Ozark weather by month
Ozark Weather Overview: A Month‑by‑Month Guide
The Ozarks, spanning southwestern Missouri, north‑western Arkansas, and southeastern Kansas, offer a diverse climate that can surprise you at any time of year. Whether you’re a seasonal visitor, a new resident, or simply planning a trip, understanding the weather patterns—average highs, lows, rainfall, and sunshine—helps you dress appropriately, schedule outdoor activities, and prepare for the occasional storm. Below we break down Ozark weather by month, provide a handy comparison table, and answer the most common questions people ask about living in or visiting the Ozarks.
Ozark Weather by Month (Table)
| Month | Avg. High (°F) | Avg. Low (°F) | Avg. Precipitation (in) | Avg. Sunshine Hours | Typical Weather Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40 | 23 | 2.6 | 140 | Cold, occasional snow; crisp mornings |
| February | 44 | 25 | 3.3 | 162 | Mild but still cool; some lingering snow |
| March | 55 | 32 | 3.9 | 186 | Transition to spring; rain showers common |
| April | 68 | 45 | 4.5 | 210 | Warm, sunny; early thunderstorms |
| May | 77 | 54 | 4.9 | 215 | Hot afternoons; humid, steady showers |
| June | 84 | 63 | 4.7 | 210 | Hot, humid; thunderstorm season peaks |
| July | 87 | 66 | 4.8 | 195 | Tallest heat; dry spell mid‑month in some areas |
| August | 85 | 65 | 4.9 | 190 | Warmer nights; periodic summer storms |
| September | 78 | 56 | 4.7 | 195 | Cooling; tornado risk rises in early September |
| October | 63 | 40 | 4.2 | 210 | Pleasant, cooler; vibrant foliage |
| November | 49 | 26 | 3.8 | 165 | Gradual drop in temps; windy |
| December | 42 | 19 | 2.9 | 140 | Cold, potential for snow; bright evenings |
Monthly Highlights
January: The Deep Chill
- Average highs sit around 40 °F, with lows dropping to 23 °F.
- Snow is a possibility in higher elevations; expect occasional snow showers.
- Dressing in layers and waterproof boots is key.
February: A Warm Welcome Late In**
- Temps climb just enough to feel spring, but mornings can still feel like winter.
- Precipitation rises slightly, so a light raincoat remains handy.
March: The Rainy Spring Threshold
- Average highs hit 55 °F; precipitation peaks at around 3.9 inches.
- Lightning storms become more frequent as plant life buds.
April: Sunny Growth and Thunderheads
- With almost 210 sunshine hours, it’s a great month for hikes.
- Midday thunderstorms are common—prepare an umbrella or short‑term shelter.
May‑July: The Height of Heat and Humidity
- Peak July average high is 87 °F with high humidity.
- Thunderstorm season peaks in June and July; keep eyes on weather alerts.
August‑September: Cooling but Still Boiling
- Temperatures gradually fall toward late September, yet heat remains.
- The first week of September marks increased tornado activity across the Central U.S. — watch radar.
October: Fall Foliage and Crisp Air
- Average highs of 63 °F create perfect conditions for mountain air and scenic drives.
- Reduced precipitation and high sunshine hours make for clear, cool evenings.
November: Windy Nights and Falling Temperatures
- Daily highs drop to about 49 °F; lows at 26 °F.
- West‑to‑north winds pick up, potentially blowing out foliage.
December: The Winter Wrap‑Up
- Like January, cold is dominant—yet precipitation is often lighter, primarily as rain or light snow.
- Enjoy the scenic illumination of holiday lights amid the snowy backdrop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How often does the Ozarks get snow?
Snow is most common from December through March, especially in higher elevations. It can snow in May or September, but it’s rarer.
What is the best time of year to visit the Ozarks for outdoor activities?
Late spring (May) and early fall (September–October) often provide warm temperatures and relatively dry conditions, ideal for hiking, fishing, and boating.
When does tornado season start here?
Tornado watch alerts are more frequent from late August through early October, with a peak in September.
Can I expect a dry spell in July?
Some stretches of July are drier, but the region can still get heavy thunderstorms during that month.
- Is the Ozark weather similar to surrounding states?
Generally, yes; the climate patterns resemble those of southern Missouri, northern Arkansas, and southeastern Kansas, with regional variations at higher elevations.
Resources for Ozark Weather Updates
- National Weather Service – Central Kansas/Darlington – weather.gov
- Oklahoma Climate Center – Ozark Data – climate.ou.edu
- Weather.com Ozark Forecasts – weather.com
- The Ozarks Weather App – Available on iOS & Android for real‑time alerts
- Local University Meteorology Departments – Research and historical climate data
Use these resources to stay ahead of local weather changes, plan your trips better, or simply to satisfy your curiosity about the ever‑changing Ozark climate.
