Although the holidays are over and the cold weather has settled in, there is still plenty to do in St. Louis in January. Check out the calendar filled with special events and festivals or take part in winter activities. Tourist attractions like the Gateway Arch and the City Museum are particularly enjoyable this time of year, allowing visitors to experience smaller crowds and shorter lines.
St. Louis Weather in January
Due to its central location in the United States, St. Louis’ weather can be a mix between cold and mild, with snow sometimes blanketing the region.
- Average high temperature: 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius)
- Average low temperature: 23 degrees Fahrenheit (-5 degrees Celsius)
January is characterized by cloudy skies in St. Louis, so bright, sunny days may be rare. Fortunately, it’s not a particularly wet month; on average, St. Louis experiences around two inches of rain spread across five days in January, which means that even if the skies are gray, rain is less likely to disrupt your plans. Occasional snowfall is also a possibility.
What to Pack
Given the unpredictable weather in January, it’s best to pack a variety of clothing that allows for layering, enabling you to adjust your warmth as needed. Essential items include:
- Raincoat
- Umbrella
- Waterproof shoes or boots
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Sweaters
- Jeans
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Medium-to-heavyweight jacket (depending on the forecast)
January Events in St. Louis
From unique food and wine experiences to enjoying nature with family, St. Louis has something for everyone in January. Notable events include:
- Schlafly’s “Cabin Fever: Winter Beer Festival” is a great way to spend a cold afternoon. However, remember to dress warmly as the festival occurs outside in the Bottleworks Biergarten in Maplewood, MO. This event is set for Saturday, January 19, 2019.
- The Grand Parade for Soulard Mardi Gras is scheduled for February, but some local events occur in January, including the Snowman Softball Tournament and the Family Winter Carnival.
- Baseball fans can enjoy the annual “Cardinals Care Winter Warm-Up,” which happens over Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend. This three-day event features autograph sessions, baseball clinics, and sports memorabilia, with proceeds benefiting Cardinals Care, a charity aimed at helping children in the community.
- The STL Auto Show, typically held in late January, showcases the newest cars, trucks, and SUVs. The America’s Center and Edward Jones Dome will be filled with hundreds of vehicles from over 25 manufacturers, and tickets usually go on sale in early January.
- Food lovers should not miss the St. Louis Food & Wine Experience, which highlights the best culinary offerings from local and national chefs, wineries, and restaurants at the Chase Park Plaza in St Louis’ Central West End. Expect hundreds of selections from various winemakers, along with cooking demonstrations and food sampling from top restaurants.
January Travel Tips
- Hundreds of bald eagles migrate to the banks of the Mississippi River in Alton and Grafton during winter, making January an excellent time for eagle watching. The Alton Visitors Center hosts events throughout the month, including “Eagle Meet and Greets” on Saturdays.
- January is usually cold enough for skiing around St. Louis. The Hidden Valley Ski Resort offers snow-making and well-groomed runs from mid-December.
- Keep in mind that inclement weather can affect the operating hours of local businesses. Therefore, be sure to call ahead and confirm any plans should the forecast change.
