Seasons

If you haven’t seen Table Rock Lake during each of the four seasons, then you have four good reasons to schedule a visit this year.The Ozark Mountains offer four distinct seasons that appeal to visitors who want to escape heavy winters, and to people who want to experience year-round outdoor recreation.

Springtime, March through May, begins with red bud trees’ pink and magenta blossoms against the silvery woods. Drifts of dogwood blossoms come along just as red buds finish their blooming process. Early wildflowers are underfoot, including the intriguing little grape hyacinth. As the dogwoods leaf out, so do most other trees, and the gray and gold native grasses renew themselves. Daytime temperatures range from about 60 to about 76 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime lows from about 34 to about 52 degrees. Spring is a perfect time to witness the renewal of the woodlands. Rainfall averages about four inches per month during the spring, swelling creeks and rivers for canoeing and kayaking.

In summer, June through August, the dense greenery flourishes in the sun and temperatures entice visitors to all types of lake activities. It’s prime time for boating, skiing, swimming, scuba diving and any other water sport. Daytime temperatures range from about 84 to 89 degrees with an occasional upwards spike, and nighttime temperatures are
usually 60 to 65 degrees.

The Ozark Mountains glow with color in autumn. Yellows, golds and bronzes are punctuated with fiery red as the hardwoods prepare for winter. The brilliant display against the dull greens of the cedars draws millions of sightseers during this spectacular season. Daytime temperatures begin with low 80s in September and drift downward to about 58 degrees in November, and nights are cool at 34 to 59 degrees.

The winter months, December through February, offer a more dramatic view of the landscape. Leafless trees offer glimpses of rocky outcrops, rugged hills and deep valleys that are obscured by vegetation nine months of the year. It’s a great time to watch for birds and other wildlife from the water or the shoreline. Infrequent snowfall softens the landscape into a monochrome, and it usually melts within a day or two. Snow is most likely to fall in January but averages less than four inches during that month. Winter temperatures average 47 to 51 degrees in daytime and 21 to 25 degrees at night. Table Rock Lake never freezes and boaters and anglers can enjoy their favorite activities during winter as well as the warmer months.