The Secret Behind Perfect Patio Days in St. Louis

(StLouisRestaurantReview) St. Louis features a wide variety of patio situations during the year. 

Popular patios can be found all around the city in different neighborhoods, offering everything from casual drinks and some live music to fine dining. Let’s not forget to mention a good weekend brunch.  

With the weather, sometimes it doesn’t always play along. It’s super sunny one day, and then fully cloudy the next day; no prior warnings given. 

The weather indeed is (a bit) unpredictable. 

Taking a better look at local weather, there’s actually a formula behind those perfect patio days, shaped by humidity, temperature, and many other factors. 

What Makes a Great Patio Day? 

Many factors play a role in a good patio day, such as friendly workers, a welcoming atmosphere, and tasty local food and drinks. Sometimes, none of those elements can overcome the one main factor that distinguishes whether the terrace is the ideal place to relax or is completely unusable – and that’s the weather. 

The ideal temperature for guests is around 70-80°F. That’s not too cold and needs a warm jacket, and not too warm for feeling that hard summer heat. 

Humidity plays an important role. 

Easy breezes can bring a feeling of freshness, but strong winds can blow people off the terrace. Too much humidity can make it very difficult to stay outside. 

A sunset and natural daylight can make a perfect atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying on local terraces/patios.  

St. Louis Seasonal Adjustments 

Many restaurants in St. Louis adjust seasonal menus according to the weather and season outside. 

During summer days, there are great options for fresh drinks, and during the cold winter time, the terraces are equipped with heaters so guests can enjoy hot drinks outside even when it’s chilly. 

No matter the weather, good food, more precisely, a fine dining experience, can always be enjoyed in St. Louis.

Patio Season in St. Louis

In enjoying a St. Louis patio, certain months offer more comfortable conditions for outdoor socializing. 

Spring (April- June) offers the most favorable weather, with warm temperatures and little chance of rain. Patios are mostly open and attract guests thanks to the comfortable weather. 

The fall season (September-October) also offers pleasant weather, vibrant vegetation, and many sunny afternoons, making outdoor dining even more delightful.

Weather Seasons in St. Louis 

To get a clearer picture of when outdoor socializing is most enjoyable, it’s best ot use software that allows you to query global weather data API for free. Only this way can you get an accurate reading on what the weather will be like today, tomorrow, or two weeks from now.  If the API also supports historical and location-based weather data, the accuracy goes off the charts.

This way, from a business perspective, you can plan around weather patterns, whether expected or sudden.

On average, St.Louis has approximately. 38 ‘great temperature, low humidity, and minimum rain’ days.

To put things into perspective, a city like Chicago has 30 such days (on average), while Kansas City has approximately. 42.

Best Neighborhoods for Patio Dining in St. Louis

Popular neighborhoods with good patios include the Central West End for its vibrant atmosphere. 

These beautiful tree-lined streets and elegant places, restaurants serve the perfect evening cocktails and early weekend brunches. 

Modern dining, historical architecture, and inspiring restaurant design are what locals enjoy about the stylish atmosphere.

The Hill has authentic Italian cuisine and really cozy outdoor seating. Here, guests can enjoy traditional dishes. It’s a good choice for family dinners or casual catch-ups with friends. Charming neighborhood streets lend authenticity to this area’s dining. 

Delmar Loop is a mixture of bars, live entertainment, and restaurants. In this area, patios are for people who enjoy watching the world go by. There’s a vivacious atmosphere, created by the excellent street performances and locals walking around.

Live markets and live music in Soulard—a perfect combination of food and entertainment. 

It’s a place where locals and visitors can enjoy meals and drinks with pleasant street sounds from street performers and music playing on a corner. 

How Does the Weather Affect Business?

It’s no secret that pleasant weather brings in more customers and increases income. Patio traffic increases by approximately 20%-30 % on ‘pleasant weather’ days. Rain or cold temperatures can reduce customer turnout by 15%-25%. 

Spring and fall provide the most patio-friendly days and the highest patio traffic.

Seasonal Patio Strategies

Good organization is the key to good job strategies, considering weather changes and temperatures. 

The key is to adapt to customers and external conditions.

Spring:

• According to the weather, it is ideal for patios.
• Restaurants: light menus, more outdoor seating.
• Diners: expect a busy weekend (especially evenings).

Summer:

• Humidity can affect outdoor comfort.
• Restaurant: Shaded seating, AC, and fans are requested.
• Diners: Early dinner or lunch is recommended. 

Fall:

• The temperature is pleasant, with many sunny afternoons.
• Restaurants: seasonal drinks and warm dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
• Diners: Sunset outdoors is a brilliant choice.

Winter:

• Limited outdoor siting.
• Restaurant: provide heaters and covered patios (extra blanket on each seat).
• Diners: midday hours are comfortable for outdoor sitting. 

On average, 70-75% patio revenue and traffic happens during spring and summer. Fall and winter? Only 25-30%.

Conclusion 

Monitoring weather trends and forecasts allows restaurants and diners to plan patio visits.

Restaurants use these patterns wisely to plan seating, manage reservations, organize staffing, and even use that data to adapt menus. 

Once everyone has a better idea of how elements such as the weather, temperature, humidity, and seasonal shifts in general influence patio comfort, an enjoyable dining experience is more than likely to happen!