Easter in Missouri can really keep you guessing. Sometimes, spring warmth takes over, but other years, a lingering chill hangs around and makes planning tricky. Most years, you’ll see average daytime highs in the 60s, with nights dropping into the 40s. Still, the weather history swings wildly—some mornings start frosty, and afternoons can feel nearly like summer. On average, you’ll find mild temperatures and a fair shot at some rain.
What’s funny about Easter weather in Missouri is how unpredictable it is. Some years, you’ll get sunshine and gentle breezes. Others, rain showers or even a surprise dusting of snow might show up. If you know the patterns, planning a sunrise service, family gathering, or spring trip gets easier.
When you check long-term records and look at different regions, you’ll notice Easter weather shifts a lot across the state. The Ozarks usually run a bit warmer, while the northern plains stay cooler. This background helps you set expectations and (hopefully) avoid any big weather surprises.
Overview of Easter Weather in Missouri
Missouri’s Easter weather usually means mild days, cool nights, and a mix of wet and dry spells. You’ll probably get some spring warmth, but late-season cold snaps and rare snow events can still pop up. Rain beats snow in frequency, and quick weather changes are just part of life here.
Typical Temperatures During Easter
Most Easters in Missouri bring nighttime lows in the low 40s°F and daytime highs in the low or mid 60s°F. In St. Louis, the average is about 64°F for highs and 45°F for lows. Columbia trends a bit cooler, with 63°F highs and 42°F lows.
Chilly mornings still happen. Some years, records show lows in the teens, especially way back in the late 1800s. Warm spells aren’t unheard of either, with highs in the upper 80s in both St. Louis and Columbia during past Easters.
You’ll want to pack for both light jackets and short sleeves. Missouri’s spot in the middle of the country means cold northern air and warm southern air take turns, so daily temperatures can swing a lot.
Average Precipitation and Rainfall
Rain shows up pretty often during Easter in Missouri. St. Louis records say you’ll get about 0.14 inches per day on average, and measurable rain happens on 44% of Easter Sundays. Columbia averages 0.12 inches, with rain in more than half the years.
Heavy rain doesn’t happen often, but it’s possible. St. Louis has gotten over 1 inch of rain six times on Easter, and Columbia once saw 2 inches. These are rare, but if you’re planning something outside, it’s good to know.
Most years, you’ll get light showers or maybe just partly cloudy skies, not all-day rain. It’s smart to expect a little dampness, but dry and sunny Easters happen too. Bringing an umbrella or having an indoor backup plan never hurts.
Likelihood of Snow or Frost
Snow on Easter in Missouri almost never happens, but it’s not impossible. St. Louis has about a 3% chance of snowfall, with the last measurable snow being 0.6 inches in 2018. The record? 1 inch in 1917.
Columbia’s seen a bit more, with rare events up to 4.6 inches in 1920. Once, morning snow depth hit 8 inches in 1978, but that’s really an outlier.
Frost is more likely than snow. Overnight lows in the 30s°F can still show up, especially up north. If you’re into gardening or have early morning plans, keep in mind that cold mornings can last well into April.
Regional Weather Variations Across Missouri
Missouri’s weather can shift a lot depending on where you are. Elevation, latitude, and those big rivers all shape local conditions during spring.
Differences Between Northern and Southern Missouri
Northern Missouri usually stays cooler than the south. Around Easter, highs in the north hit the low to mid-60s °F, and lows drop into the 40s °F. Down south, including the Ozarks, things warm up faster, with highs in the upper 60s °F and lows in the upper 40s to low 50s °F.
Snow can still sneak into northern counties in early April, but it’s pretty rare. The south mostly skips measurable snow by then and instead deals with spring rains.
Rainfall changes, too. The southern half—especially near Springfield—usually sees more April rain than the north. This can make a difference if you’re planning outdoor events or travel.
If you’re heading north, expect a cooler, sometimes brisker holiday. Traveling south? You’ll probably get milder temps but a higher chance of rain.
