Jul 1, 2024
The Best Time to Visit St. Louis: A Comprehensive Guide
Planning a trip to the Gateway to the West – St. Louis? Knowing the best time to visit can greatly enhance your travel impressions. St. Louis offers something for everyone all year round, but the ideal time for your visit depends on your preferences. Here, we delve into the considerations for visiting St. Louis throughout the year.
Best vs Worst Weather to Visit St. Louis
Best Weather: Between September to November, and late April to early June. During this time, St. Louis is painted with beautiful fall colors or spring blooms, and the weather is temperate.
Worst Weather: The peak summer months, from July to August, can be extremely hot. The winter months, between December to February, often see temperatures dipping below freezing levels, making outdoor activities less pleasant.
Cheapest Time to go to St. Louis vs. Most Expensive Time to travel to St. Louis
Cheapest Time to Visit: Late winter (January and February) is typically the cheapest time, with fewer tourists and lower hotel rates.
Most Expensive Time to Visit: Summer and early fall typically see higher prices due to the influx of tourists and events.
Average hotel prices:
- Winter : $60-$110 per night
- Summer: $90-$150 per night
Busiest Time to see St. Louis vs. Least Busy Time to Visit St. Louis
Busiest Time to Visit: St. Louis can be busiest during the summertime, when school is out and more families visit.
Least Busy Time to Visit: January and February are typically less crowded as these are the coldest months and less popular among visitors.
Special Events Worth Seeing in St. Louis
St. Louis is known for its vibrant events calendar:
- St. Louis Art Fair (September): This award-winning cultural festival features visual artists from across the country.
- Mardi Gras (February): St. Louis hosts the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in the US with numerous events and parades.
- Balloon Glow (September): Part of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the Balloon Glow is a magical spectacle where hot air balloons glow at dusk in the park.
Recommended time of year to go to St. Louis
- High Season: May to September
- Shoulder Season: April and October
- Low Season: November to March
High Season in St. Louis (May to September)
Weather: Expect warmer temperatures, often reaching up to 90°F, and higher humidity.
Events: Numerous music festivals, art fairs, and food festivals take place throughout the high season.
Things to Do: Visit the Gateway Arch, take a ride on the Mississippi River, enjoy the St. Louis Zoo, or immerse in the rich music and brewing scene.
Prices: This is peak tourist season, hence prices can be towards the higher end for accommodation and flights.
Shoulder Season in St. Louis (April and October)
Weather: Moderate temperatures with lesser humidity make this season ideal for outdoor explorations.
Events: The St. Louis International Film Festival takes place in late October.
Things to Do: An ideal time for exploring the city's parks, museums and historical monuments without much of the crowd.
Prices: You may find deals on accommodations and flights during this period.
Low Season (November to March)
Weather: Cold weather with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Events: St. Louis hosts a wonderful Winterfest celebration with ice skating, food and more.
Things to Do: Indoor activities, museum visits, and theater shows might be more appealing during these cold months.
Prices: This is the most budget-friendly time to visit, with fluctuating fares on accommodations and flights.
Conclusion Regarding the Perfect Time to Travel to St. Louis
For Sightseeing: Late spring to early fall, from late April to early November, is a great time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
For Budget Travelers: The winter months, specifically January and February, offer better deals on accommodations and flights.
For a Balanced Experience: Consider visiting during April or October (the shoulder season). The city is less crowded, the weather is manageable, and you might find reasonable prices.
Ultimately, the best time to visit St. Louis depends on your personal interests and the must-do activities on your list. Each season offers something unique and the city’s charisma shines through all year round.
Don't miss our guide on the best time to travel to Missouri!
