We are an active couple in our early 50s, trying to plan a winter getaway in late January for about 4-5 days, and we are thinking of visiting Austin. We have never been. Would it be fun at this time of year? We like to walk, bike ride, listen to music, enjoy good restaurants etc. Thinking of staying at the new Kimpton that is opening if we go. Would welcome any advice on visiting at this time of year. Thanks!

As a former resident of Austin and a current resident of the D.C. area, I can tell you that you will definitely enjoy the weather in Austin in January. (Based on your screen name, I gather you are from Maryland). While you can expect average high temps in January to be in the 40's and 50's, you are just as likely to experience 60's and 70's. (Doesn't that sound nice?)

There's plenty of places to walk and bike in Austin (e.g. around Lady Bird Lake), but I might recommend a day trip or even an overnight stay in Fredericksburg to bike some of the country roads and/or hike around Enchanted Rock. If you have any interest in history, the nearby LBJ Ranch National Park is fascinating as is the National Museum of the Pacific War (aka The Nimitz Museum). F'burg is a fun little town with some good German food and some upscale dining too.

mdmom--

Last year, I hoped for something very similar visiting Austin (for the first time!) & San Antonio in early January around New Years since I'd gotten halcyon low 70s temperatures in late December in 2004 when visiting San Antonio. This time I was less lucky-- I got highs in the high 30s and low 40s for all 4 days in the area, overcast and even one day rainy weather. I went with the intention of doing some biking and hiking, but the weather was a little too uncomfortable for doing that-- I did manage to walk along Town Lake wearing a hat and gloves!

I had a pleasant time visiting the Bob Bullock Museum of Texas History, the State Capitol, sampling some innovative restaurants and trying some tasty concoctions at the Ginger Man brewpub. I'd say go for it but you'll need to be ok with the possibility of having to fall back on doing fun indoors activities just in case. Getting outdoor activity weather is a dicier than in, say, southern Florida.

Best wishes and good luck deciding, Daniel

As Daniel pointed out, early January was a bit brisk in Austin last year, but late January was balmy--it even got into the low 80's one day. BUT this only proves the old saw about Texas' weather--If you don't like the weather one day, just wait 5 minutes.

However, no matter what the weather is in Austin in January, it's going to be better than in Maryland!

True, Austin weather can vary greatly (as is the case for most of Texas) just wait 10 minutes and it'll probably change!

But really, I was in Austin last January and there was snow- not a lot, and it was 60 the next day so it was gone, but Texans can NOT handle snow. At all. Spoken as a NY native now living here for 7 years.

If you're wanting to be sure you can be outside in January, I would not pick Austin, unless you're ok with the possibility of it being 40 and overcast (it could be 70 and sunny too!)

Thanks to all for the helpful info! We decided to go ahead and book; we live in the Northeast, so can deal with cooler temps and be outside, although hoping for a bit warmer than the 40s!

mdmom-- I hope you have fun and will be luckier than I was with the weather! Best wishes, Daniel