If you’re planning to spend New Year’s in Kansas, get ready for cold conditions that can change how you celebrate and travel. Average temperatures usually hang out anywhere from the mid-teens up to the upper 30s Fahrenheit, which makes this the coldest part of the year.
That chill feels even sharper out in the open, where the wind just cuts right across the plains.
Snow might show up, especially up north or out west, but it doesn’t always arrive on schedule. Some years, you’ll just see a few flurries, while other years, snow piles up enough to cover the roads and fields.
Rain and ice sometimes join the mix too, just to keep things interesting.
These weather patterns matter whether you’re driving to a holiday party, checking out Kansas landmarks, or hoping for some outdoor fun. If you know what to expect with temperatures, precipitation, and wind, you can get ready for safer travel and more comfortable celebrations as the year wraps up.
Typical Temperatures Near New Year’s in Kansas
Kansas gets cold near New Year’s, with freezing nights and afternoons that aren’t exactly warm. Where you are in the state makes a difference, and you’ll notice things start to shift when you compare late December and January to February.
Average Highs and Lows in Late December and Early January
During this stretch, daytime highs usually stick to the 40s°F (4–7°C) in central and eastern Kansas. Out west, it’s often a bit colder.
At night, lows drop into the 20s°F (-6 to -2°C), so frost and icy patches are pretty common.
Take Wichita, for example. It averages a high of 45°F in December and 44°F in January, with lows near 27°F. Lawrence is a little colder, with highs around 43°F and lows between 23–25°F.
Goodland, way out west, can see lows close to 20°F—definitely one of the colder spots.
Most mornings kick off below freezing, and even the afternoon sun doesn’t always help much. Snow is possible, but it’s usually lighter than what you’d find up north.
Regional Differences Across Kansas
Eastern Kansas—think Lawrence or Kansas City—gets a bit more moisture and humidity, which makes the cold feel sharper. Highs stay in the low 40s°F, with lows in the 20s°F.
Central Kansas, including Wichita, tends to be a touch warmer. Highs land in the mid-40s°F, lows in the upper 20s°F. You’ll get more sunny days here, so afternoons can feel a bit nicer.
Western Kansas, like Goodland, gets colder and drier. Highs usually stick to the low 40s°F, while lows dip towards 20°F. Clear skies are pretty common, so nights cool off fast.
Wind out west often makes it feel even colder than the numbers suggest.
Temperature Trends Compared to February
By February, things start to warm up a bit, but it’s still winter. Average highs climb into the mid to upper 40s°F, and lows rise a little into the mid-20s°F to near 30°F.
Wichita, for instance, averages 49°F for highs in February, compared to 44–45°F in December and January. Lawrence and Goodland see similar bumps of about 3–5 degrees.
It’s not a huge change day to day, but it’s the first sign that spring’s on the way. January usually brings the coldest weather, while February feels just a bit milder in the afternoons.
Precipitation Patterns During New Year’s
Kansas weather around New Year’s often brings light precipitation, with conditions bouncing between dry skies and the occasional rain or snow. What you get depends on temperature swings, where you are, and whatever storm system happens to roll through.
Average Precipitation Amounts
Usually, Kansas sees low to moderate precipitation at the start of January. On average, you might get about 0.05 to 0.15 inches of liquid equivalent precipitation per day, but it really varies.
Snow is more common than rain. You could see 1 to 2 inches of snow in early January across much of the state. Still, plenty of years go by with barely any measurable precipitation.
Looking at long-term climate data, measurable precipitation shows up on only about 30% of New Year’s Days in the central Plains. So, you’re more likely to have dry weather, but winter storms can sweep in with quick bursts of snow.
Chance of Rain or Snow Around New Year’s
You’ve got about a one in three shot at seeing precipitation in Kansas during New Year’s. When it does happen, snow is more likely than rain, since highs usually hover in the 30s °F and lows often drop into the teens.
Rain can pop up in southern Kansas if warmer air moves in. In the north and west, most precipitation falls as light snow or flurries, though a big storm can dump a lot more.
Even when totals are low, you might notice flurries or drizzle. For travel or outdoor plans, the bigger worry is usually icy patches from light snow or freezing drizzle, not heavy storms.
Regional Variations in Precipitation
Precipitation varies by region. Eastern Kansas tends to be wetter, with higher chances of measurable rain or snow around New Year’s. Cities like Kansas City or Topeka see more winter precipitation than the west.
Western Kansas is drier, and some years, you won’t see any measurable precipitation during the holiday. Snow can still fall, but it’s usually lighter and less frequent.
Central Kansas sits in the middle. You might get light snow or a mix of rain and snow, depending on the storm’s path. The weather can flip quickly—dry one day, measurable snow the next.
Where you spend the holiday in Kansas really shapes your experience with precipitation.
