The Ozarks offer outdoor recreation year-round, with four distinct seasons and mild winters. While summer is full of possibilities, many guests are surprised by the activities available throughout the entire year. No matter the season, if you're in need of some outdoor fun, give us a call.
Winter
Winter in the Ozarks is ideal for hiking, nature photography, bird migration tracking, and exploring Ozark geology. Fishing is also excellent. Snow is common but usually doesn't accumulate beyond 3 to 6 inches and tends to melt within 3 to 10 days. The ground generally stays bare, with daytime temperatures above freezing and nighttime lows rarely below 20°F. Cold snaps do occur, bringing temperatures as low as 10°F or even 0°F, but most winter days stay in the 30s to 50s. Late January and early February bring the coldest weather, while late February or early March may see snowstorms that can drop up to two feet of wet, heavy snow. November and December are perfect for "leaves off" activities.
Spring
Spring begins in late February and early March, marked by the blooming of bloodroot, one of the Ozarks’ most beautiful flowers. As the weather warms, hiking, fishing, and photography become enjoyable once again. Nature photographers can start spotting wild baby animals. By the end of March and early April, colorful wildflowers begin to bloom before the trees fully leaf out. The wild plum and cherry trees are the first to bloom with white blossoms, followed by redbuds, and then dogwoods in mid-April. By late April, most trees have fully blossomed. May and early June offer some of the best weather of the year, and the lake warms enough for swimming by mid-May.
Summer
Summer arrives by the last week of May, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, water skiing, hiking, and fishing. The weather is warm but not overly hot or humid. From mid-June through early September, the lake is the place to be, as it's too hot to do much else outdoors. Fishing remains great early in the morning and at night, while daytime is ideal for air-conditioned attractions. Temperatures typically range from the mid-80s to low 90s, with occasional highs reaching the upper 90s and even 100°F in August.
Fall
By the last week of September, summer fades away, but the Ozarks enjoy an extended Indian Summer. Daytime temperatures remain in the 70s and 80s through mid-October, with cooler mornings and nights in the 40s and 50s. Fall foliage reaches its peak in the last days of October and early November. Temperatures remain pleasant through late October, with highs in the 60s in November and December. Fall is an excellent time for hiking and other outdoor activities, with wildflowers continuing to bloom until the first hard freeze. September through November also brings a variety of festivals and fairs, and fall is a great time for fishing.
