When is the best time to fly to Harlingen?
South Texas has a warm climate, with the highest temperatures around July and August, when the weather can become quite energy sapping. For the best conditions for outdoor activities, visit the region in April or May, or try the autumn months, when temperatures will be ideal for fishing or hunting and the beach will also be an attractive proposition. These periods also tend to see smaller crowds and lower prices as a result.
Harlingen overview
With gorgeous countryside on its doorstep, plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy and the urban delights of fine dining and great shopping, Harlingen is a superb Texan holiday destination.
This South Texan town is renowned for its laid-back, artistic lifestyle and the city centre area is filled with murals beautifully painted by local artists. Pop into a restaurant to sample some Tex-Mex cuisine or some of the seafood bounty provided by the Gulf of Mexico, and dance the night away at one of Harlingen's lively bars.
Outside the city, South Texas is the perfect place to get away from it all. Lie back with rod in hand, adrift on a placid lake, and try to hook the area's famous bass. Hike in the brushlands, head to the beach for a spot of surfing, take a dolphin watching tour or try your hand at hunting. It's all easy to arrange by using Harlingen as a base.
The area also boasts plenty of leisure facilities, including some fantastic golf courses - with all difficulty levels catered for. And the city also has a range of shopping options, from city boutiques to out of town discount malls.
Families are well provided for in Harlingen too. Head to the bowling alley in the evening or meet the 1600 exotic animals at Gladys Porter Zoo. See a production at the Performing Arts Centre or learn about history at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
Nature lovers can easily reach the Laguna Atascosa, a huge natural lagoon on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico which is one of America's greatest spots for bird watching and also a great place to get away from the crowds.
And, for those with a rental car, Harlingen provides easy access to cultural hot spots like Austin, and even the attractions of northern Mexico.