Texarkana sits right on the Texas-Arkansas state line, and the city leans into that split identity at every turn. You can literally stand in two states at once outside the federal courthouse and post office, one of the most photographed government buildings in the country. Ragtime legend Scott Joplin grew up here, the Perot Theatre has hosted performers since 1924, and downtown murals tell the story of a place shaped by railroads, music, and a famous poker hand that built a house shaped like a club.
Your best window for visiting Texarkana falls in two stretches: mid-March through late May, and mid-September through mid-November. Spring edges ahead as the prime pick, with comfortable highs near 75.9°F (24.4°C) and the city's biggest annual event, the Four States Fair and Rodeo, rolling through the fairgrounds each April. A brief stretch in late March can bring less ideal conditions, and early May occasionally turns unpredictable, but the weeks between are excellent for exploring downtown on foot, catching live music at the Perot Theatre, and browsing the farmers markets in pleasant weather. If spring doesn't work, the fall window from mid-September through mid-November delivers similar temperatures, thinner crowds than peak spring, and a calendar of fall festivals and live entertainment across the city.
Spring in Texarkana, TX, US
Spring is when Texarkana comes alive. The biggest draw is the Four States Fair and Rodeo, a ten-day event typically held in early-to-mid April at the Four States Fairgrounds. Expect carnival rides, a demolition derby, monster trucks, professional rodeo competitions, live music on the outdoor stage, and enough funnel cakes and corn dogs to fuel a long weekend. The fair pulls visitors from Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, and it's the single event most responsible for making spring the busiest tourism season here. Afternoons warm to highs of 75.9°F (24.4°C), making it comfortable to spend hours wandering the midway or exploring downtown afterward.
Beyond the fair, spring mornings start cool at 53.5°F (11.9°C), so layering is smart if you're heading to the Gateway Farmers Market early in the week. Rain shows up roughly 2 to 3 days per month, mostly as passing showers rather than all-day washouts, so a light rain jacket in your day bag covers you. The longer daylight hours help too; by May, the sun doesn't set until after 8pm, giving you a full evening to walk State Line Avenue, snap a photo straddling two states at the courthouse, or grab a craft beer at Redbone Magic Brewing before dark.
Accommodation demand picks up through April and May, so booking a couple of weeks ahead is wise, especially during fair week. Pack sunscreen for afternoons and a hoodie for mornings, and you'll be set for everything from outdoor festivals to a quiet walk through Spring Lake Park's trails.
Summer in Texarkana, TX, US
Summer in Texarkana is an endurance test. Highs average 93.2°F (34°C) across the season, and the humidity makes it feel heavier than the thermometer suggests. Early-to-mid August is the peak, with highs reaching 96.8°F (36°C) and overnight lows only dropping to 74.9°F (23.8°C), meaning the air barely cools between sunset and sunrise. If you're visiting in June or July, you'll want to plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late evening and duck indoors during the midday heat.
The silver lining is that summer is actually the driest stretch of the year, with significant rain arriving only 1 to 2 days per month. That reliability means lake days at Spring Lake Park or a swamp tour on the nearby waterways are rarely rained out. The Perot Theatre and the Museum of Regional History both offer air-conditioned escapes where you can learn about Scott Joplin's ragtime legacy or explore exhibits on the region's railroad heritage. Juneteenth in mid-to-late June and Independence Day in early July both bring community celebrations, cookouts, and fireworks to the area.
Tourism actually slows down in summer despite school being out, largely because of the heat. That translates to slightly lower accommodation rates and thinner crowds at most attractions. If you do visit, pack light, breathable clothing, drink plenty of water, and keep a cooler in the car for road-trip snacks that won't melt in the parking lot.
Fall in Texarkana, TX, US
Fall brings relief from the summer furnace and delivers some of Texarkana's most comfortable weather. Highs settle to 77.3°F (25.2°C), and mornings cool to 54.4°F (12.4°C), creating pleasant conditions for walking downtown, browsing the murals along Broad Street, or exploring the Ace of Clubs House, the 1885 Victorian built (according to local legend) with poker winnings and shaped to prove it. October is one of the busier months for visitors, so the city has a livelier feel without the sweltering conditions that keep people indoors during summer.
Showers pick up slightly compared to summer, arriving roughly 2 to 3 days per month, but fall rain tends to pass quickly. The calendar fills with fall festivals, community events, and live music downtown in the Rail Yard Entertainment District, where the open-air blocks come alive on cooler evenings. Barrel racing and equestrian events frequently take over the Four States Fairgrounds through the fall as well. Thanksgiving week in late November draws families together and can affect restaurant availability and hours, so plan dining accordingly if you're passing through around that time.
By November, daylight shortens noticeably and the sun sets around 5:15pm, so frontload your outdoor sightseeing. A light jacket handles most days, though late November mornings can dip enough to warrant a warmer layer. Accommodation rates sit slightly above summer levels due to the uptick in visitors, but availability is generally easier to find than during April's fair season.
Winter in Texarkana, TX, US
Winter strips Texarkana down to its quietest pace. January is the slowest month for tourism, and you'll find attractions like the Museum of Regional History and the Ace of Clubs House easy to visit without crowds. Highs reach 57.1°F (13.9°C) on an average winter day, which is mild enough for a brisk walk along the state line or through Ferguson Park's green spaces. But mornings are another story, with lows dropping to 36.5°F (2.5°C), and the shorter days (under 10 hours of daylight in December) mean outdoor exploring wraps up early.
Rain arrives sporadically, roughly 2 to 3 days per month, and while snow is essentially nonexistent here, a raw, damp chill can settle in on overcast days. The Perot Theatre runs its performance season through winter, and the 1923 Banana Club, a speakeasy-style bar in the basement of the 1894 City Market building, offers live blues and jazz on weekend nights. The Christmas parade in December adds a festive touch to downtown, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day events in mid-to-late January bring community gatherings worth attending.
With tourism at its lowest ebb, you'll likely find the most flexibility in accommodation options. Pack a warm coat for morning outings and plan your days around indoor attractions and the performing arts calendar to make the most of a winter visit.
At a Glance
Monthly weather, visitor crowds, air quality, holidays, and daylight hours to help you plan your trip.
Travel Tips & Safety for Texarkana, TX, US
Texarkana sits at the intersection of I-30 and several U.S. highways, making it an easy road-trip stop between Dallas and Little Rock (each roughly three hours away). The city also has a small regional airport (TXK) with limited service, but most visitors drive in. Keep in mind that you're crossing between two states with different laws, including different sales tax rates on either side of State Line Avenue. Tipping norms follow standard U.S. practice: 18 to 20 percent at sit-down restaurants.
Summer heat is the biggest practical hazard here. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and avoid extended outdoor exertion during midday from June through August. Severe thunderstorms can develop quickly in spring and early fall across this part of the South, occasionally producing hail or tornado warnings, so keep an eye on local weather alerts if storms are in the forecast. The city is generally safe for visitors, but as with any destination, lock your car and don't leave valuables visible when parked at trailheads or fairgrounds.