A flat, PR-friendly January race that draws 30,000 across the marathon and half. Gulf humidity shows up even in winter.
By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.
Plan for about 42°F (6°C) at the 07:00 start, feeling like 35°F (2°C), with 71% humidity and 9 mph wind, warming to roughly 48°F (9°C) by the finish. It rained on 1 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Long Sleeve Base Layer, Running Tights, Running Gloves, Beanie or Ear Warmers, Running Shoes.
42°F (6°C)
48°F (9°C)
1 of 10 years
32° to 64°F
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Conditions at the 07:00 start on the race's usual date each year (sunday of MLK weekend (mid-January)). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.
| Year | Start temp | Feels like | Finish | Humidity | Wind | Rain | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 32°F (0°C) | 20°F | 34°F | 57% | 14 mph | – | Clear |
| 2024 | 42°F (6°C) | 35°F | 44°F | 84% | 11 mph | – | Mostly clear |
| 2023 | 54°F (12°C) | 51°F | 67°F | 87% | 7 mph | – | Clear |
| 2022 | 34°F (1°C) | 24°F | 41°F | 62% | 11 mph | – | Clear |
| 2021 | 41°F (5°C) | 35°F | 54°F | 66% | 4 mph | – | Overcast |
| 2020 | 46°F (8°C) | 35°F | 48°F | 42% | 14 mph | – | Clear |
| 2019 | 33°F (1°C) | 24°F | 38°F | 68% | 9 mph | – | Clear |
| 2018 | 32°F (0°C) | 24°F | 40°F | 71% | 7 mph | – | Clear |
| 2017 | 64°F (18°C) | 65°F | 69°F | 95% | 9 mph | 0.34 in | Drizzle |
| 2016 | 39°F (4°C) | 33°F | 44°F | 78% | 5 mph | – | Clear |
Coldest start: 32°F (0°C) in 2025. Warmest: 64°F (18°C) in 2017. Wettest: 0.34 in in 2017.
Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.
Long Sleeve Base Layer
Lightweight thermal top
Running Vest or Light Jacket
Extra warmth for core
Running Tights
Full-length compression tights
Running Gloves
Touchscreen-compatible warmth
Beanie or Ear Warmers
Head and ear protection
Running Shoes
Your regular training shoes
Wool Running Socks
Warm and moisture-wicking
✓ Worn by the author
Grid-fleece quarter zip for 25 to 40°F starts
$128
✓ Worn by the author
Compression tight for 40 to 55°F, works under shorts
$78
Touchscreen-compatible, windproof, and packable
$55
Warm, itch-free merino blend for cold runs
$38
✓ Worn by the author
Thin, ribbed quarter sock that keeps grit out
$36
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Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 42°F (6°C) (feels like 35°F (2°C)) with 71% humidity and 9 mph wind, warming to about 48°F (9°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 1 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 32°F (0°C) in 2025; the warmest was 64°F (18°C) in 2017.
For a typical 42°F (6°C) start: Long Sleeve Base Layer, Running Tights, Running Gloves, Beanie or Ear Warmers, Running Shoes. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.
The Chevron Houston Marathon is usually held on sunday of MLK weekend (mid-January). The next expected date is Sunday, January 17, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.
The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.
Get a what-to-wear call for the live forecast at your exact location, free, no signup.
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