Summer Road Trips in Texas
Routes
30
Avg Distance
841 mi
Avg Drive
14h 17m
Destinations
28
Summer in Texas offers a diverse range of road trips, with 30 routes averaging 840 miles and over 14 hours of driving. While many trips feature mostly flat terrain, you can also encounter hilly sections with moderate elevation changes. Drivers will find routes with up to 4 DC fast chargers, and some offer access to parks. The drive scores for these summer excursions typically range from 6 to 8.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.86/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$117–$247
One-way, ~841 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~294 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
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 lengthy cross-country drive scores an 8 and features high-altitude sections with notable climbs, reaching up to 4658 feet. It also includes access to parks, though EV charging is sparse.
Editor's pick
Converse, TX → Indianapolis, IN
Through: Fort Worth → Texarkana → Convention Center +4 more
Another strong 8-score route, this trip predominantly traverses mostly flat terrain with a maximum elevation of 821 feet. It provides park access along its course.
Editor's pick
Hemphill, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 287 West: Tyler
This 862-mile route within Texas covers hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes, peaking at 3961 feet. It also offers park access for travelers.
Buna, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
El Paso, TX → Orange, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Vidor, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Port Neches, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Laureles, TX
Through: Downtown → Brownsville
El Paso, TX → Los Fresnos, TX
Through: Downtown → Brownsville
El Paso, TX → Atlanta, TX
Through: Shreveport → Winona
El Paso, TX → Diboll, TX
Through: Shreveport
El Paso, TX → Heidelberg, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → Maud, TX
El Paso, TX → Linden, TX
Through: Shreveport → Winona
El Paso, TX → Redland, TX
Through: Shreveport
El Paso, TX → Midway South, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → Hidalgo, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → Mission, TX
Through: Downtown
Port Isabel, TX → Amarillo, TX
Through: Alamodome → Menard → Lubbock
El Paso, TX → Olivarez, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → West Sharyland, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → Alamo, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → San Leon, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
Brownsville, TX → Amarillo, TX
Through: Alamodome → Menard → Lubbock
El Paso, TX → Ore City, TX
Through: Shreveport → Winona
El Paso, TX → Woodbranch, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Dickinson, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Conroe, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Freeport, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco +1 more
Socorro, TX → Garland, TX