Weather in Kansas City, Missouri
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 11:11 AM
- Moonset
- 1:55 AM
- In sign
- ♉︎ Taurus
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Kansas City at a glance
- Today vs. normal: NaN°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 11 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Kansas City's peak heat with average temperatures around 81°F, while January delivers the year's coldest conditions at roughly 31°F. Precipitation follows its own seasonal pattern, with June receiving the most rainfall at 5.3 inches and January seeing the least at 1.0 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31° | 1.0″ | 2 |
| February | 36° | 1.5″ | 3 |
| March | 46° | 2.1″ | 5 |
| April | 57° | 3.9″ | 7 |
| May | 67° | 5.1″ | 8 |
| June | 77° | 5.3″ | 8 |
| July | 81° | 4.4″ | 6 |
| August | 79° | 4.7″ | 6 |
| September | 71° | 3.8″ | 6 |
| October | 58° | 3.2″ | 5 |
| November | 45° | 1.8″ | 3 |
| December | 35° | 1.3″ | 3 |
Regional context
Kansas City falls within the humid subtropical climate region, sharing comparable temperature ranges, seasonal weather patterns, and growing conditions with other cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: St. Louis, MO, Springfield, MO, Columbia, MO, Independence, MO, Lee's Summit, MO.
Naturalist notes
By late May, American Robin fledglings typically leave their nests across Kansas City's parks and neighborhoods.
Eastern Redbud trees complete their flowering cycle by early May, with heart-shaped leaves fully emerged by month's end.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Kansas City?
- Kansas City typically sees its last spring frost around mid-April, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Kansas City?
- June stands as the wettest month, delivering approximately 5.3 inches of rain on average, contributing to the city's annual total of roughly 38 inches.
- What is the warmest month in Kansas City?
- July typically registers as the warmest month, with average temperatures around 81°F.
- What is the coldest month in Kansas City?
- January typically marks the coldest month, with average temperatures around 31°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Kansas City?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait until 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Kansas City get?
- Kansas City experiences approximately 60 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Kansas City?
- Kansas City's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool can provide the current zone designation using the city ZIP code.
Climate
Kansas City, Missouri experiences a humid subtropical climate. Winter temperatures in January typically hover near 31°F, while July brings averages around 81°F, creating a 50°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals approximately 38 inches, distributed across roughly 60 rainy days throughout the year.
Several factors determine the local weather patterns: the city's latitude at 39.1°N, its distance from major water bodies, and elevation. These elements influence plant growth cycles, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.
ZIP codes in Kansas City
- 64161
- 64163
- 64164
- 64165
- 64167
- 64053
- 64118
- 64116
- 64151
- 64153
- 64155
- 64154
- 64157
- 64156
- 64158
- 64108
- 64109
- 64106
- 64102
- 64128
- 64129
- 64124
- 64125
- 64126
- 64127
- 64120
- 64123
- 64166
- 64119
- 64114
- 64117
- 64111
- 64110
- 64113
- 64112
- 64133
- 64146
- 64145
- 64149
- 64147
- 64105
- 64101
- 64139
- 64138
- 64132
- 64131
- 64130
- 64137
- 64136
- 64134
- 64121
- 64141
- 64148
- 64162
- 64170
- 64171
- 64179
- 64180
- 64184
- 64187
- 64188
- 64191
- 64195
- 64196
- 64197
- 64198
- 64199
- 64999