The climate of Kansas City
Kansas City, Kansas, lies within the Köppen climate classification of Cfa, presenting a humid subtropical climate that does not experience an annual dry season. In layman's terms, this region offers a variety of weather conditions, notably marked by prolonged summers, moist winters, and mild comfortable transitions within the spring and fall seasons.
The annual high temperature ranges between 37°F (2.8°C) in winter to 86.9°F (30.5°C) during peak summer, providing verifiable changes between seasons. A similar variability is observed in annual low temperatures, swinging from 66.4°F (19.1°C) during summer nights to 22.6°F (-5.2°C) in the chill of winter. The relative humidity largely stays within a band from 70% to 78%, emphasizing the city's constant subtropical classification.
Rainfall in Kansas City paints a fluctuating picture from 2.48" (63mm) in summer to 0.59" (15mm) in winter, highlighting the relative wetness of summers. Snowfall activity, however, pivots around winter months with
December and
January demonstrating appreciable amounts of 0.63" (16mm) and 0.98" (25mm), respectively.
The daylight duration varies from a low 9.5 hours during winter to peak 14.9 hours in sultry summers, while the sunshine duration oscillates between 5.1 hours in winter to 10.5 hours in summer. A distinctive pattern of maximum wind gusts is observed during winter and spring seasons, ranging from 15.1mph (24.3km/h) in
November to 10.2mph (16.4km/h) in
August.
The best time to visit Kansas City
Visitors seeking moderate temperatures and outdoor activities may find the spring and autumn months ideal. From
March to
May, highs range from 54°F (12.2°C) to 64°F (17.8°C) and lows from 37.2°F (2.9°C) to 46°F (7.8°C). Corresponding daylight hours extend from 12 to 13.3 hours. Rainfall is however increasing over these months. The autumn months,
September to
November, demonstrate temperatures from 52.5°F (11.4°C) to 73°F (22.8°C) for the high, and from 36.9°F (2.7°C) to 55.9°F (13.3°C) for the low. Rainfall is lower in autumn compared to spring and daylight hours range from 10 to 12.4 hours.
The worst time to visit Kansas City
The summer months, comprising
June,
July, and
August, can be intolerable to those who cannot withstand consistently high temperatures. The highs typically lingers between 83.8°F (28.8°C) and 86.9°F (30.5°C), while the lows vary from 66.4°F (19.1°C) to 68.7°F (20.4°C). Additionally, the summer months account for the maximum daylight hours from 14.3 hours to 14.9 hours, along with escalated humidity levels from 76% to 78%.
Spring weather in Kansas City
In
Kansas City, springtime entails a transition from cool to moderate conditions.
March sees an average high of 54°F (12.2°C) and low of 37.2°F (2.9°C), while
May approaches a high of 73°F (22.8°C) and low of 55.9°F (13.3°C). This season also ushers in an increase of rainfall from 1.57" (40mm) in March to 3.07" (78mm) in May. Sunshine hours rise from 6.4 hours in March to 8.6 hours in May, complimented by extending daylight hours from 12 to 14.3 hours.
Summer weather in Kansas City
Summertime in
Kansas City is torrid, with
July registering the hottest month having 86.9°F (30.5°C) as the average maximum temperature and 68.7°F (20.4°C) as the minimum. Temperatures in
June and
August range from 83.8°F (28.8°C) to 84.9°F (29.4°C) for highs and from 66.4°F (19.1°C) to 68.7°F (20.4°C) for lows. While the rainfall dips to around 2.5" (64mm), the humidity peaks to 78%. Daylight duration extends from 14.3 hours to 14.9 hours, and sunshine reaches its annual peak at 10.5 hours.
Autumn weather in Kansas City
Autumn ushers in a cool down process from the hot summer, beginning with a high of 78.4°F (25.8°C) in
September, dipping to 52.5°F (11.4°C) by
November. The corresponding low temperatures move from 59.7°F (15.4°C) to 36.9°F (2.7°C). Rainfall reduces over these months, falling from 2.01" (51mm) in September to 0.83" (21mm) in November. Sunshine hours contract from 9.3 hours to 5.8 hours, mirroring the change in daylight from 12.4 hours to 10 hours.
Winter weather in Kansas City
Winters in
Kansas City are typically brisk and snowy.
December through
February features high temperatures of 37°F (2.8°C) to 41°F (5°C) and lows of 22.6°F (-5.2°C) to 26.1°F (-3.3°C). Snowfall is a regular feature, with
January's 1.81" (46mm) being the highest. The daylight dwindles to 9.5 hours to 10.8 hours, reminiscent of the shrinking sunshine duration from 5.1 hours to 5.5 hours. The wind gusts peak, marking the highest values of the year with 15.1mph (24.3km/h) in
November to 15.2mph (24.5km/h) in December.
Weather in January
January ushers in the new year with its coldest weather for
Kansas City, Kansas. Compared to
December, the city experiences a slight drop in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Daily highs hover around 37°F (2.8°C), and the frigid nights plunge to around 22.6°F (-5.2°C), marking the lowest temperatures of the year.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February continues the wintry trend of
January, albeit with a noticeable uptick in temperatures. The city experiences a transition from the bitter cold of January towards the milder spring weather. While snowfall remains a possibility, rainfall also increases slightly compared to the preceding month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March signals a definitive transition from winter to spring for
Kansas City. Warmer temperatures start to replace the frosty conditions of
January and
February. Rainfall totals increase noticeably, making this month one of the wetter periods of the year.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Kansas City fully embraces spring with a more dramatic increase in temperature. Sunshine hours rise as well, providing more warmth and light for residents. The city experiences a considerable surge in rainfall, making this month Kansas City's rainiest period of the year.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is a month of significant change in
Kansas City's weather pattern. With the arrival of May, the city witnesses a sharp rise in temperatures, signifying the onset of summer. Daylight hours also continue to lengthen, while the overall rainfall amounts peak.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the official start of summer in
Kansas City with the longest daylight hours of the year. Despite the increased rainfall that
May brings, June ushers in a reduction in precipitation. The weather becomes balmy, enticing residents to partake in outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of
Kansas City's summer, boasting not only the year’s highest temperatures, both day and night but also substantial sunlight exposure. The weather is consistently warm and sunny, encouraging residents to indulge in summer activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Kansas City, Kansas continues to sizzle, maintaining
July's warm temperatures. However, the city starts to experience slightly lower sunshine hours. Meanwhile, rainfall increases slightly, though it remains lower than the peak levels of
May.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in the start of fall in
Kansas City, Kansas along with noticeably cooler weather. As the month progresses, temperatures continue to decrease, marking a clear departure from the summer's heat. While the levels of rainfall reduce, the city experiences a rise in overall humidity.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
On entering
October,
Kansas City begins to defy the mild conditions of
September with a significant drop in average temperatures from the previous month. The arrival of October also marks the reduction in daylight hours. Despite the cooler weather, overall rainfall levels continue to go down, marking a drier period for the city.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November's weather in
Kansas City, Kansas marks a transition from fall's mild conditions to the beginning of a frostier winter. Temperatures start to dip significantly from those of
October, preparing the city for the fast-approaching winter season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings
Kansas City, Kansas into the heart of winter, marked by the plummeting temperatures from
November's averages. Rainfall amounts are low as snow becomes the predominant precipitation form. Despite shorter daylight hours, the city is still illuminated by occasional sunny days.
Weather in December »