Impact of the Missouri River on Local Climate
The Missouri River shapes weather patterns for towns along its path, like St. Louis, Jefferson City, and Kansas City. Areas near the river usually get slightly milder temperatures compared to spots farther away.
In spring, river towns might warm up a bit slower during the day but don’t cool off as much at night. For example, Saint Joseph, right on the river in the north, averages April highs in the mid-60s °F and lows in the mid-40s °F. Nearby higher-elevation areas can be a few degrees colder.
The river valley brings more morning fog and humidity, especially in early spring when cool mornings meet warming air.
If you’re spending Easter near the Missouri River, expect steadier conditions than in the upland parts of the state, with fewer sharp day-to-night swings.
Spring Weather Patterns and Trends
Spring in Missouri brings big temperature swings and more rain. You’ll get cool mornings, warmer afternoons, and a higher chance of storms as spring rolls on.
Temperature Fluctuations in Early Spring
March and April bring quick temperature changes. In cities like St. Louis and Springfield, average highs climb from the upper 50s in March to the upper 60s by April. Lows often hang out in the 30s or 40s early on, so frost can still happen.
You’ll notice some springlike days suddenly followed by cold snaps. That’s just how it goes here, thanks to shifting air masses. A warm, sunny afternoon can turn into a chilly evening in just a few hours.
By late April, most places get more consistent warmth. Highs in the 70s show up more, and lows usually stay above freezing. Still, it’s smart to pack layers when you’re out and about, since things can change fast.
Average Highs (°F):
- March: 55–60
- April: 65–70
Precipitation Trends and Storm Risks
Rain picks up fast in spring. March averages about 2–3 inches, and April brings 3–4 inches. May is even wetter, with totals near 4–5 inches. This steady increase boosts the growing season but can also mean flooding in low-lying spots.
Thunderstorms start to show up more in April. Many bring heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Missouri sits in a spot where tornadoes can happen, especially as spring goes on.
Expect more cloudy, unsettled days compared to winter. Rain falls on about 8–12 days each month in April and May. If you’re planning outdoor stuff, watch the forecast and be ready for sudden changes.
Average Rainfall (inches):
- March: 2–3
- April: 3–4
- May: 4–5
Best Time to Visit Missouri in Spring
Spring in Missouri means mild temperatures, longer days, and blooming flowers. Sure, rain and storms happen, but you can still enjoy lots of outdoor fun if you pick the right weeks.
Ideal Weeks for Pleasant Weather
The best weeks usually run from mid-April to mid-May. Daytime highs often hit 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C), and nights stay cool but not too cold.
Rain is common, especially in April, but storms usually don’t last long. If you bring light rain gear, hiking, festivals, and city walks are still doable.
Humidity stays lower than in summer, so being outside feels nicer. Parks and gardens look amazing, with dogwoods, redbuds, and tulips in full bloom.
If you want to dodge the wettest stretch, late April into early May often balances rainfall with steadier temperatures. This is probably one of the best times to visit Missouri for comfort and scenery.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 65°F | 45°F | High | Wettest but colorful |
| May | 75°F | 55°F | Moderate | Warm, less stormy |
Comparing Easter Weather to Other Spring Holidays
Easter usually lands in late March or April, when weather can be all over the place. You might wake up to a cool morning near 40°F (4°C), then enjoy a mild afternoon in the 60s°F (15–20°C). Showers and thunderstorms are common, so outdoor plans need some flexibility.
Mother’s Day in May usually brings warmer, steadier weather. Highs in the 70s°F (21–24°C) are pretty typical, and there’s less risk of severe storms than earlier in spring.
By Memorial Day at the end of May, it feels almost like summer. Highs reach the 80s°F (27°C+), humidity climbs, and outdoor pools and lakes get busy.
If you’re planning around Easter, expect a mixed bag and pack layers. If you want more reliable warmth, later spring holidays usually deliver steadier weather for travel and events.
