Boredom is a stranger in Branson. With dozens of theaters hosting live music, a theme park, museums, shopping, and plenty of outdoor activities, there's never a dull moment. Calling itself the live music capital of the world, Branson boasts over 100 shows and 50 theaters. Performances run the gamut, from country music to acrobatics and variety shows. In November and December, Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas celebrates the season with lighting displays, holiday festivities, and other special events. Among Branson's most popular attractions is the Silver Dollar City, a theme park that also celebrates 19th century Ozarks culture. In addition to roller coasters and rides for children, there are also traditional craft demonstrations like glass blowing, candy making, and blacksmithing. Other attractions include the Branson Auto Museum, the Dinosaur Walk Museum, and the World's Largest Antique Toy Museum. And ghost or duck boat tours offer other fun ways to explore Branson. The natural surroundings are a major part of Branson's appeal. Soak in the beauty of the Ozarks while swimming, boating, or fishing on one of its three lakes. Hike, bike, or horseback ride along 200 miles of trails. Or, tee off at one of the many golf courses, some of which are open year-round. Getting there is easier than ever, with flights to Branson and air service to Springfield, 50 miles north.

Branson can be a year-round destination offering visitors the chance to see blooming dogwood, redbud, and wildflowers in the spring; partake in outdoor activities such as fishing and boating in the summer; view changing leaves in the fall; and experience holiday events in the winter. The most popular time to visit is June through December, when families go on vacations and major events take place. The least popular time is during January through March, when some attractions may close and chilly weather is expected. Spring is an ideal time to visit, as there are fewer visitors, lower prices, and more favorable weather than winter.

high season: June to December
low season: January to March
shoulder season: April to May

Weather Information

Branson experiences four fairly mild seasons. Summers can be warm, with temperatures reaching highs in the 90s. Spring and fall see average temperatures ranging between 59 and 82 degrees in the afternoon, with cooler weather at night. Thunderstorms are likely in the spring, but rain can fall at anytime of the year. Winter average highs top off at around 58 degrees, but average lows can drop into the 20s. Snow may fall from December through March, but it rarely accumulates.

Crowd Information

Branson gets busy in the summer, when schools are vacation, and during the Christmas holidays for shopping and shows. The city attracts large crowds with many different events and major shows throughout the year such as the Bluegrass and BBQ Festival from May through June, Veterans Homecoming in November, and Branson's Ozark Mountain Christmas in December.

Closure Information

Most hotels, restaurants, and shops remain open throughout the year. However, some hotels, shows, and attractions close for a winter break from January through mid-March.

When to Save

The most expensive time to visit is summer, when the city is packed with visitors. Although winter can be the least expensive time to visit, there are fewer lodging options to choose from. Spring is the best time to go because low prices are still available, and there are a lot more options for activities and lodging than winter.

Information provided by Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce