Last Updated on: 28th June 2024, 07:12 pm
Located along the banks of the mighty Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, St. Louis, Missouri, is a lively city with a population of just over 300,000 residents. Known for its iconic Gateway Arch and rich history, the St. Louis climate is diverse and significantly impacts the daily lives of its inhabitants and visitors. Located in the heart of the Midwest, the climate in St. Louis Missouri is a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) according to the Köppen–Trewartha classification. This climate type is characterized by hot, humid summers and cold winters, and with this, the St. Louis weather faces varying extremes.
From the beautiful blooms of spring to the vibrant colors of fall, the average weather in St. Louis varies significantly and dramatically alters the landscape, providing a diverse range of experiences year-round. It’s a key consideration for those thinking about visiting or moving to St. Louis!
Before we continue, it’s important to distinguish between climate and weather. While weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in an area, such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation, climate is the average of these conditions over a long-term period. This distinction helps us understand the overall patterns and what to expect from the St. Louis weather year round!
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St. Louis Seasons
What is the weather like in St. Louis, Missouri? The city’s location in the Northern Hemisphere and heart of the country means it experiences four distinct seasons, each bringing its own unique weather patterns and charm to the city, and the climate in St. Louis, Missouri varies to suit a wide range of preferences. The average annual temperature is slightly above Missouri as a whole, a balanced 57.5 degrees, and faces drastic changes in winter to summer months.
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The Greater St. Louis Metropolitan area is known for its hot, humid summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters, with beautiful springs and colorful autumns in between. There’s a lovely mix of sun and rain, while these and many other St. Louis weather averages are on par with U.S. averages, curating a nice mix of everything.
St. Louis is also situated within Tornado Alley, meaning wind is common and the city is at risk of tornadoes, which often occur during the spring and early summer months. However, rest easy knowing the city does not experience a monsoon or hurricane season, given its inland location. Understanding the seasonal weather in St. Louis can help residents and visitors alike prepare and make the most of what each time of year has to offer.
St Louis Spring Weather
From March through May, spring brings warming temperatures and beautiful blooming flowers that decorate the many suburbs of St. Louis during the growing season. Average spring temperatures range from the mid-50s in March to the upper 70s in May, capping at an average high of 76.2 with comfortable lows in the 40s.
Spring is also the rainiest season, with average rainfall between 3.3″ to 4.8″ inches, contributing to the St. Louis annual rainfall of 42″. With occasional thunderstorms, it’s always wise to keep a raincoat and umbrella handy as you enjoy the lush landscapes that come to life. That said, there are only 11.3 rainy days in May, the wettest month, so Spring is a perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking in Forest Park and visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden.
There’s plentiful events and activities, too! Enjoy the St. Louis Earth Day Festival in April or visit the St. Louis Zoo to see animals enjoying the mild St.Louis spring weather.
St. Louis Summer Weather
Summer in St. Louis, from June through August, is characterized by hot and humid weather. Average temperatures hover in the mid-80s, with July being the humid and hottest month of the year, reaching highs of 88.5 average high and humidity levels of 67.6%. There are typically 13.1 very hot days that exceed 90 degrees, so be prepared to find ways to cool down!
Still the second rainiest season, precipitation does start to mellow, with a 4.2″ average in June reducing to 3.3″ in August, meaning sunshine is abundant and the evenings are lovely.
Popular summer activities include cooling off at Raging Rivers WaterPark in nearby Grafton IL, or attending Fair Saint Louis, a major Fourth of July celebration in Downtown St. Louis featuring fireworks and live music. Summer is also a great time to catch a St. Louis Cardinals game at Busch Stadium or enjoy free concerts in Forest Park.
Fall in St. Louis
From September through November, fall in St. Louis experiences cooler temperatures and vibrant fall foliage. September is the warmest month in fall, with an average high of 80.2 and average low of 58.5. Temperatures drop to the low 50s in November, and the ideal St. Louis MO climate in fall makes it one of the best times to visit the city.
Leaves change color, painting the region in hues of red, orange, and yellow. Popular fall activities include hiking and biking in Tower Grove Park and chasing thrills at 6 Flags St. Louis.
