Kansas City, MO Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Kansas City has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters in Tornado Alley.
Climate type: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa)
Kansas City Climate Overview
Hot, humid summers with severe weather. Cold winters with ice and snow.
Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in spring. Rapid temperature changes from Arctic fronts.
Kansas City Weather by Season
spring
Spring is wet and stormy — this is peak severe weather season for Kansas City. April and May bring large hail, tornadoes, and flooding rains, but also mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
summer
Summers are hot and humid with highs in the upper 80s°F and frequent 90°F+ days. Afternoon and evening thunderstorms are common.
fall
Fall is Kansas City's best weather season — mild, dry, sunny, and with gorgeous foliage. October highs in the 60s-70s°F make for ideal BBQ and football weather.
winter
Winters are cold and variable with highs in the low 40s°F and occasional ice storms. Arctic outbreaks can push temperatures below zero.
Kansas City Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40° | 44° | 55° | 65° | 74° | 83° | 88° | 87° | 79° | 67° | 54° | 42° |
| Low °F | 22° | 26° | 35° | 45° | 55° | 64° | 69° | 67° | 59° | 47° | 35° | 25° |
Best Time to Visit Kansas City
September through early November for mild, dry, sunny weather. April is also pleasant but carries significant severe weather risk.
Severe Weather Risks
- Tornadoes
- Large hail
- Severe thunderstorms
- Ice storms
- Blizzards
Weather Facts About Kansas City
- >Kansas City sits squarely in Tornado Alley and sees several severe weather outbreaks each spring.
- >The 1957 Ruskin Heights tornado killed 44 people in the metro area, one of the deadliest in KC history.
- >The city averages 18 inches of snow per year, but big blizzards can drop a foot or more in a single event.
Kansas City Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Kansas City?
September through October delivers the best weather — mild days in the 60s-70s°F, low humidity, dry conditions, and fall color. This is also peak BBQ and football season.
Does Kansas City get tornadoes?
Yes — KC sits in the heart of Tornado Alley. Multiple tornado warnings each spring, occasional direct hits. The 1957 Ruskin Heights tornado was one of the deadliest in regional history.
How cold does Kansas City get?
Average winter highs are in the low 40s°F with lows in the 20s°F. Arctic outbreaks can push temperatures below zero, and ice storms are a regular winter hazard.
Is Kansas City humid in summer?
Yes. July and August dewpoints average in the upper 60s to low 70s°F, making heat index values climb into the 100s°F regularly. Evening thunderstorms provide brief cooling.