Amarillo sits at about 1,100 metres on the Llano Estacado, the high flat plains of the Texas Panhandle, and the climate reflects that elevation. Winters are cold and frequently windy — temperatures below freezing are common from December through February, and northers can arrive suddenly and drop the temperature by 20 degrees in a few hours. Spring is warmer but brings severe thunderstorms and the occasional tornado; the Panhandle lies squarely in Tornado Alley. Summers are hot and dry, with temperatures regularly above 35°C, but the low humidity and the wind make it more bearable than coastal Texas. The wind blows almost constantly from the southwest.
The best time to visit is September through November. The heat eases off, the canyon country southeast of town puts on its best colours, and the weather is generally stable. Palo Duro Canyon is at its most scenic in autumn. Spring is also a reasonable time if you don't mind the storms — the wildflowers on the plains can be remarkable after a wet winter.