You’re probably planning a trip to the Ozarks and wondering if you need a parka or just a light hoodie. Honestly, Branson weather in January is a total roll of the dice. One minute you’re walking down 76 Country Boulevard in the sunshine, and the next, you’re hunkered down because the wind chill just fell into the single digits.
Right now, if you look at the 10 day forecast for Branson Missouri, we are seeing a classic Ozark seesaw. We’ve got clear skies tonight, but it’s biting. We’re talking 13°F with a "feels like" temp of about 1°F. That’s the kind of cold that makes you want to stay inside the Titanic Museum Attraction all day.
What’s Actually Happening Over the Next Week?
Sunday, January 18, is looking like the best day to get outside if you can handle a bit of a breeze. We’re hitting a high of 41°F. It’ll be sunny, but southwest winds are going to kick up to 12 mph, maybe even gusting higher.
Here is the thing: the humidity is sitting at 38%. That is low. In fact, the National Weather Service in Springfield has been talking about elevated fire weather conditions because it’s so dry. If you’re out hiking near Table Rock Lake, just be careful with anything that could spark.
✨ Don't miss: Weather Las Vegas NV Monthly: What Most People Get Wrong About the Desert Heat
Monday takes a dip back into the 20s. It’s gonna stay cold. But then, Tuesday and Wednesday? We’re jumping back up.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Mostly sunny with a high of 47°F.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Getting even warmer, reaching 50°F.
It’s this constant back-and-forth that defines winter here. You can’t just pack one type of clothing and call it a day.
Breaking Down the 10 Day Forecast for Branson Missouri
If you’re looking further out, things get a bit more interesting—and potentially messy.
🔗 Read more: Weather in Lexington Park: What Most People Get Wrong
By Friday, January 23, we should see temperatures climbing into the low 50s. That’s basically a heatwave for January! But don't get too comfortable. The models are showing a system moving in for next weekend. Saturday, January 24, has a 30% chance of rain showers with a high of 36°F, which quickly transitions into a much colder Sunday.
We are looking at a high of only 24°F by Sunday, January 25. That’s a 28-degree drop in about 24 hours.
Will It Actually Snow?
People always ask about snow in Branson. Usually, we don't get buried. The average for January is only about 5 inches for the whole month.
💡 You might also like: Weather in Kirkwood Missouri Explained (Simply)
According to current data from Time and Date and WeatherBug, there’s a chance for rain changing to snow around January 25 or 26. Most of the time, the ground is too warm for it to stick for long, or the sun comes out the next day and melts it all away. But if you're driving in from places like Little Rock or Kansas City, those bridges and overpasses around the Ozark mountains get slick fast.
Survival Tips for Branson in January
If you're heading to the RecPlex for some open gym time on the 26th or catching a show like the Grand Jubilee, you've gotta be smart about the layers.
I always tell people: bring a heavy coat for the mornings and evenings, but keep a light jacket in the car. When that sun hits the hills in the afternoon, 45°F feels a lot warmer than it sounds.
Also, check your tire pressure. These massive temperature swings from 50°F down to 10°F will make your "low tire" light pop on before you even leave the hotel parking lot.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Pack layers: Seriously. A thermal base layer, a fleece, and a wind-resistant outer shell.
- Check the wind chill: The raw temperature is a lie in Missouri; the wind off the lakes is what actually determines if you’re miserable or not.
- Watch the weekend: If you’re traveling Jan 24-25, keep a close eye on the rain-to-snow transition.
Branson is still great in the winter—fewer crowds and better deals—you just have to be ready for the weather to change its mind every six hours.