Dallas, Texas probably has the best weather year-round in Texas. It doesn’t get too hot in the summer and it doesn’t get too cold in the winter as compared to other parts of the state. Dallas, Texas is built along the Trinity river in Northern Texas and tends to experience mild winters. But which month is the coldest?

With mild winters, Texas can expect to see its coldest month at the beginning of the year. In January, the state sees an average of around 37℉ (2.7℃). Without the sun warming the ground at night, Texas can see a low temperature of 23℉ (-4.5℃). 

What makes Dallas Texas winters so mild unlike other parts of the state? These unpredictable winter temperatures may not be a one-time thing and may become the new normal. Keep reading to learn the science behind these mild winters.

Why Does Dallas Texas Get Cold In January?

Now that you know that the coldest month in Dallas, Texas is January, you may be wondering why it’s this month specifically. What is the science behind the cold weather in Dallas, Texas?

The Polar Vortex

The reason why Dallas, Texas gets cold in January is because of polar vortexes.

The polar vortex is a sizable area that surrounds the poles of the Earth, these areas consist of low pressures and cold air. During the winter months, these vortexes grow in size sending cold air down and into the jet stream. 

These vortexes are nothing new but only recently have they become an interest to meteorologists studying the weather patterns of the Earth. 

Jet Stream

After the cold air leaves the polar vortex it is pushed into the jet streams. A jet stream is defined as fast-moving air located in the atmosphere of Earth. Some flow in various directions, split into more parts or combine into one. 

The specific jet stream that affects Texas flows from West to East moving the cold air it picked up from the vortex across the northern parts of Texas.

Does Dallas Texas Have 4 Seasons?

Despite the hot dry air that tends to describe most of Texas, Dallas will migrate between 4 distinct seasons throughout the year. 

Here are the months these seasons hit:

  • Winter: This season for Dallas, Texas is marked between December and February with the weather in the 50s and even lower once the sun sets. 
  • Spring: Tourists are encouraged to visit between March and May because of the warm comfortable temperatures and the blooming flowers.
  • Summer: June through August is the hot season in Dallas with temperatures in the high 90s and high humidity, however, this season is Dallas’ most popular season with highly overpriced hotels.
  • Autumn: Another great time for comfort is September through November after the heat of the year begins to die down. This may not be the best time for tourists due to football season and climbing prices due to the influx of people visiting for the state fair.

Now, let’s see how low temperatures get in Dallas, Texas.

Lowest Temperature In Dallas, Texas

Even though most winters in Dallas Texas are mild, it is possible to see extremely cold weather on rare occasions. 

The coldest temperature Dallas Texas has ever seen was -3℉ and was recorded on January 18th, 1930. The most recent record-breaking temperature was recorded in 1989 on December 23rd, the temperature was 1℉ and stands as the 4th coldest temperature Texas has ever seen. 

Does It Snow In Dallas, Texas?

Snow in Dallas Texas is not unheard of.

Dallas tends to see an average of two or three snow days a year. On average snowfall tends to only be about 0.6-inch. 

Most of the winter weather seen in Dallas Texas however is sleet and hail. This tends to happen because the hot and humid air from the southern parts of the state mixes with the cold dry air from the north. 

Has Dallas, Texas Ever Had a Snow Storm?

Snowstorms are most likely not associated with Texas very often, however, anyone living near Dallas Texas will never forget the winter of 2010. 

In 2010 Texas experienced a record-breaking snowfall with some areas reaching 17” of snow, making this the snowiest season on record. In some areas up to 25” of snow was recorded. 

But, what exactly caused this out-of-the-ordinary weather trend?

Texas as a whole is subject to the pressure system known as “El Nino” a cold and wet system that brings colder air than normal to parts of Texas and affects Dallas Texas drastically. This system only appears about every 2 years and doesn’t generally have such a large impact on the weather.

Snow began to fall on December 2nd, 2009 in Dallas Texas, and would continue to fall on and off until March 2010. However, the Christmas blizzard would leave thousands without power for several weeks.

Conclusion

Winters in Dallas Texas are generally mild with the coldest month being January. This area generally doesn’t see much snow but it isn’t completely unheard of. 

Weather systems like the vortex and trade winds affect the mild winter Texas is known for. Dallas Texas does enjoy all four seasons with winter lasting a normal length and giving way to a comfortable beautiful spring that many tourists tend to enjoy.