About McAllen
McAllen is a city in the U.S. state of Texas. It is located at the southern tip of the state in the Rio Grande Valley, on the Mexican border. The city limits extend south to the Rio Grande, across from the Mexican city of Reynosa. As of the 2025 census estimate, McAllen's population was 150,640, making it the most populous city in Hidalgo County, the second most populous city in the Rio Grande Valley, and the 23rd-most populous city in Texas. The city anchors the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan area, the fifth largest metropolitan area in the state of Texas, with 921,549 residents as of 2025. The binational Reynosa–McAllen metropolitan area counts a population of more than 1.5 million.
Places to visit in McAllen
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Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Nature · 11 mi from centreA refuge along the Rio Grande known for its subtropical forest and exceptional birding, with species like green jays and chachalacas. Trails and observation decks offer wildlife viewing.
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Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle
ReligiousA major pilgrimage church in nearby San Juan, drawing visitors to its revered image of the Virgin. Its modern architecture and gardens are open to all.
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Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Nature · 10 mi from centreA park along the Rio Grande serving as headquarters for the World Birding Center. Trails, hawk towers and feeders offer chances to see rare birds and butterflies.
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Quinta Mazatlan
HistoricA Spanish Revival adobe mansion and nature center with gardens and trails, part of the World Birding Center network. A tranquil spot for birdwatching in the city.
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Museum of South Texas History
Museum · 8 mi from centreIn neighboring Edinburg, this museum traces the Rio Grande Valley's story from prehistoric times through Spanish colonization, ranching and the border era, with engaging exhibits, artifacts and reconstructed scenes.
Where to stay in McAllen
Popular hotels in McAllen, out of 89 properties you can book.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pharr
From $99 per night
Clarion Inn near McAllen Airport
From $59 per night
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton McAllen
From $131 per night
Wyndham Garden McAllen at La Plaza Mall
From $109 per night
Days Inn By Wyndham Mcallen
From $60 per night
Best Western Plus McAllen Airport Hotel
From $103 per night
La Quinta Inn Suites Mcallen Convention Center
From $134 per night
La Quinta Inn & Suites Pharr North Mcallen
From $100 per night
Hampton Inn & Suites Pharr
From $101 per night
OYO Hotel McAllen Airport South
From $51 per night
Casa De Palmas Trademark Collection by Wyndham
From $114 per night
La Quinta Inn & Suites Pharr - Rio Grande Valley
From $105 per night
Best time to visit McAllen
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit McAllen is February and December, when average daytime highs are around 77°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
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.
McAllen weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 85° 69° 24%
- Thu 22 Oct 85° 74° 10%
- Fri 23 Oct 88° 71° 1%
- Sat 24 Oct 84° 73° 4%
- Sun 25 Oct 85° 73° 9%
- Mon 26 Oct 89° 73° 32%
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 McAllen
These are the airports closest to central McAllen. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- MFE McAllen-Miller International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around McAllen
The best way to get around McAllen is by car. There are several rental car services located in Mcallen: Hertz, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, and others. Many of these can be found at the airport.
By taxi
Several taxi companies serve McAllen. Customers should call ahead to arrange a pick up.
By bus
Metro Mcallen.mw-parser-output .error-deadlink{color:red;background:yellow;display:none;white-space:nowrap}[dead link] is the bus system that serves McAllen. These buses run from 6AM to 11PM Monday through Saturday, and 8AM to 8PM on Sunday. The bus system covers only limited routes but also interfaces with RioTransit buses, which connect to other towns in the Rio Grande Valley.
Walking and biking
McAllen has several hike and bike trails that run north and south.
McAllen travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit McAllen?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit McAllen is February and December, when average daytime highs are around 77°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in McAllen?
August is usually the warmest month in McAllen, with average highs of 98°F (37°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 51°F (10°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 116 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to McAllen?
McAllen-Miller International Airport (MFE) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of McAllen.
What time zone is McAllen in?
McAllen 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 McAllen?
The best way to get around McAllen is by car. There are several rental car services located in Mcallen: Hertz, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, and others. Many of these can be found at the airport.
What are the best places to visit in McAllen?
Top sights in McAllen include Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and Quinta Mazatlan. A refuge along the Rio Grande known for its subtropical forest and exceptional birding, with species like green jays and chachalacas. Trails and observation decks offer wildlife viewing.
Where should I stay in McAllen?
Popular areas for hotels in McAllen include McAllen. Well-reviewed options include Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pharr and Clarion Inn near McAllen Airport.
How many hotels can I book in McAllen?
Destina Holidays currently lists 89 properties in and around McAllen, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
