Greater Austin Seasonal Party Planning Guide

Weather, Timing, and Temperature Tips for Perfect Outdoor Events

Central Texas weather is extreme and unpredictable. This guide helps Greater Austin families choose the best months for outdoor parties, prepare for heat and storms, and create backup plans for every season.

Quick Seasonal Overview

Month-by-Month Planning Guide

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 61°F / Low: 41°F
• Rainfall: 2 inches average
• Cedar pollen: EXTREME (peak season)
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Available equipment (low season)
• Flexible scheduling
• Lower demand = better rates
• Bounce houses work perfectly (no heat concerns)

Cons:

• Cedar fever affects 50% of Greater Austin residents
• Cold snaps possible (rare below 40°F during day)
• Water slides not recommended
• Short daylight hours
  

Best Equipment:

• Dry bounce houses (all sizes)
• Indoor/outdoor combo options
• Avoid water slides
  

Booking Timeline: 3-4 weeks advance adequate

Greater Austin January Tips:

• Schedule afternoon parties (warmest hours: 1-4pm)
• Have indoor space available for cold snaps
• Provide allergy medication info to parents
• Perfect for winter birthday kids who usually miss outdoor fun
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 65°F / Low: 45°F
• Rainfall: 2.5 inches average
• Cedar pollen: High to moderate (ending)
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Warming temperatures
• Cedar season winding down
• Still low booking competition
• Valentine's theme parties popular
  

Cons:

• Unpredictable "false spring" then cold returns
• Water still too cold for slides
• Can have 80°F or 45°F on party day
  

Best Equipment:

• Bounce houses (all types)
• Wet/dry combos (use dry mode)
• Interactive game inflatables
  

Booking Timeline: 3-4 weeks advance

Greater Austin February Tips:

• Monitor 10-day forecast closely
• Have warming stations (fire pit, patio heaters) ready
• Perfect for Mardi Gras themed parties
• Last chance for budget-friendly winter rates
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 73°F / Low: 52°F
• Rainfall: 3 inches average (SPRING STORMS BEGIN)
• Pollen: Oak pollen replaces cedar
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Beautiful spring weather begins
• Water slides become viable (if warm day)
• Wildflower season (great for photos)
• Spring break parties popular
  

Cons:

• Severe weather season starts (tornadoes possible)
• Rain chances increase
• Unpredictable week-to-week
• Spring break crowds = higher demand
  

Best Equipment:

• Bounce houses (safe bet for any weather)
• Small water slides (if forecast 75°F+)
• Wet/dry combos (maximum flexibility)
  

Booking Timeline: 6-8 weeks advance (spring break especially)

Greater Austin March Tips:

• Have weather backup plan mandatory
• Best month for bluebonnet photo parties
• Monitor severe weather alerts
• Consider rescheduling insurance add-on
• Popular for Pflugerville, Cedar Park school break parties
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 80°F / Low: 60°F
• Rainfall: 3.5 inches average (PEAK STORM MONTH)
• Pollen: Oak continues, grasses begin
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Consistently warm (perfect bounce house weather)
• Water slides fully operational
• Before extreme heat hits
• Beautiful outdoor weather
  

Cons:

• Highest rainfall month in Greater Austin
• Severe thunderstorms common (afternoon)
• Tornado season peak
• Unpredictable day-to-day
  

Best Equipment:

• All equipment types work
• Water slides increasingly popular
• Obstacle courses great temperature
• Combos provide flexibility
  

Booking Timeline: 6-8 weeks advance (high demand month)

Greater Austin April Tips:

• CRITICAL: Have indoor backup or reschedule flexibility
• Morning parties safer (storms typically afternoon)
• Check radar day-of even if forecast clear
• Easter weekend books fast
• Popular month for Round Rock, Georgetown outdoor events
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 87°F / Low: 68°F
• Rainfall: 5 inches average (WETTEST MONTH)
• Heat index: Starting to climb
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Still pre-extreme heat
• Water slides perfect temperature
• End of school year celebrations
• Memorial Day weekend popular
  

Cons:

