It’s a winter-ful life ❄️

Winter weather forecast for Austin

The Austin skyline as seen from Lady Bird Lake, with buildings reflected in the water.

Winter is on the way, weather you like it or not. | Photo by ATXtoday

We know the question on your mind, Austinites — when’s it going to get cold again? Thanks to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, we know what temperatures and precipitation trends to expect in our city for December, January, and February.

While exact weather conditions typically can’t be predicted more than a week in advance, here’s a seasonal outlook to help you prepare for what winter will bring.

Reminder: The first day of winter is on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

🌡️ Temperature

Think warm. This winter, Austin has a 40-50% chance of temperatures being higher than normal.

🌨️ Precipitation

Expect slightly less precipitation. The Capital City has a 40-50% chance of seeing below normal rainfall amounts this winter.

☀️ Drought

Bad news, Austin — drought conditions are expected to persist this season.

A graphic of the United States with colors depicting whether temperatures will be hotter or colder than average this winter. — Prepare for a warmer-than-average winter this season, Austin.

Dive into December

In a typical year, December in Austin means mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. The average temperature for the month is ~60º — perfect for an afternoon stroll along Lady Bird Lake. Although this month got off to a warmer-than-average start, cold-weather lovers can rejoice: a cold front is sweeping in next week and bringing our days back down into the 50s and 60s.

Jumping to January

Although it’s too far out to know for sure, January weather tends to mirror December in ATX. Temperatures are expected to range in the 40s and 50s, and average yearly snowfall typically amounts to a whopping 10 mm.

February’s forecast

Recent years may be exceptions to this trend (see: Winter Storm Uri), but February is actually the second-coldest month in Austin on average, behind January. Temperatures typically stay between 40º-60º, and precipitation is sparse: average levels amount to 5 mm of snow and 23 mm of rain.

The most wonderful time of year to get out and explore Austin is…

A. Spring
B. Summer
C. Fall
D. Winter

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Friday, Dec. 9

21st Annual Austin City Ballet Children’s Nutcracker | Now-Sunday, Dec. 11 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Texas School for the Deaf, 1102 S. Congress Ave., Austin | $20-$45 | Watch Clara’s world transform in this classic holiday tale.
Ian Moore Family Christmas | Friday, Dec. 9 | 8 p.m. | Stateside at the Paramount, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $22-$29.50 | Settle in for an acoustic performance of both well-known and rare holiday songs.

Saturday, Dec. 10

Diamonds Gala | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | M. Robinson File Jewelers, 3464 Ranch Rd. 620 S., Bee Cave | $44.50 | Enjoy custom cocktails, music, and performances at this formal gala — proceeds benefit Legacy Ranch, which provides shelter and schooling for abused and neglected children.
6th Annual Austin Tribute to Tom Waits | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 10 p.m.-12 a.m. | The Continental Club, 1315 S. Congress Ave., Austin | $10 | This event honors the artist behind iconic songs like “I Hope That I Don’t Fall In Love With You.”
December Clothing Swap | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 12-1:45 p.m. | Wanderlust Wine Co., 702 Shady Ln., Austin | $5 | Exchange your old and gently used clothes for new-to-you items — you can also bring an unopened toy for the community toy drive.

Sunday, Dec. 11

Hotel San José Courtyard Yoga | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 10 a.m. | Hotel San José, 1316 S. Congress Ave., Austin | Free | Enjoy a weekend stretch outside during this free yoga class — RSVPs required.
Janeane Garofalo | Sunday, Dec. 11 | 7 p.m. | Stateside at the Paramount, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $35 | This comedian is known for her work in “Ratatouille,” “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion,” and “Wet Hot American Summer.”

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

77º | Partly cloudy | 15% chance of rain

Today Is

The last day to vote early in the runoff race to elect Austin’s next mayor and city councilmembers for Districts 3, 5, and 9. Find a polling location before election day on Tuesday, Dec. 13. 🗳

Coming Soon

Popular South Lamar pickleball bar Bouldin Acres is expanding to a second location in North Austin. The new spot at 1806 W. Braker Lane — just a mile from Q2 Stadium — is set to be up and running by spring 2023. (Austin Business Journal)
A creamery known for making water buffalo milk gelato has plans for a new location in Dripping Springs next year. OroBianco’s outpost at 27713 Ranch Rd. 12 will offer seasonal and staple flavors, in addition to coffee and cheeses. 🍦 (Eater Austin)

Development

Crews are hard at work on Pearson Ranch, a $2 billion, 156-acre mixed-use development in Williamson County. The project is expected to include a 48-acre office park, 306 apartments, and 30 acres of parkland. 🏗 (Austin Business Journal)

Legacy

Jo Carol Pierce, a songwriter and performer who lived in Austin for much of her life, died last week at 78. She’s remembered for her cabaret act titled “Bad Girls Upset by the Truth” and her influence on Austin’s theater scene, among other legacies. (Austin American-Statesman)

Arts

“The Origins of Medicine” murals, which used to be housed in the Medical Park Tower on West 38th Street, have a new home in the downtown Mexic-Arte Museum. Learn more about the history of the 29-ft-long works by Mexican artist Rafael Navarro Barajas. 🎨 (CBS Austin)

DYK

Did you know eight local World War II veterans met President Joe Biden this week? The Austinites were flown to the White House in commemoration of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on Wednesday, Dec. 7. (Austin American-Statesman)

Shop

Wanna gift outside the box this year? Opt for an experiential gift from Uncommon Goods. From monthly gift subscriptions (like this Game of the Month Subscription) to hands-on classes taught by expert instructors (like a Raindrop Cake Class or Paint Your Pet Class), there’s something for everyone on your list.*

Stat

Of all the challenges people have faced in 2022, 43% of buyers said finding a home that best suits their needs was the toughest challenge.*

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Party like it’s 2023 🥂

11 ways to ring in the New Year in Austin

Whether you’re ready for a rooftop or looking for live music, these Austin events have you covered on December 31. | Photo by Varun Yadav on Unsplash

T-minus 23 days until the end of 2022 — and Austin, it’s time to plan the party.

Whether you’re looking for live music or trying to party it up downtown, there’s a New Year’s Eve celebration for you in the Capital City. Here are 11 events to get you started.

Austin’s New Year | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 6 p.m. | Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | Free | Catch the city’s official New Year’s Eve celebration.

Speakeasy’s Legendary New Year’s Eve Bash | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Speakeasy, 412 Congress Ave., Austin | $49+ | This downtown bar has been hosting New Year’s Eve celebrations since 1997 — expect DJ sets, bottle service, and party favors.

Bob Schneider’s Great Big Spectacular New Year’s Eve Party | Saturday, Dec. 31 | 9 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Ave., Austin | $35-$100 | Primo the Alien and Big Skinny will also perform at this annual Austin show.

8 MORE NYE EVENTS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by London.

Editor’s pick: City Editor Figi and I stopped by Donn’s Depot yesterday for a holiday-themed drink in a festive setting. If you’re like me and love a coffee-flavored drink, you must try The Nutcracker.

Haven’t stopped by a holiday pop-up yet this season? Check out our guide to 19 of Austin’s best. 🎄

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Learn about Austin’s Greek-Mex fusion kitchen and local Trader Joe’s references, here.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

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