Climate and monthly weather forecast
Kansas, USA

Kansas lies in the center of the United States, and mainly experiences three different types of climate. A small western part of the state has a semi-arid steppe (Köppen climate classification BSk) with hot summers and cold winters. The significant eastern portion has hot and humid summers and falls under the humid continental (Köppen Dfa) type. Southeastern Kansas displays a humid subtropical type (Köppen Cfa) with mild winters. Missouri in the east, Oklahoma in the south, Colorado in the west, and Nebraska in the north, border the state. Kansas has no major water bodies that influence its climate.

Kansas, the Sunflower State, has elevations that generally range from 200 meters in the east to 1232 meters in the west. The topography of the state mainly consists of vast acres of fertile farmlands in the west to green hills and forests in the east. Mount Sunflower, the highest point in Kansas, has an altitude of 1232 meters and stands just half a mile away from the Colorado border. Western Kansas lies in the great central plain of the United States. The Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas rivers, along with their tributaries, cover a major part of the state. The rain shadow effect of the Rocky Mountains and the altitude differences is having a noticeable impact on the precipitation.

The best time to visit Kansas is from June to October that spans summer and fall. The conditions are warm and wet, but the state receives abundant sunshine, even in the presence of rainfall. Late spring in May offers comfortable, warm weather. September and October are shoulder months with fewer crowds and mild temperatures. The fall season brings brilliant colors to the landscape with scenic views as far as the eye can reach. However, tornadoes and thunderstorms frequently occur during spring and summer as Kansas lies in the Tornado Alley.

The worst time to visit Kansas is during the winter from December to February when the weather is severely cold. Cold fronts do not face significant obstructions as much of the land is plain and fertile agriculture land, especially in western Kansas. Ice storms blow occasionally and create severely cold conditions. Snowfall dominates the cold season in the mountains and closes the trails. The mercury column may dip to extreme lows below 0°F (-17.8°C) in many places. Wild temperature swings last for days together when cold and warm air masses follow each other. Few visitors like the dry winter conditions.

Spring in Kansas is synonymous with warmth and precipitation. With the season gradually ushering in higher temperatures, there is also an increased likelihood of thunderstorms. The state, being part of the Tornado Alley, often witnesses tornadoes and stormy conditions during this period. Nevertheless, the season offers balmy weather, ideal for those seeking to experience the outdoors. Moreover, the rivers, namely the Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas, add to the charm of the springtime panorama.

Summer in Kansas is marked by hot conditions, especially in areas like Topeka and Kansas City. Here, temperatures can soar above 110°F (43.3°C), augmented by the urban heat island effect. Additionally, the state's humidity can cause the heat index to rise significantly in places like Wichita and Great Bend. Evenings, though cooler, rarely fall below 80°F (26.7°C). Despite the warmth, summer also brings with it a decent amount of rainfall, keeping the state's landscapes lush and vibrant.

Autumn in Kansas commences on a wet note, gradually transitioning into milder weather conditions. The early part of the season witnesses considerable rainfall. However, the true essence of Kansas's autumn is the mesmerizing transformation of its landscapes. The foliage takes on brilliant hues of red, orange, and yellow, offering a visual treat for nature lovers. The temperature, meanwhile, remains comfortable and inviting for various activities.

Winter in Kansas is characterized by its chilly embrace. Snowfall varies across the state, with the west receiving between 10" (254mm) to 20" (508mm) and the eastern region getting 6" (152mm) to 12" (305mm). The mountains, on the other hand, witness more than 20" (508mm) of snow annually. Areas in western Kansas, influenced by the Chinook winds, occasionally experience temperatures above 80°F (26.7°C), even in winters. However, frost is more prevalent in the northwest compared to the southern regions.

January in Kansas is deep within the winter season, consistently registering as one of the coldest months of the year. With temperatures averaging between 15°F (-9.4°C) to 25°F (-3.9°C) across the state, it's a sharp contrast to the preceding month of December and slightly colder than the approaching February. Weather in January »

As Kansas progresses through winter, February exhibits a slight alleviation in the icy conditions experienced in January, yet remains decisively cold. Average temperatures usually fluctuate from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C), marking a modest increase from January's colder extremes, but still setting the stage for frosty mornings and chilly evenings. Western Kansas continues to witness notable snowfall in February, with accumulations averaging between 8" (203mm) to 18" (457mm). Weather in February »

March signals the advent of spring in Kansas, bringing with it a transitional phase where the cold of winter begins to wane, and warmer temperatures start to emerge. During this month, average temperatures typically range from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 45°F (7.2°C). Weather in March »

April firmly establishes spring's presence in Kansas. With the winter chill receding, the state warms considerably, resulting in average temperatures spanning from 45°F (7.2°C) to 60°F (15.6°C). This noticeable uptick from March sets the stage for even more temperate conditions anticipated in May. In April, snowfall becomes sporadic and is largely confined to the early part of the month, especially in the higher altitudes of western Kansas. Weather in April »

May embodies the heart of spring in Kansas, bridging the transition from the moderate temperatures of April to the warmer onset of summer in June. During May, Kansas residents and visitors can expect temperatures to typically range from 55°F (12.8°C) to 75°F (23.9°C). Weather in May »

June marks the commencement of summer in Kansas, ushering in a phase of heightened temperatures and sunny days. As the month progresses, the state typically experiences temperatures ranging from 65°F (18.3°C) to 85°F (29.4°C). Weather in June »

July firmly establishes itself as the zenith of summer in Kansas, with both temperatures and sunshine reaching their peak for the year. During this month, the state is subjected to temperatures that oscillate between 70°F (21.1°C) to 95°F (35°C). Weather in July »

As the final full month of summer, August carries forward the warmth of July, albeit with subtle hints of the impending transition towards autumn. In Kansas during August, temperatures typically fluctuate between 68°F (20°C) and 90°F (32.2°C). Weather in August »

September in Kansas is a symphony of change, with summer's warmth making way for the cooler, more temperate conditions of autumn. This month witnesses a more pronounced drop in temperatures compared to August, ranging from 60°F (15.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). Weather in September »

October in Kansas ushers in a distinct autumnal aura, characterized by shorter days, cooler temperatures, and a landscape painted with vibrant fall colors. This month sees temperatures that typically waver between 47°F (8.3°C) to 70°F (21.1°C), signifying the continued descent from the warmth of summer to the chill of the approaching winter. Rainfall in October tends to lessen compared to September, suggesting a drier transition into the colder months. Weather in October »

November is a month of transition for Kansas, as the state grapples with the last vestiges of autumn while welcoming the initial inklings of winter. Temperatures during this month further recede, typically oscillating between 34°F (1.1°C) and 55°F (12.8°C), a clear indication of the impending cold season. Rainfall in November lessens as the state progresses toward its colder, drier months. Weather in November »

December in Kansas unequivocally marks the arrival of winter, with its characteristic chill and a profound shift in the landscape. Throughout this month, the temperature ranges see a substantial drop, typically hovering between 23°F (-5°C) and 42°F (5.6°C), marking one of the state's coldest periods. As the month advances, the likelihood of snow increases substantially, especially in the northern and western parts of the state. Weather in December »