• Wettest month of the year in Central Texas
• Flash flooding possible
• Heat starting to require precautions
• Memorial Day = highest demand
  

Best Equipment:

• Water slides (ideal temperature)
• Large bounce houses with shade nearby
• Combos very popular
• Obstacle courses
  

Booking Timeline: 8-10 weeks advance (especially Memorial Day)

Greater Austin May Tips:

• Most popular month for parties - book early!
• Flash flood awareness (don't setup in low areas)
• Begin heat safety protocols (hydration stations)
• Graduation parties book out fast
• End-of-school celebrations everywhere
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 93°F / Low: 74°F
• Rainfall: 4 inches average
• Heat index: 95-100°F typical
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Summer vacation begins
• Water slides at peak popularity
• Long daylight hours (parties until 8:30pm)
• Pool + slide combos perfect
  

Cons:

• Heat becomes significant concern
• Afternoon thunderstorms common
• High demand = premium pricing
• Requires heat management
  

Best Equipment:

• Water slides #1 choice
• Combo wet/dry units
• Avoid dry-only bounce houses (too hot)
• Shaded setups essential
  

Booking Timeline: 10-12 weeks advance (peak season)

Greater Austin June Tips:

• Heat safety mandatory: Start parties early (9am) or late (5pm)
• Provide misting stations, shade structures
• 30-minute activity rotations with water breaks
• Most popular for Lake Travis, Lake Pflugerville events
• Father's Day weekend books fast
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 97°F / Low: 76°F
• Rainfall: 2 inches average (DROUGHT BEGINS)
• Heat index: 100-108°F common
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Peak water slide season
• 4th of July celebrations
• Kids available all month
• Evening parties feasible
  

Cons:

• EXTREME HEAT - most challenging month
• Drought restrictions may limit water use
• Afternoon feels-like temps 105°F+
• Equipment must be in shade if possible
  

Best Equipment:

• Water slides ONLY (dry bounce houses unsafe midday)
• Wet/dry combos in water mode
• Setup in shaded areas essential
• Consider delaying until evening
  

Booking Timeline: 12+ weeks advance (highest demand)

Greater Austin July Tips:

• Plan parties before 11am or after 6pm
• Mandatory cooling stations every 10 feet
• Consider rescheduling if heat index 105°F+
• 4th of July = book by early April
• Many families choose indoor venues this month instead
• Check Austin Water drought restrictions before booking water slides
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 98°F / Low: 77°F
• Rainfall: 2.5 inches average
• Heat index: 100-110°F (HOTTEST MONTH)
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Back-to-school celebrations
• Late summer availability improves
• Water activities still perfect
• Monsoon season can bring relief
  

Cons:

• HOTTEST MONTH in Greater Austin
• Dangerous heat levels common
• Back-to-school shopping competes for attention
• Still requires extreme heat precautions
  

Best Equipment:

• Water slides essential
• No dry bounce houses during peak heat
• Evening setups only for dry inflatables
• Pool + slide combinations ideal
  

Booking Timeline: 8-10 weeks advance (demand decreasing)

Greater Austin August Tips:

• Evening parties strongly recommended (after 6pm)
• Back-to-school parties popular (end of month)
• Heat safety even more critical than July
• Consider indoor alternatives for midday
• Late August sees price drops as season ends
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 92°F / Low: 72°F
• Rainfall: 3 inches average
• Heat: Still hot but improving
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Heat beginning to break
• Lower booking demand (school started)
• Water slides still viable
• Birthday kids who missed July/August
  

Cons:

• Still hot (90s common)
• Hurricane remnants can bring heavy rain
• School schedules limit weekday options
• Heat precautions still needed
  

Best Equipment:

• Water slides still popular
• Bounce houses becoming viable again
• Combos offer flexibility
• All equipment types work with planning
  

Booking Timeline: 6-8 weeks advance

Greater Austin September Tips:

• Early September = still treat as summer (heat)
• Late September = transitional (can go either way)
• Labor Day weekend books early
• Perfect for makeup parties from cancelled July/August events
• School carnivals and fundraisers common
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 83°F / Low: 62°F
• Rainfall: 4 inches average
• Weather: IDEAL - best month
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• PERFECT WEATHER - most comfortable month
• Halloween theme parties everywhere
• No heat concerns
• Beautiful fall conditions
• High demand returns
  

