If you’re planning Thanksgiving in Missouri, you really have to be ready for just about anything. Some years, you get those surprisingly mild afternoons in the 60s. Other times, you wake up to a hard frost and the thermometer says it’s in the 20s. Most years, expect highs in the 40s or low 50s, lows hovering near freezing, and a decent shot at rain—or maybe even a dusting of snow.
The weather can shift a lot depending on where you spend the holiday. St. Louis usually gets slightly warmer conditions, but central and northern Missouri run cooler and see a higher risk of wintry weather. Historical records suggest measurable precipitation shows up about one in every three Thanksgivings. Snow? It’s rare, but it can happen.
Knowing these trends lets you plan with a bit more confidence. Whether you’re traveling across the state, hosting family, or hoping for some outdoor traditions, it pays to understand Missouri’s typical climate quirks.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Missouri
Thanksgiving in Missouri tends to bring cool temperatures, a shot at rain, and sometimes a touch of snow. The details depend on your spot in the state, but most areas see mild to chilly days and cold nights.
Average Temperatures Across the State
During late November, Missouri’s daytime temperatures often land in the upper 30s to mid-50s°F. Nights? They usually drop into the 20s or low 30s°F, especially up north in places like St. Joseph or Quincy.
St. Louis clocks in with average highs around 48°F. Central Missouri, including Columbia, averages about 46°F. Down south in Springfield, it’s a bit milder, with highs near 50°F.
Cold snaps can sweep in. Records show some years with lows in the single digits, especially back in the mid-1900s. Every so often, though, Thanksgiving warms up and highs hit the 70s.
All in all, you should expect cool weather, but it’s smart to pack layers. Missouri’s weather can turn on a dime.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall
Rain is definitely more likely than snow for Thanksgiving in Missouri. In St. Louis, measurable precipitation has shown up about one-third of the time. Columbia’s odds are a little lower at 27%, and Quincy gets rain about 23% of the time.
Most of the time, rain is light—less than 0.10 inches. Heavy rain can happen, but it’s not the norm. The wettest Thanksgiving in St. Louis dumped over 1.5 inches.
Rainfall tends to be spotty. Some years, the whole state stays dry. If you’re driving, you’ll probably run into more wet roads than snowy ones. Late November storms usually mean cold rain, not thunderstorms.
Likelihood of Snowfall
Snow can fall, but honestly, it’s not common. In St. Louis, measurable snowfall on Thanksgiving happens just about 6% of the time. Columbia’s records are similar, at 7%. Quincy’s snowfall data isn’t complete.
When snow does show up, it’s usually just a light coating. The record in St. Louis is 6.5 inches in 1929, but that’s a real outlier. Most years, if it snows, it’s less than an inch.
Seeing snow on the ground Thanksgiving morning is pretty rare, too. Both St. Louis and Columbia show about a 6% chance of waking up to snow cover. If you’re hoping for a white Thanksgiving, well, it’s possible, but don’t count on it.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
By late November, daylight gets pretty limited in Missouri. You’ll get about 10 hours of daylight, with sunset coming early, around 4:45–5:00 PM depending on where you are.
Clouds are common, especially if rain or snow is in the forecast. Sure, you might luck out and get a sunny Thanksgiving, but gray skies are the norm. Short days and cloudiness can make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
If you’ve got outdoor plans, aim for earlier in the day. Evenings cool off fast once the sun goes down.
Regional Weather Variations
Thanksgiving weather in Missouri really depends on your location. Temperature swings, rain chances, and snow history all shift between city, countryside, and the north-south divide.
St. Louis Thanksgiving Weather
St. Louis usually gets cool, sometimes damp weather for Thanksgiving. The average high lands near 48°F, and the low is around 32°F.
You’ll see a mix of cloudy skies and some sunshine, with a 32% chance of measurable rain for the holiday.
Snow is possible, but it doesn’t happen much. There’s only a 6% chance of measurable snowfall on Thanksgiving and the same for snow already on the ground. Most years, snow is light, but there was that wild 6.5 inches in 1929.
