The climate of Great Bend
In terms of the Köppen climate classification,
Great Bend,
Kansas, USA falls under the Cfa classification. This represents a Humid subtropical climate with no dry season. Given its geographical position, the city experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. The year-round climatic conditions in Great Bend are often guided by cyclical shifts in parameters such as temperature, humidity, rain, and sunlight among others.
Throughout the year, Great Bend's fluctuations in temperature are wide, ranging from lows of 25.7°F (-3.5°C) in the winter months to highs of 92.7°F (33.7°C) during the summer. Accompanying these temperatures is relative humidity that typically stays between 58% and 66%, maintaining a moist environment. Rainfall in Great Bend also shows a yearly variance, from a low of 0.63" (16mm) in the colder months to a high of 3.31" (84mm) in the warmer months. This rain is often spread across diverse rainy days in a year, differing from 3.3 days to 14.2 days a month.
The city sees sunlight for durations extending from 9.5 daylight hours to 14.8 daylight hours throughout the year, which greatly impacts the sunshine received. Correspondingly, sunshine hours wax and wane from 6.2 hours to 11.4 hours a day. Consistent with this, UV index also shows variation, changing from 2 in the lesser sunshine months to 7 during the months of maximum sunshine. The wind speed in Great Bend changes only slightly during the year, fluctuating between 9.6mph (15.4km/h) and 12.9mph (20.8km/h).
Several unique weather patterns can be discerned in Great Bend's climate data. Maximum rainfall appears around mid-year, coinciding with higher temperatures and increased daylight hours. Moreover, months with the highest temperatures also exhibit a decrease in wind speed, contributing to the sultry feel of the warmer months.
The best time to visit Great Bend
The ideal time to visit
Great Bend falls between
May and
September, when temperatures average between 75.6°F (24.2°C) and 92.7°F (33.7°C). During this time, Great Bend experiences its highest volume of rainfall, creating lush, vibrant surroundings. Daylight hours extend to between 14.3 hours and 14.8 hours, and sunshine hours are at their peak, highlighting the city's beauty.
The worst time to visit Great Bend
The months of
December through
February may be less ideal for visiting
Great Bend, as temperatures drop to lows between 25.7°F (-3.5°C) and 27.3°F (-2.6°C). Rainfall during this time is lower, with only around 0.63" (16mm) to 0.79" (20mm). Correspondingly, daylight and sunshine hours also diminish substantially.
Spring weather in Great Bend
Springtime in
Great Bend typically spans
March through
May. Temperatures during this period begin a gradual ascent from 57.9°F (14.4°C) to 75.6°F (24.2°C), opening up the outdoor activities. Rainfall in this season sees an increase, with rainfall inches changing from 1.18" (30mm) to 3.31" (84mm). This period also sees a noticeable gain in daylight hours, reaching up to 14.3 hours a day by May.
Summer weather in Great Bend
Summers in
Great Bend start in
June and last through
August. This is the time when Great Bend experiences its warmest weather, with temperatures scaling between 89.4°F (31.9°C) and 92.7°F (33.7°C). Corresponding to the elevated temperatures, rainfall also increases, peaking at 2.68" (68mm) in
July. Daylight hours extend to a maximum of 14.8 hours in June, creating long, sunny days perfect for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Great Bend
Autumn falls in
Great Bend between
September and
November. During this time, temperatures gradually drop from 82°F (27.8°C) in September to 55°F (12.8°C) in November. Rainfall sees a reduction too, falling from 1.57" (40mm) to 0.71" (18mm). The daylight hours also correspondingly reduce, arriving at 10.1 hours by November.
Winter weather in Great Bend
Winter season in
Great Bend spans
December through
February. This period sees the town's coldest temperatures, with lows falling to 25.7°F (-3.5°C) in
January. Corresponding to the colder temperatures, rainfall is also at its lowest with 0.63" (16mm) in December. Daylight hours diminish to their least at 9.5 hours in December, with sunshine hours dropping to 6.2 hours marking the onset of the cold season. Snowfall during this period can reach up to 2.76" (70mm) in February and while it's common, it does not profoundly affect the daily life in Great Bend.
Weather in January
January in
Great Bend,
Kansas greets locals with cold temperatures and a relatively high chance of snow. Even though days are shorter, with daylight hours reaching only 9.9h, the winter season is already in full swing, offering a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Great Bend signifies the continuation of the winter wonderland, but with a slight change in weather parameters as compared to
January. One noticeable difference is the increased daylight hours, allowing for more sun-kissed moments during the colder months.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As the calendar flips to
March, a visible shift in the weather accompanies the change in
Great Bend. The transition phase from winter to spring begins, offering a pleasant mix of cold and slightly warmer days. The snowfall decreases significantly to a mere 0.91" (23mm).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April welcomes the full arrival of spring in
Great Bend,
Kansas, showcasing vibrant blooms and lush green fields. Temperatures continue to inch higher, contributing to the pleasant and comfortable ambiance of the city. With long daylight hours reaching 13.2h, April is perfect for outdoor activities and soaking up the sun.
Weather in April » Weather in May
With
May comes the true beginning of warmer temperatures that herald the rapidly-approaching summer season in
Great Bend. Increased daylight hours of 14.3h accentuate the lengthening days. The weather becomes steadily more humid, setting the stage for perfect evenings at the city's lush parks and riverbanks.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As summer arrives in
Great Bend, the weather in
June clearly indicates the change in seasons. The longer sunshine hours of up to 14.8h make the city glow with a warm allure. The shift towards a drier climate becomes evident, and temperatures climb even higher, which can reach 89.4°F (31.9°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Great Bend qualifies as the heart of the summer season with the highest temperatures across the year peaking at 92.7°F (33.7°C). The city's vast prairies and parks come alive with locals and tourists soaking up the sunshine.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August signals the impending shift from the hot summer months to the blissful foliage of fall in
Great Bend. Despite the slowing down, temperatures remain high, amounting to a substantial 90.1°F (32.3°C). The usual summer charm of the city remains intact, with extended daylight hours making for longer, enjoyable days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September arrives in
Great Bend, signs of the fall season become clearly visible. The summer heat begins to recede, and the rise in beautiful golden and crimson leaves gives the city a different charm. Days become shorter, with daylight hours scaling back to 12.4h.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October introduces
Great Bend to the full effects of fall, marked by a noticeable drop in temperatures. Nature takes centre stage with trees bursting into radiant orange and red hues. As compared to
September, daylight hours shrink further to 11.2h, offering fewer hours of sunshine.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Great Bend indicates the end of the fall season and the initiation of winter temperatures. The landscape morphs from vibrant foliage into barren, stark beauty, preparing the city for the forthcoming winter. The transition towards colder temperatures continues, dipping to 36.7°F (2.6°C).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings to
Great Bend,
Kansas the mystical charm of winter. The city braces itself for freezing temperatures and the likelihood of snowfall, sending vibes of a fairytale winter wonderland. The shorter days and diminishing sunlight make way for earlier sunsets, resulting in scenic winter evenings.
Weather in December »