Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in January
This is the coldest month in Downtown St. Louis & the Arch: highs average 39°F (4°C) and lows 22°F (-6°C), with about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 47/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 39°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 35 min
- Comfort score
- 47/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 39°F (4°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 22°F (-6°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (48 → 47/100).
- 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 — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 22°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.5 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in January
With highs near 39°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Grand Hall at Union Station
Barrel-vaulted 1894 lobby of the old train station, now a bar with a light show projected on the ceiling.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 39°F.
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 An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Crown Candy Kitchen
Soda fountain open since 1913 in Old North St. Louis, known for BLTs, malts and house-made chocolates.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
City Museum
Old shoe warehouse turned into a playground of caves, slides, tunnels and rooftop climbs built from salvaged parts.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Nearby in January
- Springfield in January~195 mi · highs 41°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Branson in January~215 mi · highs 44°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Indianapolis in January~230 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in January~233 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Downtown St. Louis & the Arch?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 47/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 39°F (4°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in January?
Average highs are 39°F (4°C) and average lows 22°F (-6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in January?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 22°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.5 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown St. Louis & the Arch
Routes in season in January
- St. Louis New Year's Eve Dec 30 – Jan 1
Planning Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.