If you’re planning a trip down to Crawford County or just passing through on I-44, you’ve probably checked the forecast for weather in Bourbon MO. But honestly? Looking at a single-day widget on your phone doesn't really tell the full story of what this part of the Ozarks actually feels like. People think Missouri is just "flat and boring weather," but Bourbon sits in this weirdly beautiful, sometimes volatile transition zone.
One minute you’re enjoying a crisp 60-degree afternoon near the Blue Springs Creek, and the next, a cold front screams down from the plains and drops the temperature 30 degrees before dinner. It’s wild.
The Seasonal Reality of Weather in Bourbon MO
Most folks assume summer is the time to visit. They aren't necessarily wrong, but they're often unprepared for the humidity. In July and August, the weather in Bourbon MO turns into what locals call "air you can wear." We’re talking average highs around 88°F, but the dew points often make it feel like you're walking through a warm, damp sponge. If you’re hiking the local conservation areas, you’ll want to be done by 10:00 AM.
Winter is the opposite extreme. It isn't just "cold"—it’s a biting, damp cold. While the average low in January is about 25°F, it’s the ice storms you have to watch out for. Unlike the fluffy snow you see in the movies, Bourbon often gets that nasty mix of sleet and freezing rain that turns Highway C into a skating rink.
Breaking Down the Months
- Spring (March–May): This is the rainiest stretch. April takes the crown as the wettest month, averaging nearly 5 inches of rain. It's lush, green, and beautiful, but you better have a solid raincoat.
- Fall (September–October): Ask any local; this is the sweet spot. The humidity breaks, the oaks turn deep shades of red and gold, and the temps hover in that perfect 60 to 70-degree range.
- Summer (June–August): Hot. Muggy. Expect sudden afternoon thunderstorms that roll in, dump an inch of rain in twenty minutes, and then leave things even steamier than before.
Severe Weather: The Stuff Nobody Talks About
We need to talk about the "T" word. Tornadoes. Because of where Bourbon sits, it’s susceptible to the classic Midwestern supercell. While the town itself hasn't been leveled, the surrounding Crawford County area sees its fair share of "wall clouds" and "rotation" on the radar every spring. In fact, just back in April 2014, a significant tornado event hit the Bourbon and Linn County areas, reminding everyone that the sky can turn green pretty fast around here.
Hail is actually more common than tornadoes. I've seen stones the size of quarters dent truck hoods in the parking lot of the local Circle K. If the sky starts looking like a bruised plum, get your car under a carport.
🔗 Read more: Dickson TN to Memphis TN: The Pitstops Most People Drive Right Past
What to Actually Pack (The Insider Version)
Forget the "four seasons" myth. In Bourbon, you can experience three of them in a 24-hour cycle.
- Layers are everything. Even in June, the mornings can be surprisingly cool if you're near the Meramec River.
- Waterproof footwear. The ground here stays soggy a lot longer than you'd think because of the clay-heavy soil.
- A real weather app. Don't rely on the default one. Use something with live radar like RadarScope or the local St. Louis news apps (since Bourbon is close enough to get their signal).
The weather here is basically a character in the story of the town. It dictates when the farmers get into the fields and when the river rats head out to the water.
🔗 Read more: Why the Endangered Wolf Center Eureka Actually Matters for Wildlife Survival
Pro-Tip for Travelers
If you’re coming for the outdoor activities, aim for late September. You get the highest percentage of clear skies—August and September are the sunniest months, with clear skies about 70% of the time—without the punishing heat of mid-summer.
Basically, the weather in Bourbon MO is manageable if you respect it. Don't try to outrun a thunderstorm on the river, and always keep a spare blanket in the trunk during the winter months. Missouri weather doesn't care about your plans, so you might as well learn to enjoy the chaos.
To make the most of your time in the area, check the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) map if you see "wintry mix" in the forecast; those Ozark hills make for tricky driving when the temperature hovers right at 32 degrees. If you're hiking, douse yourself in tick spray during the humid months, as the moisture brings them out in droves.