: Tyler
This 862-mile journey within Texas offers 'excellent' EV charger availability, with 27 fast chargers along the way. The drive features hilly terrain and moderate elevation changes, peaking at 3,961 feet.
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 → Nederland, 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
El Paso, TX → Laguna Vista, TX
Through: Downtown → Brownsville
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
El Paso, TX → Cameron Park Colonia, TX
Through: Downtown → Brownsville
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