Cons:

• Popular month = book early
• Unpredictable rain still possible
• Halloween weekend = highest competition
• Fall festivals compete for dates
  

Best Equipment:

• ALL equipment types perfect
• Bounce houses ideal temperature
• Water slides still warm enough
• Obstacle courses very popular
• Themed Halloween units available
  

Booking Timeline: 8-10 weeks advance (especially Halloween)

Greater Austin October Tips:

• Second most popular month after May
• Halloween themed parties book out
• Perfect for Cedar Park, Round Rock community events
• UT home games affect availability (book around schedule)
• Best month for all-day events
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 72°F / Low: 52°F
• Rainfall: 3 inches average
• Cedar pollen: Begins late month
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Continued beautiful weather
• Lower demand post-Halloween
• Thanksgiving week available
• Cool but comfortable
• Bounce houses perfect
  

Cons:

• Cedar fever returns (late month)
• Cooling temps make water slides less appealing
• Thanksgiving week disrupted
• Shorter daylight hours
  

Best Equipment:

• Bounce houses (all sizes)
• Dry inflatables ideal
• Water slides early month only
• Combo units versatile
  

Booking Timeline: 4-6 weeks advance

Greater Austin November Tips:

• Early November still great weather
• Thanksgiving weekend very available
• Perfect for fall birthday parties
• Consider heaters for evening events
• Last good month before cedar season peaks
  

Weather Profile:

• Average high: 64°F / Low: 44°F
• Rainfall: 2.5 inches average
• Cedar pollen: PEAK SEASON returns
  

Party Considerations:

Pros:

• Holiday theme parties
• Very low demand (best availability)
• Budget-friendly pricing
• Bounce houses work well
• Flexible scheduling
  

Cons:

• Cedar allergies widespread
• Cold weather possible
• Holiday travel conflicts
• Short daylight, early darkness
• Water slides not recommended
  

Best Equipment:

• Bounce houses only
• Holiday themed units
• Indoor/outdoor options
• Smaller units for indoor setups
  

Booking Timeline: 2-4 weeks advance (lowest demand)

Greater Austin December Tips:

• Perfect for kids with December birthdays (often forgotten)
• Holiday parties combine well with bounce houses
• Cedar allergies affect planning
• Afternoon parties warmest (1-4pm)
• Many families choose this for budget-friendly celebrations
  

Weather-Specific Planning

Heat Management (May-September)

When to Cancel or Reschedule:

• Heat index above 105°F (extreme risk)
• Excessive heat warnings issued
• "Feels like" temperature sustained above 100°F for party duration
  

Mandatory Heat Protocols:



90-95°F "feels like":

• Hydration station with water bottles
• Shade structure required
• 10-minute water breaks every 30 minutes

95-100°F "feels like":

• All of the above PLUS
• Misting stations or spray bottles
• 15-minute breaks every 20 minutes
• Adult heat monitor designated
• First aid kit with ice packs

100°F+ "feels like":

• Consider rescheduling
• If proceeding: morning only (before 11am) or evening (after 7pm)
• Mandatory cooling stations
• Constant adult supervision for heat symptoms
• Emergency plan in place
  

Storm Preparedness (March-May, September)

Before Party:



• Check radar 24 hours, 6 hours, and 1 hour before
• Have National Weather Service Austin bookmarked (weather.gov/ewx)
• Identify safe indoor space
• Communicate backup plan to guests
  

During Party:



• Monitor radar continuously
• 30-minute rule: clear equipment 30 minutes before storms
• Lightning within 10 miles = evacuate immediately
• Don't wait for rain to start
  

512Jump Storm Protocol:



• We monitor weather actively
• Will contact you if conditions deteriorate
• Can deflate and secure equipment quickly
• Rescheduling at no charge for severe weather
  

Cold Weather Planning (December-February)

Temperature Considerations:

• Bounce houses safe to use in any cold (equipment fine to 20°F)
• Kids generate heat jumping (comfortable to 45°F with activity)
• Plan shorter sessions in cold weather
  