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Fall is also festival season in St. Louis, with events like the St. Louis International Film Festival in November and various local farmers’ markets offering seasonal produce.
Winter in St. Louis
Winter in St. Louis, from December through February, brings cold, often freezing temperatures and occasional snowfall. Average winter temperatures range from the upper 20s to the mid-40s, with January being the coldest month, seeing a chilly average low temperature of 22.8 and the occasional day or two that sees an extremely cold, low temperature below 0!
St. Louis winter weather often includes an average annual snowfall of about 15.5 inches, and St Louis freezing rain is a commonality, so be prepared to weather the cold winters with a good coat, boots, and gloves.
Popular winter activities in St. Louis include ice skating at Winterfest at the Arch and enjoying the Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden. For winter sports enthusiasts, Hidden Valley Ski Resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing just 30 miles outside the city.
The winter months also feature cultural events like holiday concerts by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the lively Soulard Mardi Gras in January. If you’re looking for things to do in St. Louis in winter, these activities are a great way to embrace the season.
St. Louis Monthly Weather | St. Louis Average Temperatures
January Weather In St Louis MO
What is the coldest month in St. Louis? January, of course! With average lows of 22.8°F and highs of just 40°F, in addition to 25 days of temperatures below 32°F, the January weather in St. Louis makes it a perfect time for indoor activities like the St. Louis Auto Show.
Up to 5″ of snowfall is common, as is freezing rain, and sunshine is limited, so be prepared for the coldest of St. Louis monthly weather.
St. Louis Weather In February
The cold continues during the February weather in St. Louis with an average temperature of 36.7°F, highs of 45.2°F, and lows of 26.6°F. It’s the driest month of the year, with only 2.3 inches of precipitation. Snowfall averages 3.9 inches, and sunshine remains limited, so stop by the best museums in St. Louis to beat the cold!
St. Louis Weather In March
St. Louis weather in March signals the start of spring, with average temperatures around 46.7°F, ranging from highs of 57°F to a low temperature of 37°F. The city begins to thaw with 3.3 inches of rainfall and about 1.8 inches of snowfall. As the days grow longer and warmer, it’s the perfect time to explore the blossoming parks and enjoy the fresh, crisp air classic to the Spring St. Louis climate.
St. Louis Weather In April
The St. Louis weather in April brings a mix of spring showers and warming temperatures, with the average temperature around 57.5°F, ranging from highs of 68°F to lows of 47°F. It’s the first month to see temperatures over 90°F, and although rare, it can also be the last month for snowfall, averaging just 0.3 inches. It’s often the windiest month, too. With 4 inches of rainfall, the growing season is a great time to enjoy the city’s parks and festivals like the St. Louis Antique Festival or Earth Day Festival.
St. Louis Weather In May
May in St. Louis is the wettest month of the year, with an average of 4.8 inches of rainfall over 11.3 days. Temperatures range from lows of 58°F to highs of 77°F, averaging 67.5°F. As spring reaches its peak, the neighborhoods in St. Louis Missouri enjoy lush greenery and vibrant blooms, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities and festivals such as the St. Louis African Arts Festival.
St. Louis Weather In June
June in St. Louis brings the heat and longest day of the year, with average temperatures around 76.6°F, ranging from highs of 86°F to lows of 67°F. The city sees an average of 4.2 inches of rainfall, making it the second wettest month. As summer begins, the humidity increases and the days are long and warm, perfect for enjoying outdoor adventures.
St. Louis Weather In July
July is the hottest month in St. Louis, with average temperatures soaring to 80.3°F, ranging from highs of 88.5°F to an average low temperature of 71°F. The city receives around 4.2 inches of rainfall and experiences high humidity, peaking at 67.6%. With 13.1 of the hottest days in the St.Louis area exceeding 90°F, it’s a great time for indoor activities to escape the heat.
August Weather In St. Louis
August in St. Louis remains hot and humid, the second warmest month, with average temperatures around 78.8°F, ranging from highs of 88°F to lows of 69°F. The city receives about 3.3 inches of rainfall. With summer in full swing, it’s a great time to enjoy indoor activities or cool off at local swimming pools and water parks.
