Are you thinking about visiting Saint Louis, Missouri? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Saint Louis worth visiting?
This city is a good place to visit for one to three days. St. Louis is a larger city in Missouri. It sits on the Mississippi River and is filled with museums and unexpected sites. There are parks and gardens as well as the iconic Gateway Arch. Restaurants range from casual to fine dining. The city also has a long running passion for sports. We first visited in 2017 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its many museums and down-to-earth personality.
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri
Reasons to Visit Saint Louis
Museums
There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.
Shopping
There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.
Food
There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.
Nightlife
Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.
Authenticity
Saint Louis has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Saint Louis worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Saint Louis is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is somewhat touristy, so in the high season it's usually busier.
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 27°C (81°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 33°C (91°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums and the nightlife scene.
Summer Weather in Saint Louis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 27°C (81°F) | 96 mm (3.8 in) |
| August | 26°C (79°F) | 73 mm (2.9 in) |
| September | 22°C (72°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
Is Saint Louis worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 16°C (60°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Saint Louis, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to browse the museums.
Autumn Weather in Saint Louis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (60°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| November | 9°C (48°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| December | 2°C (35°F) | 77 mm (3 in) |
Is Saint Louis worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Saint Louis. This destination is fairly touristy, but in the low season you can find fewer crowds and better deals.
The weather in Saint Louis can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -1°C (31°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and grab some drinks at a bar.
Winter Weather in Saint Louis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -1°C (31°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| February | 2°C (35°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| March | 8°C (47°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
Is Saint Louis worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Saint Louis. This destination is somewhat busy with tourists, but in the shoulder season you'll find less crowds and better deals.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 15°C (58°F).
During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the museums and landmarks, and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Saint Louis
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 15°C (58°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) |
| June | 25°C (77°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
Related
What is Saint Louis most famous for?
Saint Louis is most famous for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. The city is very popular for its museums. It is also known for its great shopping. And many visitors also come to this city for its food and nightlife. It is often described as under rated, unexpected, and fascinating.
What is the most famous sight in Saint Louis?
The most popular sight in Saint Louis is the Gateway Arch. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Saint Louis on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Gateway Arch and other attractions here.
How touristy is Saint Louis? Is it a popular city to visit?
Saint Louis is more popular with local tourists than with international visitors. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
- St. Louis Christmas Spectacular Tour: $242
- St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $9.80
- ChocoCulture Saint Louis Half-Day Private Tour: $299
- True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighbourhood: $30
- Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
- St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
- Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
How long should I spend in Saint Louis?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Saint Louis is one to three days. Since Saint Louis has a variety of activities such as museums, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Saint Louis? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Saint Louis?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.