Rain is more common, but cold nights can lead to icy patches. If you’re traveling, keep in mind that weather can swing from mild afternoons to chilly evenings in a hurry.
Jefferson City Thanksgiving Climate
Jefferson City sits in central Missouri and tends to be a bit cooler than St. Louis. Average highs reach about 46°F, and lows drop near 29°F. Rain shows up less often, with just a 27% chance of measurable precipitation.
Snowfall? Still not likely. There’s about a 7% chance of measurable snow and a 6% chance of snow on the ground. The area once went 12 years without even a trace of Thanksgiving snow, so you never really know.
The Missouri River valley can make mornings colder, as cold air settles overnight. If you’re up early and driving, watch for frost or icy spots, especially near the river.
Northern vs. Southern Missouri Differences
Northern Missouri usually runs colder and gets more snow around Thanksgiving. Places like Quincy and St. Joseph often see lows in the mid-20s and a better shot at snow cover. Precipitation up north leans more toward a mix of rain and snow.
Southern Missouri, including Springfield and the Ozarks, stays milder. Highs are a few degrees warmer, and snow is rare. Rain happens more often, and any snow that falls is usually light and melts quickly.
This north-south split really affects your travel experience. A trip from Springfield up to St. Joseph might take you from clear roads to snowy fields in just a few hours.
Historical Thanksgiving Weather Trends
Missouri’s Thanksgiving weather history is full of wild temperature swings and the occasional winter surprise. Year to year, things can feel like late fall—or full-on winter.
Temperature Records and Extremes
Missouri’s Thanksgiving temperatures run the gamut from unusually warm to bitterly cold. In St. Louis, the warmest Thanksgiving hit 74°F (1966 and 1981), while the coldest dropped to 8°F (1950). Columbia has seen highs near 72°F and lows as cold as 2°F.
Most years, you’ll get highs in the 40s to low 50s, lows in the upper 20s to low 30s. Some years, you might get away with a light jacket. Other years, you’ll want your heaviest coat.
Sometimes, Missouri goes years without snow or deep freezes. Columbia, for example, didn’t see even a trace of Thanksgiving snow for 12 straight years between 2010 and 2021. That kind of streak just shows how unpredictable things can be.
Notable Thanksgiving Weather Events
A few Missouri Thanksgivings really stand out. In St. Louis, the biggest Thanksgiving snow dumped 6.5 inches in 1929. The deepest snow cover on a Thanksgiving morning was 8 inches in 1975. Columbia saw 3.5 inches in 1980, which made travel a real headache.
Rain and snow chances shift year to year. St. Louis has about a 32% chance of measurable rain or snow on Thanksgiving, while Columbia is closer to 27%. Quincy averages around 23%.
Dry spells can be pretty remarkable, too. Quincy went 17 years (1901–1917) without measurable Thanksgiving precipitation. These long gaps show that while the averages help, any given year can still surprise you.
Weather Impact on Thanksgiving Travel and Activities
Late November in Missouri often brings unsettled weather that can mess with travel and holiday plans. Cold fronts, rain, and the occasional snow can slow down the roads and put a damper on outdoor get-togethers. Planning ahead makes a big difference, whether you’re driving or hosting.
Travel Considerations in Missouri
Thanksgiving week is always a travel crunch, and Missouri’s location means you’ll probably run into a mix of weather. In St. Louis, rain is more likely than snow, but temps often dip into the 30s and 40s. Wet roads plus heavy traffic can make for slower trips.
In Jefferson City and other central spots, you sometimes get light snow or freezing drizzle when cold air pushes in after a front. Even a little ice can make bridges and overpasses slick. It’s smart to allow extra time if you’re driving the interstates, especially I‑70 and I‑44—holiday traffic is a given.
Flying out of Lambert International Airport in St. Louis? Strong winds or low clouds can cause delays. Major snowstorms don’t hit often, but rain and low visibility can still disrupt flights. Checking the forecast before you leave can save a lot of hassle.
Outdoor and Holiday Event Planning
A lot of Missouri families love outdoor traditions—football, parades, maybe a quick hike before dinner. Temps usually land somewhere between the upper 30s and mid‑50s, but wind chill can make it feel colder. Dressing in layers and keeping rain gear handy is the way to go.
