The Best and Worst Times to Visit Kansas

With its distinct four seasons, friendly locals, and smorgasbord of attractions, Kansas makes for an enjoyable getaway year-round. However, some times are better than others for visiting depending on your interests and tolerance for certain weather conditions. This guide covers the pros and cons of visiting the Sunflower State throughout the year so you can plan your trip accordingly.

The Worst Times to Visit Kansas

While Kansas has its charms every month of the year, a few periods stand out as less than ideal for most travelers due to the extreme weather or lack of events/activities.

Winter (Except for Holidays)

The winter months of December through February can be quite cold, blustery, and snowy across Kansas. Average highs hover in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit, with lows dipping below freezing. While a wintery backdrop can be beautiful, the harsh conditions limit outdoor exploration and shutter some seasonal businesses and attractions.

One exception is around the Christmas/New Year’s holidays. Many cities like Kansas City and Wichita go all out decorating their plazas and staging festive events like WinterFest at Worlds of Fun. Hotel rates also tend to be lower than peak seasons.

Unless you favor indoor activities like museums or are visiting family, most travelers will want to avoid a non-holiday Kansas winter trip when the state is dormant.

Summer

On the flip side, Kansas summers can be incredibly hot and humid, especially in July and August. Average highs soar into the 80s and 90s, with heat indices over 100°F some days. The air feels oppressively muggy due to the state’s continental climate.

These scorching “dog days” make being outdoors pretty miserable in the midday sun and limit hiking, cycling, and other taxing activities. Mix in the severe thunderstorm and tornado threats of summer, and it’s easy to see why travel tapers off in these months, excluding around major events.

If you must visit Kansas in the summer, stick to indoor attractions and take advantage of early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are less intense. Staying somewhere with air conditioning is also highly advised. Many families do plan summer road trips around places like Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City when the kids are out of school.

Early Spring (March/April)

As the transition between winter and spring, March and April can be very unpredictable for Kansas weather. One day may feel like summer with 70s and sunshine, the next a blizzard could roll through with sub-freezing wind chills.

This meteorological volatility makes advance planning difficult, with mud, rain, sleet and everything in between possible. Many attractions also may still be closed for the season, making late spring and summer better times to target for maximum operating hours and events.

Of course, savvy travelers can still find spring break deals at hotels and perhaps capitalize on the off-season vibe. Just come prepared with layered clothing and flexibility. Watching the weather forecast closely leading up to the trip is wise too.

The Best Times to Visit Kansas

While winter, summer, and early spring present some challenges weatherwise, Kansas truly shines in late spring and fall when conditions are generally ideal. The state’s events calendars are also in full bloom during these sweet spots.

Late Spring (May/June)

As things heat up in May, Kansas awakens with greenery, blooms and plenty of sunshine. Average highs climb into the 70s and 80s with lower humidity. It’s perfect patio weather to enjoy the state’s burgeoning food scenes and beer gardens.

Better still, the height of tornado season has also largely passed by late May, removing that risk from travelers’ minds. Outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports beckon with the milder temps too.

In addition to Memorial Day weekend festivities, other highlight events of a late Kansas spring include:

-The Kansas City Ren Fest in Bonner Springs (Late April-June)
-Opening of seasonal attractions like Worlds of Fun amusement park (Late April/early May)
-Symphony in the Flint Hills outdoor concert series (June)
-Fiesta Kansas City celebrating Hispanic culture (June)

All things considered, late spring is one of the most delightful periods to experience Kansas’ natural beauty and hospitality.

Fall (September/October)

In the same vein, fall is an equally desirable window when warm, dry weather is the norm across the state. After the summer scorchers, Kansas cools down to comfy daytime temps in the 60s and 70s as the foliage puts on a dazzling show of colors. It’s the harvest season, so local ingredients are also at their peak for farm-to-table culinary adventures.

What really sets fall apart for visiting Kansas is the plethora of fairs, festivals, and sporting events on tap. A few of the top draws include:

-The American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City (Late September/early October)
-Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson (Early September)
-Kansas City Chiefs and Sporting KC games at home (August through November)
-Numerous Halloween shindigs and fall foliage road trips (October)

The consistent weather coupled with autumn’s harvest and festive vibe make this high season. Because of the popularity, securing lodging/event tickets well in advance is recommended. However, hotels may offer limited discounts once the foliage has peaked in late October or early November.

Other Ideal Travel Periods

The prime travel periods aren’t restricted to just late spring and fall in Kansas either. Certain events put other times of year in play for well-prepared visitors.

Early Summer

While the heat and storms intensify in June, the weather is usually comfortable enough to enjoy the kickoff of summer festivals. Big draws around Memorial Day and early June include the Kansas City Boulevardfest, Kansas City RiverFest 4th of July events, and the NASCAR races at Kansas Speedway.

Winter Holidays

As mentioned earlier, Kansas embraces winter wholeheartedly around the holiday season. Admiring the twinkling Plaza Lights in Kansas City or catching a show at Wichita’s Orpheum Theatre can make for magical pre- and post-Christmas getaways despite chilly conditions. Just pack your long underwear and embrace the festive spirit.

Tips for Visiting Kansas Year-Round

Choose the right home base

With a solid homebase as your launching pad, you can make the most of Kansas during any season or weather pattern. Its largest cities of Kansas City, Wichita, Topeka and Overland Park offer the most amenities and shelter from storms. If you’re just passing through rural parts of the state, time it with pleasant weather windows if possible.

Layer your clothing

Kansas is all about extreme temperature swings, even in the same day! Dressing in removable layers allows you to peel off or bundle up as needed while outdoors. Bring the raincoats, ponchos and galoshes year-round too. Light glove liners can be a godsend when wintry winds kick up.

Look for indoor options

On unruly weather days, every community in Kansas has indoor attractions like museums, shopping malls, movie theaters, sporting venues and more. Having a backup plan when spring thunderstorms or winter snows scuttle your original agenda is key. Improvising and making lemonade (or hot toddies) out of lemons keeps trips on track.

Sample all the seasons

The best recommendation for experiencing Kansas to the fullest? Visit in multiple seasons when possible. Each three-month period brings unique qualities and special events worth savoring. That said, latespring and fall should top most Kansas visitors’ wish lists barring any quirks of Mother Nature.

Whether escaping to Kansas’ wide open spaces or celebrating within its urban cores, this heartland state delights travel palates throughout the year with a heaping helping of Midwestern charm.