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Amarillo

Amarillo travel guide

City in Texas, United States

Best time to visitApril and October
Nearest airportTDW · 2 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population200,393

About Amarillo

Amarillo is a city in the U.S. state of Texas and the county seat of Potter County, though most of the southern half of the city extends into Randall County. It is the 17th-most populous city in Texas and the most populous city in the Texas panhandle. The estimated population of Amarillo was 203,729 as of 2024, comprising nearly half of the panhandle's population. The Amarillo metropolitan area had an estimated population of 308,297 as of 2020.

Places to visit in Amarillo

  1. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Palo Duro Canyon State Park

    Nature · 17 mi from centre

    South of Amarillo, a vast, colorful canyon cut into the flat plains offers hiking to the Lighthouse rock formation, scenic drives, horseback riding and a summer outdoor musical in an amphitheater.

  2. Cadillac Ranch

    Cadillac Ranch

    Landmark · 8 mi from centre

    A roadside art installation of ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in a field beside old Route 66, where visitors are encouraged to bring spray paint and add their own layer of graffiti.

  3. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

    Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum

    Museum · 16 mi from centre

    In nearby Canyon, this large museum covers Texas Panhandle history with a recreated pioneer town, oil industry exhibits, Western art, firearms and dinosaur fossils, easily filling a few hours.

  4. Big Texan Steak Ranch

    Big Texan Steak Ranch

    Entertainment · 5 mi from centre

    A kitschy Route 66 era steakhouse famous for its giant steak eating challenge, with Western decor, a gift shop and a lively atmosphere that makes it a classic road-trip stop.

  5. Route 66 Historic District

    Historic

    A stretch of Sixth Avenue lined with vintage brick buildings, antique shops, bars and diners that recalls the heyday of the Mother Road and is pleasant for an evening stroll.

  6. American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum

    Museum

    A museum dedicated to the American Quarter Horse breed, headquartered in Amarillo, with exhibits on ranching, racing and rodeo and the stories of famous horses, breeders and riders.

Where to stay in Amarillo

Popular hotels in Amarillo, out of 103 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Amarillo

Best time to visit Amarillo

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Amarillo is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 73–74°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 26° – 48° 3
Feb 30° – 55° 3
Mar 39° – 64° 5
Apr 48° – 73° 5
May 56° – 81° 10
Jun 66° – 88° 9
Jul 71° – 93° 6
Aug 70° – 92° 5
Sep 63° – 85° 4
Oct 52° – 74° 5
Nov 39° – 60° 3
Dec 34° – 55° 2

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Amarillo weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 81° 58° 1%
  • Thu 22 Oct 77° 61° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 74° 60° 10%
  • Sat 24 Oct 68° 58° 48%
  • Sun 25 Oct 62° 58° 50%
  • Mon 26 Oct 65° 56° 25%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Amarillo

These are the airports closest to central Amarillo. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • TDW Tradewind Airport2 mi (4 km) from the city centre
  • AMA Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Amarillo

Getting around Amarillo

The N-S avenues in central Amarillo are named for the presidents of the United States in order of when they served, from Washington just west of downtown through Cleveland to the east. Most of the E-W avenues are numbered, from N 24th through S 58th.

Amarillo travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Amarillo?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Amarillo is April and October, when average daytime highs are around 73–74°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Amarillo?

July is usually the warmest month in Amarillo, with average highs of 93°F (34°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 26°F (-3°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 89 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Amarillo?

Tradewind Airport (TDW) is the closest airport, about 2 miles (4 km) from the centre of Amarillo. Other nearby airports include Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport (AMA, 8 mi).

What time zone is Amarillo in?

Amarillo uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Amarillo?

The N-S avenues in central Amarillo are named for the presidents of the United States in order of when they served, from Washington just west of downtown through Cleveland to the east. Most of the E-W avenues are numbered, from N 24th through S 58th.

What are the best places to visit in Amarillo?

Top sights in Amarillo include Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Cadillac Ranch, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Big Texan Steak Ranch. South of Amarillo, a vast, colorful canyon cut into the flat plains offers hiking to the Lighthouse rock formation, scenic drives, horseback riding and a summer outdoor musical in an amphitheater.

Where should I stay in Amarillo?

Popular areas for hotels in Amarillo include Downtown, Amarillo and Perryton. Well-reviewed options include Embassy Suites by Hilton Amarillo Downtown and Super 8 By Wyndham Amarillo.

How many hotels can I book in Amarillo?

Destina Holidays currently lists 103 properties in and around Amarillo, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.