Port of Houston

The Houston Area

A dynamic port helped fuel the Houston area's development as a center of international business and trade. But companies that do business internationally also find Houston attractive because of its well-developed financial infrastructure, skilled work force and diverse population. Ample space and favorable conditions for industrial development, as well as for cargo handling, make Houston a choice location for industry.

A Strategic Location

Houston's geographic location has proven to be one of its best assets. Centrally located on the Gulf Coast, Houston is a strategic gateway for cargo originating in or destined for the U.S. West and Midwest. Houston lies within close reach of one of the nation's largest concentrations of consumers. More than 17 million people live within 300 miles of the city, and approximately 60 million live within 700 miles. Ample truck, rail and air connections allow shippers to economically transport their goods between Houston and inland points.

Weather Conditions

Houston weather is usually fair to excellent, with temperatures moderated by winds from the Gulf of Mexico resulting in mild winters and warm summer nights.

Prevailing winds are from the southeast and south, except in January, when frequent passages of high pressure areas bring invasions of polar air and prevailing northerly winds. Destructive windstorms are fairly infrequent, but both thunder squalls and tropical storms occasionally pass through the area.

The average number of days with minimum temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower is about seven per year in the city, and about 15 in outlying areas. Most freezing temperatures last only a few hours and are usually accompanied by clear skies. In the city the average date of the first 32 degree temperature is Dec. 11 and the last is Feb. 5.

Normal rainfall is about 48.19" (122 cm) and is well distributed throughout the year. Precipitation may vary substantially in different parts of the city on a day-to-day basis.