Last updated: January 18, 2025
Kansas, United States, experiences a diverse climate characterized by a combination of semi-arid (BSk), humid subtropical (Cfa), and hot-summer humid continental (Dfa) classifications. This results in notable temperature variations throughout the year, with record lows plunging to -34°C (-29°F) in February, while summer peaks can soar to an astonishing 44°C (111°F) in July. The state's average temperature hovers around 14°C (57°F), reflecting its unique climatic conditions that influence both ecology and human activities.
Kansas experiences pronounced seasonal temperature variations, with frigid winters and sweltering summers shaping its climate. The coldest months, January and February, present minimum temperatures that can drop to as low as -34°C (-29°F), while averages linger near 0°C (33°F). As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, marked by milder conditions in March and April, where averages increase from 8°C (47°F) to 13°C (55°F). By May, warmth accelerates, peaking in the summer months of June and July, where average temperatures reach around 27°C (80°F) and can hit maximums of 44°C (111°F). As the year draws to a close, autumn ushers in cooler temperatures, with October and November experiencing notable dips that return to winter-like conditions by December, showcasing Kansas' dynamic climate.
Dodge City experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with a minimum of -23°C (-9°F) recorded in February and a maximum reaching 40°C (104°F) in July. This significant variation highlights the city's diverse climate patterns. For more detailed information about the monthly temperature in Dodge City, click the provided link.
Kansas exhibits a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, with its wettest months typically falling in late spring. May distinguishes itself as the month with the highest rainfall, receiving an impressive 179 mm (7.0 in) over approximately 13 days. Following closely are March and April, where precipitation levels reach 85 mm (3.3 in) and 75 mm (3.0 in), respectively. These spring months are crucial for agricultural development, as the abundant rainfall nurtures crops and replenishes water supplies.
As the year progresses, summer rains in June (89 mm) and July (82 mm) maintain relatively high levels, while cooler months see a significant decline in precipitation. By October, rainfall increases again to 101 mm (4.0 in), indicating a shift towards wetter fall conditions. In contrast, the winter months of January and February experience the least precipitation, with only 38 mm (1.5 in) and 31 mm (1.2 in), respectively. This seasonal variation underscores the diverse climatic influences across the state, impacting both ecosystems and agricultural practices.
Kansas experiences a notable increase in sunshine duration as the year progresses, with a clear seasonal trend that highlights the transition from winter to summer. January begins the year with 169 hours of sunshine, gradually rising throughout the spring months, reaching 271 hours in April. The peak occurs in the summer, with July boasting an impressive 366 hours of sunshine. This abundance of sunlight provides ideal conditions for outdoor activities and agriculture, making summer not only the sunniest but also a crucial time for crop growth and development.
As summer wanes, sunshine hours begin to taper off, though August still retains a generous 325 hours before entering the autumn season. September sees a slight decline to 286 hours, signaling the transition into shorter days. Despite this drop, sunlight remains relatively abundant compared to the winter months, where November and December yield only 231 hours and 232 hours, respectively. This consistent pattern of increasing sunshine from winter to summer, followed by a gradual decrease in fall, underscores Kansas' distinct seasonal variations, enriching the state’s ecosystem and influencing the lifestyle of its residents.
The UV Index in Kansas displays a clear seasonal pattern, with values rising steadily from winter's end through the height of summer. Beginning in January with a moderate UV Index (UVI) of 4, the levels increase to 6 in February and escalate sharply in the spring months, reaching 8 in March and peaking at 10 in April. The highest levels occur during the summer, particularly in June and July, where the UVI reaches its maximum of 12. This trend indicates that as temperatures rise and the sun's intensity increases, residents should take greater care to protect themselves from harmful UV radiation.
As summer transitions to autumn, the UV Index begins to decline, reflecting the shorter days and lower sun angles. August maintains a UVI of 11, but by September, it drops to 10, followed by a gradual decrease through the fall and winter months. October sees a UVI of 7, while November and December drop further to 5 and 3, respectively. This cyclical fluctuation highlights that while Kansas enjoys significant sunlight during the summer, awareness and protection from UV radiation are essential, especially during the peak months when UV levels can pose health risks.
UV Risk Categories
In Kansas, daylight duration fluctuates noticeably throughout the year, reflecting the seasonal changes that influence daily life. January and December offer the shortest days, with just 9 hours of daylight, which can feel particularly limiting during the cold winter months. As February arrives, daylight extends to 10 hours, setting the stage for longer days ahead. This gradual increase continues into spring, where March brings 11 hours of daylight, and by April, it reaches 13 hours, promoting a sense of renewal and activity as the landscape awakens from winter dormancy.
As summer approaches, Kansas experiences its longest days, with May, June, and July all basking in a consistent 14 hours of sunlight. This extended daylight during the warmer months provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities and fosters the growth of crops, crucial for the state's agricultural landscape. Following the peak summer days, daylight begins to taper off, with August recording 13 hours and gradually decreasing until October, when days shorten to 11 hours. The transition back to shorter daylight hours culminates in November at 10 hours, before returning to the winter minimum of 9 hours in December, thereby completing the annual cycle of daylight variation in Kansas.
Dodge City experiences a varied climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters, with extreme temperatures ranging from -23°C (-9°F) in February to 40°C (104°F) in July. The region receives most of its annual precipitation in late spring, peaking in May with 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while winters are relatively dry, particularly in February (16 mm or 0.6 in). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, especially in summer months such as July, which boasts 369 hours of sunlight, contrasting with the darker winter months like January, which sees 186 hours. These climatic patterns are typical of Dodge City and can be explored further through the Dodge City climate link.
In conclusion, Kansas exhibits distinct seasonal variations across its climate, temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, all of which significantly influence the environment and lifestyles of its residents. The state experiences harsh winters with limited daylight and increased UV intensity during the warmer months, presenting both agricultural opportunities and challenges. The cyclical nature of these climatic elements underscores the importance of adaptability, whether it be for farming, outdoor recreation, or health precautions against UV exposure. Understanding these patterns can enhance resilience and inform planning, fostering a deeper appreciation for Kansas's dynamic climate and its seasonal rhythms.