Katy Trail Home  The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail Rock Island Trail Home
Katy Trail Home Clinton Windsor Calhoun Green Ridge Sedalia Clifton City Boonville New Franklin Rocheport McBaine Hartsburg N Jefferson Tebbetts Mokane Portland Bluffton Rhineland McKittrick Treloar Marthasville Matson Defiance Weldon Spring St Charles Machens Easley Pilot Grove Hermann Huntsdale Columbia Jefferson City Dutzow Washington Augusta KT sticker Rock Island Spur Map Katy Trail Katy Trail Merchandise
switch to Rock Island map

Best time (weather) to ride the Katy Trail
Go to Forum
Betty Asmus from Farmington, NM on 12/10/2009 11:15:30 AM:
My husband and I are contemplating riding the Katy Trail in 2010. We are unsure of what is the best time of year (weather) for us. We live in a very dry climate and the heat and humidity in the summer might be a problem. Spring is beautiful but frought with tornados and thunderstorms. Fall is beautiful most everywhere in the U.S. but what about Missorui. Is there a lot of rain (muddy limestone trails) in the fall and what kind of temperatures could we expect.
 
Skyguy9999 from MO on 12/10/2009 11:52:49 AM:
You just have to pick a time and deal with what comes, more or less. As I've written recently, winter is probably not the best time, because of the temperatures, the park facilities are closed and the possibility of snow and ice are too variable.

For the rest of the year, you'll generally have rideable temperatures (there are a few days where heat stroke can become a risk). But you have to be aware and careful, as for any longer distance ride. That means making sure you get enough water and food each hour.

For the risk of rain/thunderstorms/tornados, all you need to do is just be aware. Carry a radio or whatever that can tell you what the pending weather is going to be - if there's talk of storm or tornado watches for the county you are riding in, be careful. If there is talk of warnings, seek some suitable shelter.

As with any endeavor, if you're careful about handling the risks properly, it will go well.
 
Arkie on 12/11/2009 8:33:02 PM:
In my opinion, you just can't beat the fall. Mid-September to mid-October is really nice. Absent any unseasonable rainfall, the trail is firm, the trees pretty, the mornings crisp and the sunshine pleasant.
 
HepCat Rider from Springfield, OH on 12/12/2009 7:40:59 AM:
My wife and I rode the Katy this past September. It was a great time to on the trail. Temps in the high 70's to low 80's. Only had one day of rain. We stayed in motels and had no problem getting a room for the night.
 
El Toro on 12/12/2009 8:41:19 AM:
I agree with the others - FALL is lovely on the KATY Trail. In my experience, if you are planning to B&B on the weekends, making housing reservations early is a good idea.

 
Trek on 12/12/2009 11:15:34 AM:
Fall and Spring would both get our vote. Yes we have tornados, but I guess being native it is not something that we often worry about.....very, very small percent of time that we are under threat. We do though carry a small Midland weather radio on most trips to get local weather when we travel. The TV Weather Channel isn't always available, but weather radio is pretty reliable. The spring wild flowers can be very pretty along the trail as well as a multitude of birds.
Fall is a good time to ride too. Many folks try to hit the "best" or "perfect" fall color days which can be difficult to do sometimes. Fall color is fantastic along the bluffs. Check the Missouri Department of Conservation website for peak fall color information as it progresses through Missouri. It is also nice to ride when the leaves have fallen to see the landscape without all of the leaf cover.
 
The Ol' Geezer Scout from Jeff City, MO on 12/14/2009 7:17:23 PM:
Did the trail in late April last Spring, plan to do the same this coming Spring. Had excellent weather, cool nights (one night cold), warm days. It was a bit windy a couple of days, a cross wind one day and at my back the next, made for a quick trip from New Franklin to Hartsburg though. Got lucky, no thunderstorms not even rain. Tornados! We aint afraid of no tornados, well maybe a little bit, but they don't come around very often.

What ever time of year you choose will be the right time. Just get out there! You'll be glad you did.

Boy Scout Motto: BE PREPARED
 
michael rodemeyer from Hartsburg on 12/15/2009 8:55:12 AM:
Whether you are coming or going, the wind is always at your back in Hartsburg. PLease come back and stay awhile as we value your time spent in town.
 
Anonymous on 12/15/2009 9:44:59 AM:
You been hittin that fermented pumkin again?
 
Harold from Rolling Prairie, IN on 12/16/2009 11:54:28 PM:
The best time to ride the Katy Trail is when you plan your trip. I planned in early October
and the whole Midwest had unseasonable cool weather during October. My trip was two days
until I got the 2-4 inches of rain forecast plus lows in the mid 30's for three days. People I
met from the area said late Sept or early October was usually decent weather in the 60s &
70s. Since I was camping, that was a little much. If you're camping, the campsite in Clinton,
MO is behind the Community Center on the Fairgrounds property. Great site.
 
FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!
More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us
 
By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2025 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.