Climate and monthly weather forecast
Missouri, USA

Missouri has humid continental (Köppen climate classification Dfa) in its northern portion and humid subtropical (Köppen climate classification Cfa) type of climate in its southern part. Summers are hot and long, while winters are cold and snowy. Extreme temperatures routinely register in Missouri due to lack of mountain ranges and large water bodies. The cold Arctic air and the hot and humid Gulf of Mexico mainly influence the climate. Part of the American Midwest, Missouri shares borders with Illinois in the east, Kentucky and Tennessee in the southeast, Arkansas in the south, Oklahoma in the southwest, Kansas in the west, Nebraska in the northwest, and Iowa in the north.

Missouri, the Cave State, has an average elevation of 244 meters above sea level, with the highest point at Taum Sauk Mountain at 540 meters. The Missouri River runs through the center of the state and along with major tributaries, joins the Mississippi in the east. The topography consists of rolling hills in the north, fertile plateaus in the south, forests, rivers, and karst formations with caves and sinkholes. The Bootheel region in the southeast corner is the state's most fertile land and the flattest, wettest, and warmest part. Earthquakes have occurred in the Bootheel region in the past.

The best time to visit Missouri is during the fall season, especially during September and October. The summer temperatures ease considerably during the autumn, and the humidity gives way to pleasant weather. Thunderstorms and tornadoes are rare and lack intensity at the end of summer. April and May have comfortable temperatures, but Missouri is wet during the spring season. September sees the leaves changing colors, while October is the period of peak fall foliage across the state. The autumn has many festivals, and the season is lively with beautiful weather.

The worst time to visit Missouri is from December to February in the winter. The cold season occasionally records extreme temperatures that dip below -20°F (-28.9°C) during the night, while the days scarcely cross 40°F (4.4°C). Snowfall is frequent in the winter and often registers in large amounts. Ice storms occur during the cold season that stalls the movement of vehicles and people. Arctic winds from Canada and the northern plains invade the state as there are no high mountain ranges to act as barriers. Wind increases the effect of the cold manifold. The skies remain gloomy in the absence of adequate sunlight.

Spring in Missouri is mild but can be characterized by thunderstorms and tornadoes. The season experiences significant rainfall, making it the wettest part of the year, with precipitation peaking from April to June. The temperatures during spring are generally comfortable, ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21.1°C). While the weather can be unpredictable with sudden changes, the blooming flora and the freshness in the air mark a beautiful transition from the cold winter months.

Summer in Missouri is marked by hot and humid conditions with average high temperatures in the range of 80°F (26.7°C) to 90°F (32.2°C), and it is common to see many consecutive days above 100°F (37.8°C). June is typically the rainiest month, followed by July and August, which can experience occasional extreme precipitation. The humidity levels are at their highest during this season, usually lying between 65% and 70%. Despite the heat, summer is a lively time in Missouri with various outdoor activities and events.

Autumn is a pleasant time in Missouri, with a decrease in rainfall by late fall. The temperatures during this season are comfortable, ranging from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21.1°C). The leaves changing colors add to the scenic beauty of the state, and October is especially known for its peak fall foliage. The reduction in humidity and thunderstorm activity makes this season an ideal time for outdoor exploration and enjoying the state's natural beauty.

Winters in Missouri are long, cold, and icy in most parts of the state but milder in the southeast. Nights often plunge below 0°F (-17.8°C), and temperatures between 15°F (-9.4°C) and 30°F (-1.1°C) are common. Snowfall ranges from 15" (381mm) to 20" (508mm) with an average of fifteen snowy days in the year. The cold season is the driest period, yet significant precipitation still occurs. The absence of high mountain ranges allows Arctic winds to make the cold feel even more intense, and the skies often remain overcast.

January is typically one of the coldest months of the year in Missouri, with the winter season at its peak. During this month, temperatures frequently drop to extreme lows, especially in the northern part of the state, which experiences a more continental climate. Weather in January »

February in Missouri marks the continuation of the winter season but typically begins to show signs of moderation in temperature compared to the extreme cold of January. The minimum temperature usually ranges from 10°F (-12.2°C) to 20°F (-6.7°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 40°F (4.4°C) to 50°F (10°C). Weather in February »

March in Missouri signifies the arrival of the spring season, bringing with it a noticeable shift in temperatures and weather patterns. The minimum temperature ranges from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 40°F (4.4°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). Weather in March »

April in Missouri brings a full embrace of the spring season, with temperatures continuing to rise and the landscape blossoming with new growth. The minimum temperature generally ranges from 40°F (4.4°C) to 50°F (10°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 60°F (15.6°C) to 70°F (21.1°C). Weather in April »

May in Missouri is characterized by a continued warming trend and increased humidity, as the state transitions from spring to the early hints of summer. The minimum temperature during this month ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15.6°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 70°F (21.1°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). Weather in May »

June marks the onset of summer in Missouri, characterized by hot and humid conditions. The minimum temperature for this month ranges from 60°F (15.6°C) to 70°F (21.1°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 80°F (26.7°C) to 90°F (32.2°C). Weather in June »

July is the peak of summer in Missouri, with temperatures reaching their zenith and humidity levels remaining high. The minimum temperature in this month varies from 65°F (18.3°C) to 75°F (23.9°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 85°F (29.4°C) to 95°F (35°C). Weather in July »

August in Missouri continues the trend of hot and humid summer weather, though signs of a gradual cooling become apparent as the month progresses. The minimum temperature ranges from 60°F (15.6°C) to 70°F (21.1°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 80°F (26.7°C) to 90°F (32.2°C). Weather in August »

September in Missouri heralds the transition from summer to autumn, with temperatures beginning to moderate and the humidity starting to decrease. The minimum temperature ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15.6°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 70°F (21.1°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). Weather in September »

October in Missouri fully embraces the autumn season, with temperatures continuing to cool and the landscape transforming with vibrant fall foliage. The minimum temperature ranges from 40°F (4.4°C) to 50°F (10°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 60°F (15.6°C) to 70°F (21.1°C). Weather in October »

November in Missouri marks a significant transition towards winter, with temperatures continuing to decline and the landscape preparing for the cold season ahead. The minimum temperature in November ranges from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 40°F (4.4°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 50°F (10°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). Weather in November »

December in Missouri ushers in the winter season, with temperatures dropping further and the state experiencing the cold and icy conditions typical of this time of year. The minimum temperature ranges from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C), and the maximum temperature averages between 30°F (-1.1°C) to 40°F (4.4°C). Weather in December »