If you live in San Antonio, you already know our winters are unpredictable. One week can feel like spring, and the next can bring a sudden cold snap. Because of this, many homeowners ask the same question every January:

How often should I water my lawn in winter?

The short answer: much less than in summer—but not zero. The long answer depends on grass type, rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions. Let’s break it down clearly.

Even though most lawns go semi-dormant in winter, grass and soil still need moisture to stay healthy. January is typically one of the driest months in South Texas, and extended dry periods can lead to:

• Dry, compacted soil
• Stressed root systems
• Brown or thinning turf in early spring
• Increased weed problems later in the year

Proper winter watering keeps your lawn alive—not growing—so it can bounce back strong when temperatures rise.

🌱 General Rule of Thumb

In January, most San Antonio lawns should be watered:

Every 14–21 days, depending on weather conditions.

💧 How Much Water?

Your lawn needs about:

• ½ to 1 inch of water per month during winter

This includes rainfall, so always adjust your irrigation schedule after rain.

🌾 Bermuda Grass

• Goes fully dormant in winter
• Needs minimal watering
• Water only during long dry spells (2–3 weeks with no rain)

🌿 St. Augustine Grass

• Semi-dormant in January
• More sensitive to drought stress

Benefits from light watering every 2 weeks if no rainfall occurs

🚫 Avoid watering if:

• Temperatures are expected to drop below 32°F within 24 hours
• The ground is frozen
• Rain is forecast within the next 48 hours

Watering before a freeze can damage grass blades, soil structure, and sprinkler components.

⏰ Late morning to early afternoon is ideal in January.

Why?

• Reduces risk of overnight freezing
• Allows water to soak into the soil before temperatures drop
• Prevents fungal issues caused by prolonged moisture

Avoid early mornings and evenings during winter months.

Not completely—but you should adjust it.

✔ Switch to manual mode or
✔ Reduce automatic schedules significantly

Leaving sprinklers on a summer schedule during winter is one of the most common (and costly) mistakes homeowners make.

Even in January, your lawn can show signs of drought stress:

• Soil cracking or pulling away from edges
• Grass turning grayish or brittle
• Footprints lingering longer than usual

If you notice these signs and there hasn’t been rain in weeks, it’s time to water.

Smart January watering:

• Protects root systems
• Reduces spring dead patches
• Improves nutrient absorption later
• Helps grass green up faster when temperatures rise

Think of winter watering as preventive care, not maintenance.

Because San Antonio weather can change quickly, the best approach is flexibility, not a fixed schedule. Monitor:

• Weekly temperatures
• Rainfall totals
• Soil moisture

If you’re unsure, a professional irrigation inspection can prevent overwatering, freeze damage, and costly spring repairs.

At Lawn DR Landscaping, we help San Antonio homeowners:

• Set proper winter watering schedules
• Inspect and adjust sprinkler systems
• Prepare lawns for healthy spring growth

📞 Contact us today to schedule a winter lawn and irrigation evaluation—and make sure your lawn is ready for 2026.

FAQ Section

How often should I water my lawn in January in San Antonio?

Most lawns in San Antonio only need watering every 14–21 days in January, depending on rainfall and temperature.

Should I water my lawn if it’s dormant?

Yes. Even dormant grass needs occasional moisture to protect roots and prevent soil from drying out completely.

Is it safe to water before a freeze?

No. Avoid watering if temperatures are expected to fall below 32°F within 24 hours, as this can damage grass and irrigation systems.

What’s the best time of day to water in winter?

The best time is late morning to early afternoon, when temperatures are warmer and water can soak in before evening.