Cold Weather Enhancements:

• Patio heaters near equipment entrance/exit
• Hot chocolate or warm drinks station
• Indoor space for warming breaks
• Afternoon scheduling (warmest hours: 1-4pm)
• Encourage layers that can be removed
  

When It's Too Cold:

• Rare in Greater Austin (maybe 2-3 days per year)
• Below 40°F with wind = consider rescheduling
• Freezing rain or ice = automatic cancellation
  

Drought & Water Restrictions

Austin Water Restrictions

Greater Austin frequently implements drought restrictions affecting water slide usage.

Stage 1 (typical baseline):

• Outdoor water use allowed any day
• Water slides permitted
• No restrictions on party rentals
  

Stage 2 (moderate drought):

• Designated watering days only
• Special events may require variance
• 512Jump holds commercial permit (usually exempts rentals)
• Contact Austin Water if concerned: (512) 494-9400
  

Stage 3+ (severe drought):

• Significant restrictions
• May require advance approval for water slides
• Consider dry bounce houses instead
• 512Jump will notify if restrictions affect bookings
  

Check Current Status:

• Visit: austintexas.gov/department/drought
• Call Austin Water: (512) 494-9400
• 512Jump monitors and will advise
  

Pollen & Allergy Considerations

Best Equipment Choices

Cedar Fever Season (December-February)

What It Is:

• Mountain cedar pollen (Ashe juniper)
• Affects 50%+ of Greater Austin residents
• Symptoms mimic flu: fever, fatigue, congestion
• Peak: Late December through early February
  

Party Planning Impact:

Mild cedar days:

• Parties proceed normally
• Notify parents in invitation (guests can medicate)
• Have antihistamines available
• Indoor retreat space helpful
  

Check Cedar Levels:

• Local news reports daily (KXAN, KVUE)
• "Low" = no concerns
• "Moderate" = notify guests
• "High/Very High" = consider rescheduling
  

Oak Pollen (March-April)

Impact:

• Less severe than cedar but still significant
• Oak pollen coats everything (cars, outdoor furniture)
• Can irritate eyes and breathing
  

Party Considerations:

• Wipe down equipment before use (512Jump does this)
• Have outdoor hand-washing station
• Indoor breaks helpful
• Generally doesn't prevent outdoor parties
  

Grass Pollen (May-September)

Impact:

• Moderate allergen
• Affects some guests
• Rarely prevents outdoor events
  

Management:

• Mow lawn 2-3 days before party (not day-of)
• Water grass night before to reduce airborne pollen
• Have antihistamines available
  

Best & Worst Times to Book

Highest Demand (book 10-12 weeks ahead):

Dates:

• Memorial Day weekend
• 4th of July weekend
• Every Saturday in May
• Every Saturday in October
• Labor Day weekend
• Spring break week (varies by district)

Why: School breaks, holidays, perfect weather

Moderate Demand (book 6-8 weeks ahead):

Dates:

• April weekends
• September weekends
• June weekends
• Any Sunday in peak months

Why: Good weather, convenient timing

Low Demand (book 3-4 weeks ahead):

Dates:

• January-February any day
• July-August weekdays
• November-December weekends
• Any weekday outside summer

Why: Less ideal weather or school conflicts

Budget-Friendly Booking:

Best deals:

• January-February (lowest prices)
• July-August weekdays (heat discount)
• December (holiday season low demand)
• Any weekday outside May/June
  

Premium pricing:

May Saturdays

Memorial Day

4th of July

October Saturdays

School District Calendars

Greater Austin has multiple school districts with different schedules.

