When to Visit Kansas City

People visit Kansas City throughout the year for its major festivals, famous fountains and boulevards, and affordable prices. Summer is the most popular time, with warm temperatures, numerous events, and professional sports.

November and December are also popular times to visit for holiday activities and shopping. January and February see the fewest visitors and cool temperatures. Spring and fall, with mild days and cool nights, are ideal for those who want to avoid the summer crowds.

• high season: June to September, November to December
• low season: January to February
• shoulder season: March to May, October

Weather Information

Kansas City experiences four seasons. Summer brings warm weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night. The fall is typically mild, and can experience an "Indian Summer" of sunny afternoons with cool evenings. The first freeze usually occurs in late October, and winter can be cold. The city averages 20 inches of snow yearly, and an accumulation of more than ten inches at one time is rare. December, January, and February tend to be the coldest months of the year. Spring sees warmer weather with the last frost in April.

Crowd Information

Summer tends be the busiest time for museums, attractions, and outdoor events. Festivals include the Celebration at the Station around Memorial Day, Rhythm & Ribs 18th and Vine Jazz Festival over Father's Day weekend, and the KC RiverFest in July. Fall is also a major festival season, with the Kansas City Irish Festival in September; the Plaza Art Fair in September; Oktoberfest in late September; and the American Royal Barbecue Competition and Rodeo, Livestock, and Horse Shows in October and November. The Country Club Plaza Season of Lights between Thanksgiving and January also attracts large crowds. NASCAR races and Chiefs' games are a major draw, and sell out consistently. First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District attracts thousands of people from the Midwest every first Friday of the month.

Closure Information

Most hotels, shops, and attractions remain open year-round, but some museums may reduce their hours during the winter months. Visit between April and October to see the city's famous fountains, as they shut down when the weather turns cool.

When to Save

Kansas City is affordable anytime of the year, but prices drop even more in January and February. Some festival packages are also available to help cut down the cost of high-season travel.

Information provided by the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association.