Any resident of the Branson area can tell you one truth about Branson weather – it’s unpredictable at best. So before you pack an entire suitcase of summer clothes for your vacation, here are a few tips to help you brave Branson’s unpredictable nature.
1. Check the forecast. If you’re getting ready to take a Branson vacation, check the forecast well in advance. Doing this will help you to better plan your wardrobe. Plus, it also helps you plan your activities during your stay, because you can’t play golf very well when it’s raining.
2. ALWAYS bring a jacket. A light jacket can be your best friend when you’re traveling to Branson. Even in the summer, the evenings can get chilly. Having a jacket on hand keeps you from freezing to death while you’re walking out to your vehicle after a show or strolling the Landing in the evenings.
3. Summers get HOT. That said, it’s important to drink plenty of water and pack a bottle of sunscreen. Bring light colored clothing along too. It will keep you cooler during those steamy days we get in southwest Missouri. The heat also gives you an excuse to pack your bathing suit so you can enjoy the beautiful Table Rock Lake.
4. Know what the averages are. Typically, high temperatures for summers in Branson range from low 80s to high 90s. Low temperatures are usually in the 70s and sometimes below. Temperatures will be affected by the humidity, which is always high in the summertime.
5. Have an alternative plan for your day. If you’re planning on playing a game of golf and a rain shower sneaks up on you and changes your plans, having an alternative activity can be a great idea. Some great rainy day activities are close by, like the World’s Largest Toy Museum, the Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks, indoor mini-golf at Grand Country Inn, or a movie at the Branson IMAX.
6. Keep your phone handy. Many phones nowadays are capable of telling you the weather anytime, anywhere. Keeping your smartphone handy will keep you from being caught in an unexpected thunderstorm. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can call the National Weather Service hotline for a Springfield/Branson weather forecast at 417-869-4491.
7. Other general clothing tips.
a.Socks and alternative shoes. Flip-flops are fabulous, but if the weather turns sour, it won’t exactly be enjoyable getting your (basically) bare feet all wet. Tennis shoes are advisable, especially if you’re going to be doing any walking. Extra socks are good too, just in case a pair get soggy.
b. Jeans. Bringing jeans along is important, especially if Branson weather turns a little chilly after dark.
c. Umbrella or poncho. These are nice to have if the forecast calls for scattered showers and Branson just happens to get one. Compact ones are easy to keep in your car or pack in a suitcase.
d. Emergency car kit and other supplies. Keeping one of these in your car is one of the best ways to prepare for a “worst case scenario.” With Branson weather, if you get stranded because of high water or a tornado, it will be very helpful if you have items like a flashlight, extra batteries, a weather radio, and food and water.
The unpredictability of Branson weather makes it hard to know just what to bring along. Planning ahead helps you make certain that you have what you need in many different situations.
