Wichita, Kansas offers a range of weather conditions throughout the year, making it an interesting place to follow climate patterns.
The hottest month in Wichita is July, with an average high of 92°F and a low of 71°F.
The city experiences its coldest temperatures in January, where highs average around 44°F and lows can dip to 26°F.
The climate in Wichita involves both a hot season lasting 3.4 months and a cold season that spans about three months.
Precipitation in Wichita averages 36.4 inches annually, with varying amounts throughout the seasons.
The summer months, especially June through September, tend to bring higher temperatures and more sun.
For those looking to understand the monthly weather averages more clearly, Wichita experiences a range of climates, reflecting its location in the northern hemisphere.
Whether you are planning a visit or considering a move, knowing the typical weather trends can help you prepare for what to expect.
Average Temperature In Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
January sees average high temperatures around 44°F and lows near 25°F. It’s one of the coldest months, alongside February and December.
During February, the average high is 49°F and the low is about 28°F.
March begins to warm up with highs around 59°F and lows near 37°F.
By April, temperatures rise to an average high of 69°F and a low of about 46°F.
June is quite warm, reaching an average high of 87°F and lows around 66°F.
The hot season peaks in July with average highs hitting 92°F and lows near 71°F.
August follows closely with similar temperatures, maintaining the summer heat.
September starts to cool down, with average highs of 83°F and lows near 61°F.
As October arrives, temperatures drop to highs around 70°F and lows near 48°F.
November is a cooler month with highs averaging 55°F and lows around 34°F.
December wraps up the year with average highs of 45°F and lows near 26°F.
These temperature patterns make Wichita well-known for its varied climate, ranging from hot summers to cold winters with temperatures below freezing.
The average temperature in Wichita across the year is around 58°F, making it a city of contrasts.
For more detailed information on temperature variations, see more.
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 44 | 25 |
| February | 49 | 28 |
| March | 59 | 37 |
| April | 69 | 46 |
| June | 87 | 66 |
| July | 92 | 71 |
| August | 90 | 69 |
| September | 83 | 61 |
| October | 70 | 48 |
| November | 55 | 34 |
| December | 45 | 26 |
These figures show how diverse the temperature range is across different months.
Average Precipitation In Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas experiences varying levels of precipitation throughout the year. Rainfall and snowfall differ by season, with some months being wetter or drier than others.
Average Rainfall In Wichita, Kansas
Wichita receives an average annual rainfall of about 36.4 inches.
The wettest month is typically May, which averages around 5 inches of rain.
Rainfall decreases significantly during the summer months, with June receiving around 4.3 inches and August getting about 3.7 inches.
Rainy days are more common in the spring and early summer.
From September to November, the amount of rain gradually decreases.
October sees around 2.7 inches of rain, while November averages 2.1 inches.
The winter months are usually the driest, with December and January averaging about 1.2 inches and 1 inch, respectively.
Average Snow In Wichita, Kansas
Snowfall in Wichita is less frequent compared to rainfall. The city averages around 13.3 inches of snow annually.
Snow typically falls from November through March. January usually has the most significant snowfall, with an average of 4.4 inches.
February brings around 3 inches of snow, while December sees about 2.1 inches.
March snowfall is generally lighter, with about 1.5 inches on average.
Snow and ice are more common in these colder months, and can affect daily activities and transportation. October and April rarely see any measurable snowfall, marking the beginning and end of the snow season.
Average Sun In Wichita, Kansas
Wichita experiences significant sunlight throughout the year, with notable variations across different seasons. This city enjoys numerous hours of sunshine, contributing to its generally pleasant weather.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Wichita, Kansas
Wichita receives substantial amounts of daily shortwave solar energy.
The average daily sunlight ranges from high levels in summer to lower levels in winter.
During summer months, residents can expect the longest hours of sunshine, often seeing sunrise around 6:00 AM and sunset close to 8:45 PM.
Winter days are shorter, with sunrise around 7:30 AM and sunset near 5:15 PM. This leads to fewer daylight hours.
On average, Wichita has about 2,850 total hours of sun annually, ensuring plenty of bright, sunny days for outdoor activities.
Average Humidity In Wichita, Kansas
Wichita experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. The mean monthly relative humidity in the city provides a clear picture of these changes.
November is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 79%. This high humidity is often related to cooler temperatures and increased moisture in the air.
In contrast, July is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 58%. This is due to the high temperatures and lower moisture levels typical of summer.
Monthly Averages
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| January | 66% |
| February | 64% |
| March | 63% |
| April | 63% |
| May | 67% |
| June | 64% |
| July | 58% |
| August | 61% |
| September | 64% |
| October | 67% |
| November | 79% |
| December | 73% |
Highlights
- Dew Point: The dew point varies with temperature and humidity. In Wichita, it tends to be higher in the summer and lower in the winter.
- Comfort Levels: Higher humidity can make temperatures feel warmer, while lower humidity can make it feel cooler.
For more detailed information on Wichita’s humidity levels, visit World Weather & Climate Information.
Average Wind In Wichita, Kansas
Wichita experiences varied wind speeds throughout the year. The average wind speed ranges from 7 to 12 miles per hour (mph).
The windiest month in Wichita is usually April, with average wind speeds around 12 mph.
Spring tends to be the windiest season. This is partly due to the clash of warm and cold air masses.
During this time, wind speeds often reach the higher end of the annual average.
In summer, wind speeds generally decrease. Winds during this season typically average around 8 to 10 mph.
The lower wind speeds make the hot temperatures more noticeable.