Major Districts:

Austin ISD:

• Spring break: Mid-March typically
• Last day of school: Late May/early June
• Fall break: None
• Winter break: Mid-December to early January
  

Round Rock ISD:

• Spring break: Week after Austin ISD usually
• Last day: Similar to AISD
• Fall break: None
• Winter break: Similar to AISD
  

Leander ISD:

• Spring break: Often differs from Austin/Round Rock
• Last day: Late May
• Fall break: None
• Winter break: Standard
  

Pflugerville ISD, Georgetown ISD, Hays CISD: Similar patterns with slight variations

Party Planning Impact:

• Spring break weeks book fast (different districts = multiple busy weeks)
• End of school (late May) = highest demand
• Check specific district calendar when booking
• Multi-district areas see extended high-demand periods
  

Time of Day Considerations

Morning Parties (9am-12pm)

Best Months: June, July, August (avoid peak heat)

Pros:

• Coolest part of summer days
• Fresh energy from kids
• Avoid afternoon storms (spring)
• Lower heat risk

Cons:

• Early setup for hosts
• Some guests struggle with morning timing
• Less natural shade (sun still rising)

Ideal For: Summer heat months, toddler parties

Afternoon Parties (12pm-4pm)

Best Months: March, April, October, November

Pros:

Traditional party timing

Maximum daylight

Works with nap schedules

Most flexible

Cons:

• Peak heat in summer (dangerous)
• Afternoon storm risk in spring
• Hottest part of any day

Ideal For: Mild weather months, school-age kids

Evening Parties (4pm-8pm)

Best Months: May, June, July, August, September)

Pros:

• Avoids peak heat
• Long summer daylight (sunset 8:30pm June/July)
• Cooler temperatures
• Parents off work
  

Cons:

• Setup visibility (need good lighting)
• Shorter window in winter
• Dinner timing conflicts
• Mosquitoes (summer)
  un still rising)

Ideal For: Summer months, tween/teen parties, working parents

Weather Backup Plans

Option 1: Reschedule

512Jump Policy:

• No charge for weather-related reschedules (48+ hours notice)
• Same-day weather cancellation: 50% credit
• Severe weather warnings: full credit anytime

Best For:

• Severe weather predictions
• Extreme heat forecasts
• When you have scheduling flexibility
  

Option 2: Indoor Alternative Space

Greater Austin Indoor Options:

• Community center rentals (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville)
• Church fellowship halls
• School gymnasiums (if accessible)
• Large garage with door open (surprisingly popular)

Requirements:

• Minimum ceiling height: 10-12 feet
• Floor protection recommended
• Open area minimum 15×15 feet for small units
• Climate control helpful
  

Option 3: Covered Outdoor Space

Pavilion Options:

• Austin Parks pavilions (permit required, 14-day advance)
• Round Rock parks covered areas
• Cedar Park pavilions
• HOA community center covered patios
• Home covered patios (for smaller units)

Considerations:

• Still need weather monitoring (lightning)
• Wind can be factor (proper anchoring critical)
• Overhead clearance varies
• Usually don't protect from heat (just rain)
  

Option 4: Hybrid Party

Split Indoor/Outdoor:

• Bounce house outside (weather permitting)
• Food, cake, games inside
• Easy transition if weather changes
• Most flexible option

Best For:

• Unpredictable weather days
• Homes with adjacent indoor/outdoor space
• Spring storm season
  

Budget-Friendly Age Matching

Birthday Parties

Peak Birthday Months in Greater Austin:

• September (back-to-school babies)
• July-August (summer birthdays)
• October (fall babies)

Off-Peak Months:

• January (holiday hangover)
• February (shortest month)
• December (holiday conflicts)

Planning Tip: December and summer birthday kids often celebrate "half birthdays" in better weather months.

School & Community Events

Popular Greater Austin Events:

Spring:

School spring flings (April-May)

Church Easter festivals (March-April)

End of year celebrations (May)

Fall:

• School fall festivals (October)
• Halloween parties (late October)
• Homecoming celebrations (September-October)
• Church trunk-or-treats (October)

Book 12+ weeks ahead for school/community events - these block out significant equipment inventory.

Lake & Pool Party Combos

Best Months: May, June, July, August, September

Many Greater Austin families combine water slides with lake or pool access.

