Early winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in December
Downtown St. Louis & the Arch cools off: highs slip to 43°F (6°C), from 55°F in November, with lows of 26°F (-3°C) and about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 48/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 43°F (6°C)
- Avg low
- 26°F (-3°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.9 in (74 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 64%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 19 min
- Comfort score
- 48/100 · Fair
What December feels like
It's cool, with highs near 43°F (6°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 26°F (-3°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.9 in (74 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because nights fall well below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Daylight is short, roughly 9 h 19 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September & October.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 26°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 19 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 70/100 in November to 48/100.
- Our St. Louis New Year's Eve route is planned for Dec 30 – Jan 1, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 43°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 26°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.9 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in December
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Kiener Plaza
Downtown plaza facing the Old Courthouse and the Arch, home of the free Winterfest Neon Nights party on Dec 31.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best 6 to 8:30 p.m. Dec 31.
Gateway Arch National Park
The 630-foot steel arch on the riverfront, with a tram to an observation room at the top and a museum below.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best morning Dec 30.
Crown Candy Kitchen
Soda fountain open since 1913 in Old North St. Louis, known for BLTs, malts and house-made chocolates.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best lunch Dec 30.
City Museum
Old shoe warehouse turned into a playground of caves, slides, tunnels and rooftop climbs built from salvaged parts.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best afternoon Dec 30.
Nearby in December
- Springfield in December~195 mi · highs 44°F, 2.8 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Branson in December~215 mi · highs 47°F, 3.0 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Indianapolis in December~230 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in December~233 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Forest Park & the Central West End.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Downtown St. Louis & the Arch?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 48/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 43°F (6°C) and 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in December?
Average highs are 43°F (6°C) and average lows 26°F (-3°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in December?
Some: about 2.9 in (74 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 43.5 in (1106 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 43°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 26°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.9 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Downtown St. Louis & the Arch
Routes in season in December
- St. Louis New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.