Ozarks in May

April through June delivers the Ozarks at their finest. Dogwoods and redbuds bloom in late April, turning the hillsides white and pink. Water temperatures hit perfect levels for floating the rivers — not too cold, not too crowded. May brings morel mushroom season, and locals guard their secret spots like family recipes. September and October offer the second sweet spot. Fall colors peak around mid-October, and the summer crowds have thinned out. Lake temperatures stay warm enough for swimming well into October. Winter has its own quiet beauty, especially around the springs that never freeze, but many attractions close or reduce hours. Summer brings the heat and the crowds, particularly around Branson and the bigger lakes. But it's also prime time for cave tours — Marvel Cave stays 60 degrees year-round. July and August see water levels at their highest for river floating, though you'll share the Current and Jack's Fork with plenty of other paddlers.