Houston has a humid subtropical climate with long, sweltering summers and short, mild winters that rarely threaten freezing.
Rain falls year-round with a notable increase from May through October, meaning waterproof layers and quick-dry fabrics earn their keep.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F) with heat indices climbing even higher, while winter lows hover around 7-10°C (45-50°F).
The humidity is relentless, turning even modest heat into a sticky ordeal and making moisture-wicking materials essential rather than optional.
Air conditioning is so aggressively deployed indoors that carrying a light cardigan in summer is more practical than it sounds.