If you’re hosting something outside in St. Louis or Jefferson City, remember that days are short and sunset comes before 5 p.m. Cold evenings can shut down outdoor events fast. Having a backup indoor space is a good idea if rain or snow rolls in.
Community events like parades or markets might keep going in light rain but often get canceled if it’s icy. Checking the local forecast the morning of your event helps you pivot if needed. Being ready for anything helps keep your Thanksgiving fun and safe.
What to Pack for Thanksgiving in Missouri
Missouri in late November can serve up mild afternoons in the 50s or frosty mornings in the 20s. Rain is always possible, and sometimes you even get a little snow. Pack with flexibility in mind so you’re set for whatever comes your way—indoors or out.
Clothing Recommendations
Layers are your friend since Thanksgiving weather in Missouri can change fast. A light to medium jacket works for most days, but you’ll want a warmer coat if cold air settles in. Bring long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and jeans or heavier pants to handle the swings.
If you’ll be outside—maybe a parade, football game, or turkey trot—pack thermal tops or fleece pullovers. They add warmth without being bulky. Comfortable shoes are a must, since rain can leave sidewalks and trails damp or muddy.
For indoor gatherings, you can keep your layers but aim for casual, neat outfits that keep you warm without overheating. Most Missouri homes are well-heated in late November, so you might want a lighter shirt under your sweater to adjust as needed.
Weather-Ready Accessories
Missouri’s Thanksgiving weather? It’s unpredictable, so accessories really do help. I always grab a hat and gloves if I’ll be out in the morning or after dark, since temperatures can drop fast.
A scarf works wonders on those windy days, too. It’s a small thing, but it makes a difference.
I’d pack a compact umbrella or maybe a light rain jacket, just in case. There’s about a one-in-four chance you’ll see measurable rain on Thanksgiving in a lot of Missouri cities.
If you’re walking outside, waterproof or at least water-resistant shoes will keep your feet dry on wet sidewalks or grass.
When snow shows up in the forecast, you’ll want traction-friendly shoes or boots. Snow isn’t the norm, but it’s happened enough that you shouldn’t get caught off guard.
A small day bag comes in handy for carrying extra layers, gloves, or rain gear while you’re out and about.
Tips for Monitoring Thanksgiving Weather Forecasts
Thanksgiving weather in Missouri can feel like a wild card. Some days are mild, some nights are freezing, and you might even get rain or snow.
If you want to travel or plan gatherings, you’ve got to know where to find reliable forecasts. It helps to keep an eye on updates as the holiday gets closer.
Reliable Forecast Sources
You’ll want to stick with sources that actually update often and give detailed info. The National Weather Service (NWS) stands out as one of the best. They offer local forecasts, radar, and even historical climate data for places like St. Louis, Columbia, and Quincy.
Local TV stations and regional meteorologists break things down in a way that makes sense for your area. That’s especially useful if you’re figuring out a travel route for the holiday.
If you’re just checking quickly, mobile apps from the NWS or trusted ones like Weather.gov, NOAA Weather Radar, or AccuWeather give you hourly and daily forecasts. These apps make it easy to see if you’ll run into rain, snow, or gusty winds.
Long-range forecasts can give you a sense of what’s coming, but things change as the day approaches. I’d check a few different sources so you don’t get caught off guard by last-minute changes.
Staying Updated on Changing Conditions
Missouri weather in late November? It can flip on you fast, especially when cold fronts sweep through. As the holiday gets closer, try to check forecasts more often—start about a week out, then bump it up to daily checks in those last three days.
Set up weather alerts on your phone for the places that matter: your home, your travel route, and wherever you’re headed. That way, if something changes, you’ll know right away.
If you’re traveling, pay attention to those hourly forecasts. Even a quick burst of rain or snow can mess with road conditions or flight times, even if the rest of the day looks fine.
Planning something outside? Always have a backup. Missouri usually sees at least a chance of precipitation on Thanksgiving, so staying flexible saves you from scrambling at the last minute.