San Antonio weather is characterised by a humid subtropical climate with cool winters and hot summers. The weather varies between dry and humid, depending on prevailing winds. Fall and spring are warm with a fair amount of rainfall. In San Antonio, July and August are the hottest months and travellers planning on visiting should brace themselves for extreme temperatures reaching as high as 95F (35C), while January is the coldest month. The average coolest month is January with temperatures dropping as low as 39F (4C).

Welcome to the birthplace of Tex-Mex cuisine. This city on the cusp of Mexican and Texan cultures has create a wonderful fusion of spicy Latino influences, hearty Lone Star beef and Germanic influences. There are plenty of other cuisines available across hundreds of different restaurants, but it would be a shame to miss out on the world's finest Tex Mex during your visit to San Antonio. Explore the central market and look out for the time honoured chilli ladies. And for breakfast, don't miss the amazing breakfast tacos made from fresh tortillas with an egg, cheese, fried potato and chorizo filling. For more details including specific restaurants listings, check out www.visitsanantonio.com/visitors/eat/index.aspx

A great feature of visiting San Antonio is that the best of the city can be navigated on foot for free, although in the peak summer months temperatures can get dangerously hot for pedestrians. Driving is not recommended as there are numerous one way streets, congestions and insufficient public parking. Visitors can also get around town in the charming streetcars, which are authentic reproductions of the same models that traveled these streets 50 years ago. There are four streetcar routes stopping at all the major tourist attractions, shopping districts and the Convention Centre. A one-day pass costs $4. The River Taxi covers nine main locations along the River Walk. A one way route ticket costs $4, a 24-hour pass $10 or a 3-day pass $25. The Sightseer Special (Bus #7) runs throughout the day linking all the main tourist attractions. Metered taxis are also available throughout the city.

English is the most common language but Spanish is often spoken in south-western states.

The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.