Popular Lake Party Locations:

• Lake Travis parks (permit required)
• Lake Pflugerville (city parks)
• Lake Georgetown (Army Corps areas)
• Walter E Long Lake (Austin parks)
  

Requirements:

• Electrical access (or generator rental)
• Water source for slides
• Permits for public parks
• Insurance certificates often required
  

Timing:

• Setup 1-2 hours before guests
• All-day events popular (10am-4pm)
• Provides variety beyond just swimming
  

Weatherproofing Your Party

Must-Have Weather Tools

Before Booking:

• Farmer's Almanac long-range forecast
• Historical weather data for your date (weather.gov)
• School calendar conflicts
  

Week Before:

• 10-day forecast (weather.com, weather.gov)
• Pollen forecasts (if applicable)
• Drought restriction updates
  

Day Before:

• Hourly forecast
• Live radar (weather.gov/ewx)
• Severe weather watches/warnings
  

Day Of:

• Weather radar app on phone
• National Weather Service alerts
• 512Jump will also monitor and contact you
  

Making Seasonal Decorations Work

Summer (Heat-Resistant Decor)

Do:

• Metal or plastic decorations (won't wilt)
• Shade canopy decorations
• Water-resistant banners
• Frozen treats as "functional decor"

Avoid:

• Balloons in direct sun (pop quickly)
• Fresh flowers (wilt in minutes)
• Chocolate treats (melt immediately)
• Paper decorations (sweat/humidity issues)
  

Winter (Weather-Appropriate)

Do:

• String lights (early darkness)
• Blankets as decoration and function
• Fire pit as centerpiece
• Hot cocoa bar decor

Avoid:

• Water features (freeze risk)
• Outdoor refrigeration (unnecessary)
• Cooling stations (obviously)
  

Spring/Fall (Versatile)

Do:

• Wildflower themes (spring)
• Pumpkin/harvest themes (fall)
• Flexible indoor/outdoor setups
• Quick-move decorations

Avoid:

• Over-commitment to outdoor-only themes
• Permanent setups (weather can change)
  

Greater Austin Weather Myths

Myth:

"Weather is predictable 2 weeks out"

Reality:

Central Texas weather reliable only 3-5 days ahead. Don't stress about forecasts beyond that.

Myth:

"It never rains in summer"

Reality:

Afternoon thunderstorms common June-August. They're brief but intense.

Myth:

"Fall is always perfect"

Reality:

October can still hit 90°F some years. November usually reliable.

Myth:

"You can't do outdoor parties in winter"

Reality:

Kids jumping in bounce houses stay warm. 50-60°F days are fine with planning.

Myth:

"Water slides only work in summer"

Reality:

March and October often warm enough (75°F+). Weather matters more than calendar.

Emergency Weather Contacts

National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio:

• Website: weather.gov/ewx
• Non-emergency: (830) 606-3617
• Watches/Warnings: Automatic alerts via weather apps
  

Austin-Travis County Emergency Management:

• Website: austintexas.gov/department/emergency-management
• Non-emergency: 3-1-1 (Austin)
• Emergency: 911
  

512Jump Weather Hotline:

• [Contact info] - for day-of weather questions
• We monitor conditions and will contact you if needed
  

Your Seasonal Booking Strategy

For Maximum Flexibility:

1. Book early for peak seasons (10-12 weeks for May, October)
2. Consider weekday parties in extreme weather months (July, August)
3. Have indoor backup for spring storm season (March-May)
4. Avoid peak heat hours in summer (11am-5pm)
5. Monitor long-range forecasts but don't stress beyond 5 days out
6. Communicate backup plans clearly in invitations
7. Trust 512Jump to advise on weather decisions day-of
   

For Budget Savings:

1. Book winter months (December-February) for best rates
2. Choose weekdays any time of year
3. Avoid major holiday weekends
4. Early or late season (March or November) often discounted
5. Off-peak hours (morning in spring/fall, evening in summer)
   

Still Have Questions?

Contact 512Jump to discuss:

• Weather concerns for your specific date
• Seasonal equipment recommendations
• Backup plan options
• Rescheduling policies
• Historical weather data for your party date
  

We've hosted thousands of Greater Austin parties in every season and weather condition. We can help you plan for Central Texas's unpredictable climate and ensure your celebration succeeds rain or shine.

Last updated: October 2025 | Greater Austin seasonal party planning guide