Texas Hail Season: When It Hits, Where It Hits, and How to Be Ready

When Does Hail Season Start in Texas?

Hail season in Texas kicks off in March as warm Gulf air starts colliding with cold fronts sweeping down from the Plains. The clash builds the kind of supercell thunderstorms that produce the strongest hail. The pattern peaks in May, holds through June, and quiets down in July when the atmosphere transitions to the summer "heat dome" pattern.

North Dallas is in the worst part of it. The DFW metro averages 5 to 7 hail days per year, and that's just hail — not "severe hail" needed for damage. Roofs in our service area get hit harder than roofs almost anywhere else in the country.

Which Months Have the Most Hail?

• March — Season opens. Risk builds late in the month.
• April — Risk climbs sharply. Major storms common.
• May — Peak. The single highest hail risk month statewide.
• June — Still active, especially early in the month.
• July – August — Risk drops. Pattern shifts to heat-driven afternoon storms.
• September – October — Secondary mini-peak from late-season cold fronts.

How Much Hail Does It Take to Damage a Roof?

Insurance adjusters generally consider hail of 1 inch and larger capable of damaging asphalt shingles. Hail of 1.5 inches and up almost always causes damage worth a claim. Below 1 inch, damage is rare unless paired with very high winds. The catch is that the damage isn't always visible from the ground — bruised shingles, fractured mat, and granule loss only show up on a real roof inspection.

How to Prepare Your Roof Before Hail Season

1. Get a free roof inspection in February or early March before storms arrive.
2. Replace any aging or damaged shingles before they get tested.
3. Clear gutters and downspouts so heavy rain drains properly.
4. Trim back tree limbs that could break and puncture the roof.
5. Document your current roof condition with photos — it helps later if you have a claim.
6. If your roof is 15+ years old, consider upgrading to Class 4 impact-rated shingles or stone-coated steel.

After a Hail Storm: Your Action Plan

The first 48 hours after a storm matter. Read our full guide to what to do after a hail storm and how to avoid storm chaser roofers that flood neighborhoods after every event.