Saturday, November 1, 2008

November in Missouri

Despite its reputation for cold, gray, blustery days, November offers its fair share of pleasant weather in Missouri. In most years, the warm afternoons and cool nights of October spill into the first half of the month and persistent cold is unlikely to develop until December.

Beyond the fair conditions, November offers some significant attractions for naturalists. Though the autumn colors are fading, the crisp air and dry trails make conditions ideal for hiking. Yet, perhaps in anticipation of the coming winter, the crowds begin to diminish and the opportunity for solitude increases through the month. At the same time, wildlife, stirred by the autumn chill, become more active (and watchable) and the migration of waterfowl is peaking across the State.

For all of these reasons, November is a great month for outdoor exploration in Missouri. Then again, the other eleven are as well!