Weather in Cape Girardeau

Get the latest weather information for Cape Girardeau. This section provides current reports, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Cape Girardeau, USA, is characterised as temperate with four distinct seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for regions with continental influence. Visitors should prepare for diverse weather conditions depending on the timing of their trip.

Summers in Cape Girardeau are generally hot and humid, with average maximum temperatures in July reaching around 31.7°C. Winters, in contrast, are cool and at times cold, with average temperatures in January around 2.6°C and minimum temperatures dropping below freezing. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with milder and more comfortable temperatures, but also with changeable weather.

Regarding precipitation, it is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, although in small monthly amounts (from 2 to 5 mm). The number of rainy days varies from 8 to 14 per month, indicating frequent but likely not very intense rainfall. According to the data, there is no pronounced wet or dry season, however, spring months such as March and May can be slightly wetter in terms of the number of days with precipitation.

The climate in Cape Girardeau is characterised by distinct seasonal changes, offering diverse temperature conditions throughout the year. The hottest month is usually July, when the average temperature reaches 27.0°C, and daytime highs can rise to 31.7°C. Conversely, January brings the coldest weather with an average temperature of 2.6°C and nightly lows dropping on average to -1.3°C. The annual temperature progression demonstrates a smooth transition from cool winter to hot summer and back, with noticeable warming in spring and gradual cooling in autumn.

The summer months in Cape Girardeau, especially from June to August, are distinguished by hot weather. Average daytime temperatures during this period range from 25.1°C in June to 27.0°C in July, with maximum values regularly exceeding 30°C. For instance, in July the average maximum is 31.7°C, and in June and August, it is around 30.1°C. Nights bring some relief but remain warm: average minimum temperatures stay above 20°C (e.g., 20.1°C in June, 22.4°C in July). The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is about 9-10°C, providing noticeable but not drastic cooling of the air after sunset.

Winter in Cape Girardeau, spanning December, January, and February, brings cool and at times freezing weather. January is the coldest month: the average temperature is 2.6°C, average nightly lows drop to -1.3°C, and daytime highs rarely exceed 6.5°C. It is slightly warmer in December and February, with average temperatures around 5.8°C and 5.1°C respectively, and minimum temperatures close to freezing point or slightly above (1.7°C in December, 0.2°C in February). Daytime highs in these months are usually in the range of 9-10°C. Temperature fluctuations between day and night in winter are also noticeable, amounting to approximately 8-10°C, which is characteristic of continental influence.

In Cape Girardeau, precipitation is observed throughout the year, and although the city does not have a sharply defined wet or dry season in terms of total volume, there are noticeable fluctuations in the frequency and amount of precipitation by month. Monthly rainfall remains comparatively low, indicating moderate humidity year-round.

The highest amount of precipitation usually falls during the spring months. March stands out as the wettest month by volume, with a figure of 5 mm, and is one of the most frequent for days with precipitation — 13 days. It is followed by May, which leads in the number of days with precipitation (an average of 14 days), with 4 mm falling. January, February, and April also bring 4 mm of precipitation each, making the first half of the year generally wetter in terms of rain frequency.

The driest months in Cape Girardeau are considered to be September and November, when only 2 mm of precipitation falls. September and October are also characterised by the fewest number of days with precipitation — 8 days each. Summer months, such as June, July, and August, as well as December, receive about 3 mm of precipitation, with the number of rainy days varying from 9 to 12, indicating periodic but not overly frequent rainfall during these periods.

In winter, the nature of precipitation can change. Given the average minimum temperatures, in January (down to -1.3°C) and February (down to 0.2°C), there is a high probability of snow. About 4 mm of precipitation and 9-10 days with precipitation are recorded in these months. In December, with an average minimum temperature of 1.7°C, snowfall or mixed precipitation is also possible, especially during sharp cold snaps. Thus, winter precipitation can occur in the form of both rain and snow.

When planning a trip to Cape Girardeau, it is important to consider seasonal changes so that your wardrobe suits the weather. Winter (December-February) here is quite cool, with average temperatures from 2.6°C to 5.8°C, and night frosts are not uncommon. Therefore, be sure to bring warm clothing: sweaters, fleece tops, an insulated jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, with average temperatures rising from 10°C to 20°C. Layered clothing will be useful during this period: light jackets, cardigans, long-sleeved t-shirts, as well as an umbrella or raincoat, as the number of rainy days increases, especially in May.

Summer (June-August) in Cape Girardeau is hot, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 27°C, and daytime highs often exceeding 30°C. Your suitcase should contain light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics, shorts, t-shirts, sandals, swimwear, as well as sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Despite the heat, short rains are possible, so a compact umbrella would not be amiss. Autumn (September-November) is characterised by pleasant gradual cooling from 23°C in September to 9°C in November. Jeans, t-shirts, light sweaters, and jackets are suitable for this time of year. Comfortable walking shoes will be relevant in any season, as the city is conducive to walking.

Regardless of the season, do not forget to pack comfortable walking shoes. The principle of layering clothing will be especially useful in spring and autumn when the weather can be changeable throughout the day. Also, considering that on average 8-14 days a month may have precipitation, a light umbrella or waterproof jacket may come in handy at any time of year. Electronics adapters, if you are travelling from another country, should also be on your list.