Weather in Springfield, Missouri
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Thunderstorm21%86°70°
- SundayMay 17Overcast—84°67°
- MondayMay 18Light Drizzle33%86°72°
- TuesdayMay 19Light Showers72%77°56°
- WednesdayMay 20Overcast72%61°53°
- ThursdayMay 21Drizzle23%63°57°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle28%73°57°
- PM 2.5
- 5.9 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 7.1 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 1.2 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 90.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:13 AM
- Moonset
- 1:43 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Springfield at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 75°F — typical for the season
- Last frost: March 30 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Springfield's peak heat with average temperatures around 78°F, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 33°F. Precipitation follows its own pattern, with May receiving the most rainfall at 6.0 inches and February seeing the least at 2.4 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33° | 2.4″ | 8 |
| February | 37° | 2.4″ | 8 |
| March | 46° | 3.7″ | 12 |
| April | 56° | 5.2″ | 17 |
| May | 66° | 6.0″ | 20 |
| June | 74° | 4.9″ | 16 |
| July | 78° | 3.9″ | 13 |
| August | 77° | 3.6″ | 12 |
| September | 70° | 4.5″ | 15 |
| October | 58° | 3.6″ | 12 |
| November | 46° | 3.6″ | 12 |
| December | 36° | 2.6″ | 9 |
Regional context
Springfield falls within the humid subtropical climate region, sharing temperature ranges, seasonal weather patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: St. Louis, MO, Kansas City, MO, Columbia, MO, Independence, MO, Lee's Summit, MO.
Naturalist notes
By late May, eastern redbuds finish their flowering cycle as their heart-shaped leaves reach full size.
Mid-April brings the return of ruby-throated hummingbirds from their winter migration south.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Springfield?
- Springfield's final spring frost usually occurs around mid-April, while the season's first frost typically arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Springfield?
- May receives the heaviest rainfall with approximately 6.0 inches on average; Springfield's total annual precipitation reaches roughly 47 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Springfield?
- July typically records the warmest temperatures, with averages around 78°F.
- What is the coldest month in Springfield?
- January brings the coldest temperatures, averaging approximately 33°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Springfield?
- Cool-season vegetables like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April; warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after that date.
- How many rainy days does Springfield get?
- Springfield experiences approximately 154 rainy days annually.
- What hardiness zone is Springfield?
- Springfield's USDA hardiness zone reflects its average minimum winter temperatures; the USDA's online zone lookup tool provides current zone information when you enter the city ZIP code.
Climate
Springfield, Missouri experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. Winter temperatures in January typically hover around 33°F, while July brings average temperatures of 78°F — creating a 45°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation in Springfield totals approximately 47 inches, distributed across roughly 154 rainy days throughout the year.
Location at 37.2°N latitude, along with proximity to large water bodies and local elevation, determines the natural rhythm here. These factors influence plant growth patterns, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.