Missouri weather at a glance
Missouri weather swings between hot, humid summers and cold winters. In Springfield, the average July high is 32.0°C (90°F), and the average January high is 6.8°C (44°F). The figures on this page are climate averages for 1991 to 2020, measured at Springfield and at St. Louis Lambert Airport. They show what is typical, not what the weather will do on your day, and they are not measured at a cave entrance.
There is no single best month for a cave trip. The caves keep a steady, cool temperature all year, but tour schedules change a lot with the season. The right month depends on which caves you want to see. If you already know, compare the types and prices on the Missouri cave tours page.
Our pick: a dry-day option in Branson
The caves stay cool in every season, but a storm or a wet day can still change outdoor plans. The Titanic Museum in Branson is an indoor choice for those hours.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Missouri cave tours and tickets
Guided cave tours, Branson tickets and day trips from St. Louis and Springfield, with live prices and availability.
Missouri weather by month
Average daily highs and lows, and average monthly rain, 1991 to 2020.
| Month | Springfield high | Springfield low | St. Louis high | St. Louis low | Rain, Springfield / St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.8°C (44°F) | -4.3°C (24°F) | 4.7°C (40°F) | -4.6°C (24°F) | 64.5 / 65.8 mm |
| February | 9.7°C (49°F) | -2.2°C (28°F) | 7.7°C (46°F) | -2.4°C (28°F) | 61.0 / 56.6 mm |
| March | 14.9°C (59°F) | 2.3°C (36°F) | 13.7°C (57°F) | 2.6°C (37°F) | 89.2 / 88.9 mm |
| April | 20.2°C (68°F) | 7.6°C (46°F) | 20.0°C (68°F) | 8.3°C (47°F) | 119.6 / 120.1 mm |
| May | 24.6°C (76°F) | 13.1°C (56°F) | 25.1°C (77°F) | 14.4°C (58°F) | 141.2 / 122.4 mm |
| June | 29.6°C (85°F) | 18.1°C (65°F) | 29.9°C (86°F) | 19.6°C (67°F) | 113.5 / 114.0 mm |
| July | 32.0°C (90°F) | 20.4°C (69°F) | 32.0°C (90°F) | 21.7°C (71°F) | 97.8 / 99.8 mm |
| August | 31.7°C (89°F) | 19.6°C (67°F) | 31.3°C (88°F) | 20.7°C (69°F) | 91.2 / 85.9 mm |
| September | 27.4°C (81°F) | 15.1°C (59°F) | 27.3°C (81°F) | 16.1°C (61°F) | 109.5 / 75.2 mm |
| October | 21.1°C (70°F) | 8.5°C (47°F) | 20.7°C (69°F) | 9.5°C (49°F) | 91.4 / 80.0 mm |
| November | 14.1°C (57°F) | 2.3°C (36°F) | 13.1°C (56°F) | 3.0°C (37°F) | 90.4 / 86.9 mm |
| December | 8.3°C (47°F) | -2.3°C (28°F) | 6.9°C (44°F) | -1.9°C (29°F) | 66.3 / 63.5 mm |
For most visitors, the practical reading is simple: May is the wettest month in Springfield with 141.2 mm (5.6 in), July and August are the hottest, and December to February are the coldest. Springfield here means Springfield, Missouri, not the Illinois city of the same name.
Which caves are open in each season
Cave tours follow the calendar, not the weather. Schedules are for 2026.
| Season | What runs | What to expect outside |
|---|---|---|
| Spring, March to May | Meramec Caverns reopens on 28 February with weekday hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rising to 5 p.m. in May. Onondaga opens daily on 1 April. Ozark Caverns starts weekend tours on 15 May. | Mild days and the wettest months. April to June is the main tornado period. |
| Summer, June to August | The widest choice. Ozark Caverns runs daily from 1 June to 15 August. Cathedral Cave runs on weekends. Bridal Cave has Saturday lantern tours at 7 p.m. The Meramec river boat runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. | Hot and humid, with average highs near 32°C (90°F). The cave stays cool. |
| Autumn, September to November | Regular Ozark Caverns tours end on 15 September. Onondaga runs until 31 October. Meramec Caverns runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in October, and you should call ahead in November. Bluff Dwellers Cave runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from 27 September to 31 October. | Cooler days. October highs average 21.1°C (70°F) in Springfield. |
| Winter, December to February | Fantastic Caverns and Talking Rocks run all year except for holidays. Mark Twain Cave offers tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crystal Cave opens Wednesday to Sunday. Meramec Caverns is closed from 5 January to 27 February. | Cold, with January highs of 6.8°C (44°F) and lows below freezing. |
For most visitors who want several caves in one trip, late May to mid August has the widest choice, and October suits those who prefer cooler days outside and accept fewer lantern tours. Fisher Cave in Meramec State Park is closed from 14 September 2026 to 14 May 2027, so it fits only the summer window.
When weather changes your plan
A steady cave temperature does not make the trip weatherproof.
Snow, ice and gravel roads
Stark Caverns can close in snow or ice. The road to the cave is gravel with a fairly steep final descent, and wet paths can be slippery. Call ahead in winter.
Lake of the Ozarks caves →Outdoor tours
The Lost Canyon Cave cart tour depends on the weather. The Meramec river boat depends on weather and river level. Marvel Cave departures also depend on the weather while the park is open.
Lost Canyon Cave →Storm season
April to June is the peak of the tornado season, with a smaller second peak late in the year. Use this as a rough guide, not a forecast. Check the forecast on the day you travel.
Cave temperatures
Each cave has its own temperature, from 52°F at Mark Twain Cave to 60°F at Bridal Cave. The numbers and a table are on the Cave State page.
Cave temperatures →Missouri weather and cave season: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Missouri caves?
There is no single best month. Late May to mid August offers the most tours. October brings cooler days outside, but several seasonal tours have ended. Meramec Caverns is closed in January and February.
Are Missouri caves open in winter?
Some are. Fantastic Caverns runs daily tours except for holidays, Talking Rocks runs all year, and Mark Twain Cave offers tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ozark Caverns has no regular tours from 16 September to 14 May.
How hot does Missouri get in summer?
Average July highs are 32.0°C (90°F) in both Springfield and St. Louis. Individual days can be hotter, so plan outdoor stops for the morning and a cave visit for the afternoon.
When is tornado season in Missouri?
April to June is the main period, with a smaller peak toward the end of the year. This is a rough guide only. Look at the forecast before you drive.
Do I need a jacket in a Missouri cave?
Cave air stays between 52 and 60°F (11 to 16°C) all year, so a light layer is sensible even on a hot day. Wear shoes with grip. If you are planning a base for the trip, see where to stay.
Is this an official weather or tourism website?
No. missouricaves.org is an independent guide. It is not run by Missouri State Parks, the National Weather Service, Visit Missouri or any cave.