Weather In St. Louis in September
September in St. Louis brings a welcome break from the intense summer heat, with average temps around 71°F, ranging from highs of 81°F to an average low temperature of 61°F. Rainfall remains steady at about 3.3 inches. The milder weather makes it a perfect time for outdoor activities and enjoying the city’s fall festivals and events like the South Grand Fall & Music Fest.
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St. Louis Weather In October
October in St. Louis ushers in cooler temperatures, averaging around 59.2°F, with highs of 70°F and lows of 50°F. It’s the last month where temperatures can occasionally exceed 90°F. With 2.9 inches of rainfall, it’s a beautiful time to experience the vibrant fall foliage and various autumn festivals.
St. Louis Weather In November
Just in time for the 33rd Annual International Film Festival on November 7th, St. Louis weather in November sees cooler temperatures, averaging around 46.5°F, with highs of 56°F and lows of 37°F. The city experiences an unexpected uptick in rainfall during November, averaging 4 inches. As fall transitions to winter, it’s a great time to enjoy the crisp air and the beginning of the holiday season.
Weather In St. Louis December
December in St. Louis brings the start of winter, with average temperatures around 36.5°F, ranging from highs of 44°F to lows of 29°F. The city receives about 2.8 inches of rainfall and 4 inches of snowfall. December also features the shortest day of the year, making it perfect for cozy indoor activities and holiday celebrations.
Annual St. Louis Climate Statistics
- Average number of sunny days: 202
- St. Louis annual rainfall: 42.2” in
- Average snowfall in St Louis: 15.5” in
- What is the coldest month in St Louis?: January at 22.8°F average low
- Hottest month: July at 88.5°F average high
- Driest month: February
- Wettest month: May with 4.8” in on average
- Rainiest month: May with 11.3 average rainy days
- Most humid month: July at 67.6% humidity
- Snowiest month: January at 4.9” in on average
- Sunniest month: July
- St. Louis record cold temperature: -22°F in January 1884
- St. Louis record high temperature: 115°F in July 1954
Extreme Weather in St. Louis
Located in the Midwest, St. Louis encounters varied severe weather events throughout the year. Heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, especially along the Mississippi River, are significant concerns and the most common. Record rainfall in recent years has led to flash flooding, impacting infrastructure and daily life.
Being in Tornado Alley, the city faces a notable risk of tornadoes, particularly in spring and early summer.
St. Louis also experiences extreme heat during the summer, with heat waves pushing temperatures into the upper 90s and 100s. High humidity levels can make it feel even hotter, posing health risks if not careful, so be sure to stay cool and hydrated!
Winter storms, though less frequent, can bring significant snowfall ice, and freezing rain that creates hazardous conditions, especially driving, and potential power outages.
While these events highlight the city’s variable weather, the climate in St. Louis Missouri is generally manageable and enjoyable!
Best Time to Visit St. Louis
When considering the overall St. Louis climate and what you can expect from daily weather, the best time to visit St. Louis is springtime during mid April to May and then fall from September to October. These months offer the most comfortable average temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F, avoiding the extreme heat and humidity of July, with plenty of sunshine to go around.
These ideal times are especially pleasant for outdoor activities like visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden, hiking in Forest Park, and enjoying the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.
Tourist season in St. Louis generally aligns with these optimal weather windows. Visitors during these times can enjoy a variety of events, from the St. Louis Earth Day Festival in April to the St. Louis International Film Festival in November. These months provide a rich blend of cultural experiences to experience in the beautiful St. Louis weather, making them the best times to explore all that our lovely city has to offer.
St. Louis offers a diverse climate with four all four seasons in full force, each bringing its own unique charm and challenges. Whether you’re enjoying the many beautiful parks in spring, the warm, sunny days of summer, the vibrant fall foliage, or the cozy winter festivities, there’s always something to experience in this dynamic city.
If you’re planning a move to St. Louis, trust Federal Companies, the best St. Louis movers, to make your transition smooth and stress-free. Contact our team today at 800-747-4100 to learn more about our reliable moving services as well as the moving cost in St.Louis and receive a free quote!
