The climate of Kansas City
Kansas City,
Missouri, USA, is placed within the borders of the Humid subtropical climate, as per the Köppen climate classification, labeled as Cfa. This climate zone is characterized by its high humidity, large annual temperature range and ample precipitation throughout the year.
Stationed equidistant from both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Kansas City experiences unpredictable weather patterns with moderate to high humidity and a considerable amount of precipitation. The variation of climatic patterns throughout the year is defined by the interplay of the monthly average temperatures, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, daylight hours and sunlight hours.
Analyzing weather parameters, Kansas City's temperature ranges from the coldest average low of 22.4°F (-5.3°C) in the frosty grasp of winter to the scorching average high of 90.1°F (32.3°C) in the peak of summer. The precipitation presents in two forms, rainfall and snowfall, depending largely on the temperature. Rainfall trends increase from 1.1" (28mm) in
January to its peak at 5.5" (140mm) in
June and then slowly descends back to 1.8" (46mm) in
December. Correspondingly, the number of rainfall days starts at 4.8 days in January, peaking at 11 days in
May, and finally drops back to 5.4 days by the end of the year.
Interestingly, snowfall in Kansas City is distributed over a tiny window of the year, primarily during the colder months. The city sees the highest snowfall of 4.4" (112mm) occurring in December. As daylight hours stretch from 9.8 hours in January to 14.9 hours in June, the sunshine hours also extend from 4.7 hours in December, peaking at 10.6 hours in
July, indicating longer, sunnier days during the summer.
The best time to visit Kansas City
The most favorable time to plan a visit to
Kansas City would be from late spring into early summer (
April to
June). This period gratifies visitors with an average high temperature hovering between 66.7°F (19.3°C) and 85°F (29.4°C). These months also provide an abundance of sunshine hours, with values between 8.6 hours to 10.2 hours. Even though having the highest rainfall in
May and June, it is still perfectly interspersed with sunny periods.
The worst time to visit Kansas City
The last month of the year might not be the most appealing time to visit. Accompanied by temperatures dropping to a freezing 22.4°F (-5.3°C),
December also receives the most snowfall of 4.4" (112mm) and has the shortest daylight hours in the year, around 9.5 hours with sunshine only peeking out for around 4.7 hours per day.
Spring weather in Kansas City
Spring announces its arrival in
Kansas City with an upswing in temperatures from 39.5°F (4.2°C) in
March to a pleasant 75.9°F (24.4°C) by
May. With increasing temperatures, the daylight hours also extend from 12 hours in March to 14.3 hours in May, yielding longer sunshine hours from 7.2 to 9.2 hours. This period also witnesses an increase in rainfall from 2.2" (56mm) in March to a notable 5.1" (130mm) in May.
Summer weather in Kansas City
Summer in
Kansas City is hot, humid, and overall lively.
June starts out with peak temperatures at 85°F (29.4°C), soaring to a toasty 90.1°F (32.3°C) in
July before cooling down slightly to 88.6°F (31.4°C) by
August. These are also the longest days of the year with elevated daylight hours that range from 14.9 hours in June to 13.7 hours in August. Correspondingly, Kansas City enjoys abundant sunshine in summer, peaking at 10.6 hours per day in July.
Autumn weather in Kansas City
Kansas City witnesses a dramatic drop in temperatures during autumn as values plunge from 80°F (26.7°C) in
September to 54.2°F (12.3°C) by
November. Correspondingly, daylight hours reduce from 12.4 hours in September to 10 hours by November. Rainfall during this period presents a stable pattern, averaging around 4" (102mm) per month. Amidst the changing foliage, Kansas City has shorter yet pleasant sunshine hours that range from 8 hours in September to 5.2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Kansas City
Winter heralds its arrival with temperatures plummeting from an average high of 41.8°F (5.4°C) in
December to a chilling 39.5°F (4.2°C) by
February. The city sees less daylight, with just 9.5 hours in December shortening to 9.8 hours by February.
Kansas City also experiences a sharp decrease in sunshine hours, dwindling from 4.7 hours in December to 5.9 hours in February. Rainfall scales down from 1.8" (46mm) in December to 1.1" (28mm) by February, while the cold transforms moisture into snowfall, peaking at 4.4" (112mm) in December.
Weather in January
In
Kansas City, the year kicks off with a cold month where the mercury often plummets to an average low of 22.4°F (-5.3°C). The stark winter conditions yield a sparse amount of sunlight, making it one of the darkest months, with daylight limited to roughly 9.8 hours.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As the second month of the year arrives in
Kansas City, there is a noticeable shift from the frigid days of
January. Despite remaining in the heart of winter,
February experiences a slight increase in temperatures, making the chilling breeze bearable.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Kansas City begins to upend its winter spell as
March ushers in warmer temperatures, with daily highs averaging around 56.2°F (13.4°C). This month marks the beginning of the meteorological spring, and the transformation becomes apparent.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
Kansas City,
April symbolizes the heart of spring, characterized by steady warming and increased rainfall. The harsh cold gives way to a comfortable cool, wherein cozy jackets replace bulky winter coats. Flower buds burst open, painting the city with a spectrum of bright colors.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Kansas City is synonymous with warmth and brightness, presenting a graceful transition from spring to summer. Sunny days become commonplace as
April's showers begin to wean, and the abundant sunshine creates picturesque landscapes.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June personifies the start of summer in
Kansas City. After the showery disposition of
May, June swings the city into a freewheeling ambiance. Long, sunny days and warm nights render June ideal for an array of outdoor events. It is during this month when, despite slightly increased humidity levels, residents can immerse themselves in summer festivities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the zenith of summer in
Kansas City, featuring typically high temperatures. This month secures the throne with the highest average high temperature, reaching up to 90.1°F (32.3°C). Despite sporadic rain, the city celebrates the full swing of summer with outdoor barbecues, picnics, and day trips.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Even though
August in
Kansas City remains firmly entrenched in summer, there is an unmissable attenuation in temperature. Compared to
July, August sees less extreme high temperatures, promoting walks in lush parks and late-night strolls.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings a whiff of change in
Kansas City's air as the city prepares to bid adieu to summer. The advent of fall gradually replaces the sultry heat with a comfortable chill. As the month progresses, the number of daylight hours shrink, a subtle reminder of the onset of fall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
The arrival of
October in
Kansas City signifies the full dawn of fall. The temperature sees a noteworthy downturn, further enhanced with crisp and cool breezes. The bustling city slows its pace, and the vibrant colored leaves create a visual spectacle, a postcard-perfect scene.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Kansas City marks the swift transition from fall to winter, with the first snowfall often dusting the city. Despite the chilled weather, the city radiates warmth through its fall festivities. November embodies a nostalgic aura, with an average high temperature around 54.2°F (12.3°C), reminiscent of the coolness that started the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the year concludes,
December in
Kansas City brings back the full force of winter. The temperature plunges to an average low of 25.6°F (-3.6°C), and the city is often veiled under a thick layer of snow. With the least amount of sunshine, shorter days, and freezing nights, Kansas City immerses itself in a classic winter experience.
Weather in December »