Fall sees a slight increase in wind activity again, with speeds picking up to about 10 mph. This increase is moderate compared to the springtime highs.
Winter wind speeds are consistent with the yearly average. They range from 8 to 10 mph, providing a steady breeze that can make cold days feel even colder.
Average Air Quality In Wichita, Kansas
Wichita’s air quality is generally considered good, though it does fluctuate.
The city’s air quality index (AQI) can be affected by various factors throughout the year.
The PM2.5 level in Wichita is an important measure.
In 2020, Wichita had a PM2.5 reading of 7.4 µg/m³, which falls within the World Health Organization’s target range. This indicates that the air is relatively clean.
Wichita’s AQI can reach moderate levels during certain times of the year.
This is often due to weather patterns, like strong storms or high wind speeds.
For more detailed, real-time updates, visit this Wichita Air Quality Index page.
The visibility in Wichita can be impacted by air quality, especially during periods of high pollution or fog.
Generally, visibility is good, but it can drop when pollution levels are higher.
Factors that influence air quality in Wichita include:
- Industrial emissions
- Vehicle exhaust
- Weather patterns
Overall, Wichita maintains a fairly respectful air quality on most days.
Staying informed through reliable sources can help residents protect their health effectively.
Check out the latest data on the AccuWeather Air Quality page for Wichita.
Temperature, pressure, and other climate factors also play a role.
For more detailed annual climate data, refer to the Annual Climate Normals provided by the National Weather Service.
Topography Of Wichita, Kansas
Wichita is located in Sedgwick County in the state of Kansas. The city lies along the Arkansas River and is part of the Wellington-McPherson Lowlands.
This region is characterized by its relatively flat terrain with slight undulations.
Coordinates:
- Latitude: 37.6907° N
- Longitude: 97.3428° W
Elevation:
- Average Elevation: 1,457 feet
- Minimum Elevation: 1,165 feet
- Maximum Elevation: 1,506 feet
The city’s landscape includes parts of the Flint Hills found to the northeast.
The Flint Hills contribute to the region’s gentle hills and shallow river valleys.
Key Features
- Arkansas River: Flows through the city, providing a key water source and natural habitat.
- Flint Hills: Located to the northeast, they provide a rolling terrain that contrasts with the surrounding plains.
- Wellington-McPherson Lowlands: Broad, flat plains located near Wichita.
This combination of features gives Wichita a unique geographic profile that combines flat landscapes with gently rolling hills, particularly toward the northeast. The average elevation gives residents and visitors a vantage point that is both accessible and scenic.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Wichita, Kansas
Wichita, Kansas experiences various extreme weather events throughout the year.
Thunderstorms are frequent, especially during spring and summer.
These storms can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hail.
Hailstones can vary in size, from pea-sized to larger than golf balls, causing significant damage to crops and property.
Tornadoes are another extreme weather hazard in Wichita.
The city lies in “Tornado Alley,” where tornadoes are common in late spring and early summer. Tornadoes cause widespread damage with their high wind speeds and flying debris.
In recent years, extreme heat has also become more frequent.
Summers can reach temperatures above 100°F, exacerbating drought conditions and increasing the risk of wildfires.
During winter, blizzards and ice storms are possible.
Blizzards bring heavy snowfall and strong winds, making travel dangerous. Ice storms can coat surfaces in a layer of ice, leading to power outages and hazardous driving conditions.
Flooding occurs mainly during heavy rainfall events.
Wichita rivers and streams can overflow, leading to water damage in homes and businesses.
In December 2021, Wichita experienced a historic wind and fire event.
Strong winds caused widespread damage and fueled wildfires, an unusual occurrence for that time of year.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Wichita, Kansas
Wichita has something to offer every season, but the weather and activities vary. Let’s explore what each season brings to this city.
What Is Wichita, Kansas Like In Spring
Spring in Wichita sees mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
From March to May, daily highs range from 60°F to 75°F.
Rainfall increases during this season, averaging around 3 to 5 inches per month. This makes it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking or visiting the Botanica Wichita gardens.
Spring festivals and events are common.
The city’s parks become vibrant with colors, and the pleasant climate makes it a favorite time for locals and tourists alike.
Light jackets and layers are recommended due to fluctuating temperatures.
What Is Wichita, Kansas Like In Summer
Summers in Wichita are hot and can be humid.
From June to August, temperatures typically range between 70°F in the mornings and 90°F during the day. July is the hottest month, with highs often reaching around 92°F.
Outdoor activities are popular, and there are several lakes and pools to cool off.
Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms, which can bring heavy rain.
It’s also a good time to enjoy local festivals and outdoor concerts.
Staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen are essential during summer visits.
What Is Wichita, Kansas Like In Fall
Fall in Wichita is a favorite for many due to its moderate temperatures and beautiful foliage.
From September to November, temperatures range from 50°F to 75°F.
Rainfall decreases, making it drier and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and autumn festivals become common.
The changing leaves offer picturesque scenes, especially in local parks.
Comfortable clothing and possibly a light jacket are suitable for this season.
Fall is ideal for those who enjoy scenic walks and cooler weather without the extremes of summer or winter.
What Is Wichita, Kansas Like In Winter
Winters in Wichita are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
From December to February, daily highs range from 40°F to 50°F, while lows can dip to around 20°F.
Snow is possible but not frequent, averaging a few inches per season.
Winter activities include ice skating and holiday events.
Warm clothing such as coats, hats, and gloves are necessary.
While outdoor activities are less common, indoor attractions like museums and theaters are popular.
Visitors can enjoy a cozy atmosphere and seasonal events like Christmas lights and markets.