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Amarillo

About Amarillo

Route 66 passes straight through Amarillo, and its best-known historic stretch runs along Sixth Avenue. The mile-long district is lined with old storefronts, antique shops, galleries, restaurants, bars and Route 66 signs that keep the road’s history visible without making the area feel staged. Murals and vintage buildings add plenty to see along the way, while Amarillo’s strong Texas identity gives this section of Route 66 its own character compared with other stops along the highway.

When to visit

June and July are lively months for Amarillo’s Route 66 district, with warm weather, long daylight hours and major summer events bringing more activity to Sixth Avenue.

Spring · Mar, Apr, May

Spring brings rapidly warming temperatures to Amarillo, although the weather can change quickly from one day to the next. March remains fairly cool, while April and May are much more comfortable for walking along the Route 66 Historic District and browsing its shops and galleries. Strong winds are common during this part of the year, and thunderstorms become more frequent later in the season. Severe storms are also possible, particularly from April into June.

Summer · Jun, Jul, Aug

Summer is hot and active along Amarillo’s Route 66 stretch, with July afternoon highs averaging around 34°C. Longer days leave plenty of time to explore Sixth Avenue, browse antique stores and stop at restaurants or bars before temperatures cool slightly in the evening. June is particularly busy when Route 66 events take place around the city. Thunderstorms can develop during the warmer months, so short periods of heavy rain are possible even on otherwise sunny days.

Autumn · Sep, Oct, Nov

Autumn becomes noticeably more comfortable once the strongest summer heat fades. September remains warm, while October brings milder afternoons and cooler evenings that make walking around the Route 66 Historic District easier. Shops, restaurants and galleries continue operating throughout the season, but the area generally feels less hectic than during the summer event period. Temperatures can drop sharply by November, and Amarillo can occasionally receive early snow, so later autumn visits require a few extra layers.

Winter · Dec, Jan, Feb

Winter in Amarillo is cold, dry and often windy, with nights regularly dropping below freezing. Snow does fall each year, although long stretches can remain clear and sunny between winter systems. Route 66’s Sixth Avenue district can be much quieter at this time, making it easier to browse shops and historic buildings without summer crowds. Road conditions can change during snow or ice events, so anyone driving farther along Route 66 should check conditions before leaving town.

Weather Highlights

Summer high
34°C / 93°F
Winter low
-4°C / 25°F
Rain
69 days
Snow
11 days

Location

Getting There

From downtown Amarillo, drive west along Southwest 6th Avenue toward Georgia Street; the Historic Route 66 District begins around this area and continues west along Sixth Avenue through the San Jacinto neighborhood.