There is no dress code for families, but both graduation events are outdoors in San Antonio. Metal , uneven terrain, and unpredictable weather mean what you wear matters more than how you look.
How to dress
Wednesday is at the Pfingston Reception Center. Thursday is on the parade field. Plan for walking between parking, bridges, and seating, then see the Getting There guide for venue photos and directions.
What to wear
- Closed-toe shoes with grip. You may walk across concrete, a bridge, and grass or dirt to reach the two venues. Skip heels if you want steadier footing.
- Weather-appropriate layers. Check the forecast for your graduation week and bring a layer you can remove as the day changes.
- Hat and sunglasses. Pack both for time outside. A wide-brim hat can provide more coverage than a baseball cap.
- Sunscreen. Pack sunscreen for the outdoor ceremonies.
- Seat cushion or small blanket. A small cushion can make metal bleachers more comfortable. A folded blanket can add warmth in cool weather.
What to avoid for comfort
- High heels or wedges. They are harder to manage on grass, bridges, and stairs.
- Open-toe sandals or flip-flops. They offer less protection for long walks and uneven ground.
- Anything you cannot move in. Choose clothes you can sit, stand, and walk in during the morning.
Packing the rest of the trip? The What to Bring guide covers identification, bags, and items that cannot go to the ceremony.
Season guide
January – February
42–67°FBring warm layers and a blanket or seat cushion. Check the morning forecast before choosing your outer layer.
March – May
59–82°FPack light layers you can remove, plus sunscreen and a hat for time outdoors.
June – September
72–94°FChoose lightweight clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. Consider a small cooling towel and seat cushion.
October – December
50–74°FCheck the forecast the week before and again before leaving. Pack layers you can add or remove.
Typical weather by month
| Month | Low | High | Rain odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41°F | 64°F | 23% |
| February | 44°F | 70°F | 26% |
| March | 52°F | 75°F | 26% |
| April | 58°F | 82°F | 23% |
| May | 66°F | 89°F | 25% |
| June | 72°F | 93°F | 24% |
| July | 74°F | 96°F | 16% |
| August | 74°F | 97°F | 16% |
| September | 70°F | 92°F | 22% |
| October | 60°F | 84°F | 21% |
| November | 49°F | 72°F | 22% |
| December | 41°F | 65°F | 24% |
NOAA 1991-2020 normals (Kelly Field). Typical ranges, not a forecast. Any given day can differ.
Squadron colors
Many families wear their trainee's to the Coin Ceremony on Wednesday. This helps you spot each other in the crowd during , the emotional rush when families find their Airman on the floor.
Your Airman will tell you their squadron in a letter during training. Not required, but it is a fun tradition.
Check your ceremony-day forecast
See the weather forecast, gate details, and ceremony times for your date in one shareable plan.
Frequently asked questions
- What should I wear to BMT graduation?
- There's no formal dress code for families. Both ceremonies are outdoors: Wednesday is at the Pfingston Reception Center and Thursday is at the parade field. Wear closed-toe shoes with grip, bring weather-appropriate layers, and choose clothes you can sit, stand, and walk in. A small seat cushion can make the metal bleachers more comfortable.
- Is there seating at BMT graduation?
- Both ceremonies use metal bleachers. Wednesday seating is at the Pfingston Reception Center and Thursday seating is on the parade field. Bring a small seat cushion if you have one, and dress in layers for the forecast.
- What is the weather like for BMT graduation in San Antonio?
- San Antonio weather varies by month. January and February are colder (42 to 67°F), April and May are milder (62 to 85°F), and June through September brings the highest typical temperatures (94°F+). Use these climate normals for planning, then check the forecast for your graduation week. Both ceremonies take place outdoors.
- Should I wear my Airman's squadron colors to graduation?
- Many families wear their Airman's squadron color to the Coin Ceremony on Wednesday for the Tap Out moment. It isn't required, but it's a fun tradition. The seven BMT squadrons and their colors: 320th TRS (Gators) Red, 321st TRS (Warthogs) Gray, 322nd TRS (Eagles) Blue, 323rd TRS (Mustangs) Maroon, 324th TRS (Knights) Purple, 326th TRS (Bulldogs) Dark Blue, 331st TRS (Wolfpack) Black.
- What is Tap Out at BMT graduation?
- Tap Out happens at the end of the Coin Ceremony on Wednesday. Families are invited onto the floor to find their Airman and "tap" them on the shoulder. This is the first physical contact since shipping to basic training. The moment is chaotic and emotional. Many families wear their squadron color to help spot each other in the crowd.