Weather-Related Travel Tips for Easter in Missouri
Easter in Missouri often means mild afternoons, cool mornings, and a real chance for spring showers or quick temperature changes. If you prepare for these shifts, you’ll stay comfortable and enjoy your trip a lot more.
Packing Recommendations for Variable Conditions
You’ll want to pack for both warm and chilly weather. Afternoon highs in April often reach the upper 60s, but mornings can start in the 40s. A layered wardrobe works best, so you can add or remove layers as the day goes on.
Bring a light jacket or fleece for the cool parts of the day and a short-sleeve base layer for sunshine. A compact rain jacket or poncho is a must, since April is one of Missouri’s wetter months, with 9–12 days of measurable rain depending on where you are.
Footwear makes a difference too. Go with water-resistant shoes or boots if you’re walking in parks or on trails, since spring rain can make things muddy. If you’re heading to outdoor Easter services or egg hunts, pack a small umbrella and hat for rain or sun protection.
A quick packing checklist:
- Layered clothing (short sleeves, long sleeves, light jacket)
- Waterproof outerwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Umbrella or poncho
- Sunglasses and sunscreen for clear days
Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations
Spring weather in Missouri supports outdoor events, but flexibility helps. Rain showers are common, and April falls during the state’s tornado season, though most storms are short. Always check the daily forecast before heading to parks, gardens, or lakes.
If you’re visiting the Ozarks or state parks, trails can get muddy after rain. Pick routes with paved paths when it’s wet. For family activities like Easter egg hunts, grassy areas might be damp, so waterproof shoes or a ground blanket come in handy.
Daylight lasts about 13 hours in April, giving you plenty of time to explore. Afternoons usually feel comfortable, but evenings cool off quickly, so bring a jacket if you’ll be out past sunset.
When you’re driving, keep in mind that spring flooding sometimes affects low-lying roads near rivers. Always follow posted warnings and don’t cross water-covered routes. If you stay prepared, you can enjoy Missouri’s spring scenery without too much hassle.
Historical Easter Weather Records in Missouri
Easter in Missouri? The weather can really keep you guessing. Some years, you might step outside to sunshine and warmth, while other times, late-season chills sneak in and catch everyone off guard.
People in Missouri have seen everything from spring rain to an unexpected dusting of snow on Easter. It’s wild how much the holiday experience can change, depending on what the sky decides to do.
Record Highs and Lows on Easter
Early spring in Missouri basically means the weather’s up for anything. Easter lands right in that window when winter and summer seem to fight for control.
Some years, temperatures have soared into the 80s°F. Those days feel more like July than early April, honestly.
But then, you get those years when Easter morning starts out in the 20s°F—especially if you’re up north. That kind of cold can bring frost, and sometimes even a bit of snow, which always throws off anyone hoping for a nice, mild holiday.
You really notice the wild swings when you look at the numbers. Just check out these records:
| Location | Record High (°F) | Record Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 85°F | 28°F |
| Kansas City | 83°F | 25°F |
| Springfield | 82°F | 27°F |
So, if you’re planning Easter outside, you might want to bring both a jacket and some sunscreen. Missouri weather doesn’t like to make it easy.
Notable Weather Events During Easter Week
Some Easter weeks in Missouri really stand out because of odd weather. In a few years, strong spring storms dumped heavy rain and thunderstorms on the state, making travel tough and pushing a lot of outdoor gatherings inside.
Hail and even tornadoes have sometimes hit close to the holiday, too. Locals still talk about those wild weather outbreaks.
Every now and then, late-season snow has shown up during Easter week, especially up north and through central Missouri. Sure, it’s rare, but sometimes you’ll wake up to measurable snow on the ground and suddenly Easter feels more like Christmas.
Other years just flip the script completely with drought-like dryness and those endless sunny skies. People enjoy the nice weather for outdoor events, but honestly, it just goes to show how unpredictable Missouri’s spring can be.
If you check the old records, you’ll quickly realize Easter in Missouri can throw almost anything at you, whether it’s warm and clear or stormy and cold.