When to Go

The DFW area is reliably hot (and usually humid) in the summer. The forecast during the rest of the year is less reliable, but it's safe to say you rarely need a down parka or snow boots 'round these parts. Early spring can be cold or mild, late spring mild or hot; early fall hot or mild, late fall mild or cold. Winter? Who knows—you may get caught in an ice storm, or you may see children playing outside in shorts and T-shirts.

Spring and fall are great times to visit if you're a fan of festivals. Spring brings Dallas Blooms to the Arboretum; the arts and music festival Wildflower! in suburban Richardson; the Main St. Fort Worth Art Festival; the American Film Institute Festival at Victory Park; Taste Addison; and Main Street Days in Grapevine. Fall offers Grapevine's GrapeFest; the Greek Food Festival at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, a large Dallas congregation; Addison Oktoberfest; and the biggest attraction of them all, the three-week State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

The Christmas season is also a special time in the area. It never gets North Pole cold, and plenty of folks are eager to celebrate. The Neiman Marcus Adolphus Children's Parade kicks off the season, just about every suburb hosts a tree-lighting or day of festivities, the malls are in high gear, and some neighborhoods spare no expense in decorating homes with blinding light displays.