Late spring · Weather & things to do
Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in May
The year's rain peaks now, with about 5.1 in (130 mm) falling in Downtown St. Louis & the Arch, alongside highs near 76°F (24°C) and lows of 56°F (13°C).
It scores 73/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 76°F (24°C)
- Avg low
- 56°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 5.1 in (130 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 06 min
- Comfort score
- 73/100 · Good
What May feels like
Days are warm, averaging 76°F (24°C).
After dark, temperatures fall to about 56°F (13°C).
Expect regular rain: about 5.1 in (130 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (September & October).
- First warm month: highs reach 76°F, up from 67°F in April.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, April – June.
- Comfort slips from 81/100 in April to 73/100.
- 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 — May falls outside it.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 76°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in May
With 5.1 in of rain, 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 sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.1 in of rain.
Crown Candy Kitchen
Soda fountain open since 1913 in Old North St. Louis, known for BLTs, malts and house-made chocolates.
Why now Easy to slot in when May's rain moves in.
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 for a month with 5.1 in of rain.
City Museum
Old shoe warehouse turned into a playground of caves, slides, tunnels and rooftop climbs built from salvaged parts.
Why now A good rainy-day backup in May.
Nearby in May
- Springfield in May~195 mi · highs 74°F, 5.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Branson in May~215 mi · highs 77°F, 5.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Indianapolis in May~230 mi · highs 73°F, 4.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Broad Ripple in May~233 mi · highs 73°F, 4.7 in rain · 2°C (3°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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Downtown St. Louis & the Arch?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 73/100 against a best of 90 in September & October. Expect highs of 76°F (24°C) and 5.1 in (130 mm) of rain.
How hot is Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in May?
Average highs are 76°F (24°C) and average lows 56°F (13°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in May?
Yes: about 5.1 in (130 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 43.5 in (1106 mm).
What should I pack for Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 76°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Downtown St. Louis & the Arch
Planning Downtown St. Louis & the Arch in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.