When does Winter Texan season start at Lake Travis?

October through March is the typical window, with most extended stays running one to several months. October is also when the Hill Country's weather turns from summer heat to the mild stretch Winter Texans come for.

How much does a monthly stay cost?

Monthly rates start around $1,800 for a studio, $2,100 for a one-bedroom, $2,400 for a two-bedroom, and $3,300 for a three-bedroom. Call (512) 267-7000 and we'll confirm the exact rate for your property and length of stay.

Is Lake Travis a real alternative to the Rio Grande Valley?

For a growing number of Winter Texans, yes. The Rio Grande Valley is still the traditional destination, but the Hill Country on Lake Travis offers milder winters than the Midwest or Northeast, no snow or ice, and Austin's airport, hospitals, and culture 40 minutes away — without the long drive south.

Winter Texan Season at Lake Travis: What to Know Before You Book

Every October, a familiar migration starts: snowbirds from the Midwest, the Northeast, and Canada heading south for the winter. Most still think “Rio Grande Valley.” A growing number are discovering that the North Shore of Lake Travis works just as well — and for some trips, better.

Why October is when this starts

North Shore winters are mild rather than warm — daytime highs typically run in the 50s to 70s, with far fewer freezing days than the Midwest or Northeast and none of the snow. October is the hinge month: summer heat breaks, the trails and wineries are at their best, and the properties that fill solid from May through September start opening up for longer stays.

That’s also when the deepest-value window opens. Stays of 30 nights or more between November and March are priced well below the nightly rate, because owners would rather have a good long-term guest than an empty house over the winter.

Who this suits

Works well for:

Retirees and remote workers escaping a real winter
Anyone who wants the Hill Country without summer heat or crowds
Extended family stays where a full house, not a hotel room, makes sense

Not the trip: if you’re set on swimming and boating, summer is still the better season — see our month-by-month guide to Lake Travis if your dates are flexible.

What’s included on an extended stay

Every property is fully furnished with utilities and high-speed Wi-Fi included, so there’s nothing to set up — you settle in and stay connected with family for the season. Several properties are pet-friendly, and golf cart rentals are available for getting around The Hollows without a car for every errand.

Check-in is 3:00 PM at most properties (times vary slightly by home), and the same local team that handles a weekend booking handles a three-month one.

What it costs

Monthly rates start around $1,800 for a studio and scale up from there depending on bedroom count — full detail, including the current two-, three-, and four-bedroom rates, is on our Winter Texans page. Call (512) 267-7000 and we’ll confirm the exact number for your dates and the property you have in mind.

Booking an extended stay

The process is the same as any reservation — browse available properties, confirm dates, and book direct. Because long stays are quoted individually, it’s worth calling ahead of a firm date so we can match you with a property that has the full window open.