Snowfall Expectations for New Year’s in Kansas
You might see measurable snow in Kansas around New Year’s, but it really depends on where you are. Western Kansas usually gets more frequent and heavier snow, while the east tends to see lighter, less consistent snowfall.
Average Snowfall Totals
Kansas isn’t one of the snowiest states, but snow is just part of winter here. On average, eastern Kansas cities like Topeka and Lawrence see 10 to 17 inches of snow a year.
Central spots like Wichita and Manhattan get 12 to 18 inches. Out west, towns like Colby and Goodland can get a lot more—often 20 to 30 inches annually.
Since these are yearly averages, what you get around New Year’s depends on how the season is going. Some years, you might only get a dusting. Other years, a stronger storm system could drop several inches at once.
Early January usually falls right in the middle of the snow season statewide.
Frequency of Snow Events
Snow doesn’t fall every week in Kansas, but you’ll get a few days each year with measurable accumulation. In eastern Kansas, places like Olathe or Lawrence see 5 to 10 days of snow per year.
Central cities such as Wichita and Hutchinson average 7 to 10 days. Western towns like Goodland hit nearly 20 snow days a year.
The odds of snow are higher around New Year’s than in early December. Cold air settles in by late December and early January, and storm systems are more frequent. Even if it doesn’t snow on the holiday itself, there’s a good chance you’ll see snow on the ground or falling nearby in many parts of the state.
Snowfall Differences by Region
Snowfall changes a lot across Kansas. In the east, winters are usually milder and wetter, so you might see more rain mixed with snow. Totals here tend to stay under 15 inches per year.
In the central region, amounts bump up a bit, with averages between 12 and 18 inches.
The west is where things really change. Towns like Goodland and Colby get 25 to 30 inches of snow, with more frequent storms and snow sticking around longer.
That’s thanks to higher elevation and colder air that tends to settle in more often. If you head west around New Year’s, you’re more likely to run into deeper snow and trickier driving.
Wind Conditions Around New Year’s
Kansas gets steady winds in winter, and that’s especially true around New Year’s. Speeds often stay moderate to strong, and the wind can make cold temperatures feel even worse.
These winds affect your comfort, safety, and how you plan anything outdoors.
Average Wind Speed
In January, average wind speeds in Kansas usually land between 10 and 12 miles per hour (mph). Wichita clocks in at about 10.9 mph, Lawrence at 11.3 mph, and Goodland at 10.8 mph.
These numbers might not sound wild, but winter air plus wind feels a lot colder. Gusts happen often, pushing wind speeds above the average.
Breezy days are pretty much the norm. Even a quick walk outside can feel brisk, and if you’re driving on open highways, crosswinds can make things tricky.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In winter, Kansas winds usually blow from the northwest and north. That’s how colder air from the northern Plains sweeps in.
In eastern Kansas, winds sometimes shift from the northeast, which can bring more dampness and clouds. Out west, you’ll get stronger northwest winds, which drop temperatures even more.
If you’re outside, north-facing spots will feel much colder. Buildings and trees can block the wind a bit, but open fields give you zero protection.
Wind Chill and Its Impact
Wind chill tells you how cold the air really feels when wind combines with temperature. Around New Year’s, lows often drop into the teens to 20s °F, and with winds of 10–15 mph, the wind chill can sink into the single digits or even dip below zero.
That raises the risk of frostbite and makes being outside pretty uncomfortable. Even brief exposure can feel rough, especially if you’re not dressed for it.
Wear insulated layers, wind-resistant jackets, and cover any exposed skin if you’ll be out for a while. If you’re traveling, factor in wind chill when deciding how long it’s safe to be outdoors or waiting for a ride.
Other Weather Factors to Consider
When you’re planning for early January in Kansas, it’s not just about the temperature. Things like sky cover, daylight, and humidity all play a role in how you feel and how you get around.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Kansas winter skies flip between clear and overcast pretty often. In central and western parts, you’ll get more clear days than in the east.
For example, Goodland averages around 60% clear skies in January, while Lawrence is closer to 53%.
That matters if you’re hoping for sun during outdoor activities or maybe some good photos. Clear skies also mean colder nights, since heat escapes fast after sunset.
Cloudy days might feel a bit less harsh, but the lack of sun can make afternoons seem even colder.
If you’re driving, watch out for overcast skies—they can cut visibility. Snow on the ground plus clouds can make everything look flat and hard to see. Sunglasses help on sunny days, since snow glare can be pretty intense.
Daylight Hours
Daylight is limited around New Year’s, with less than 10 hours of sun per day across Kansas. Wichita gets about 9.9 hours, and Lawrence and Goodland fall just under that.
Short days mean you’ll want to plan outdoor trips carefully. If you’re hiking, sightseeing, or driving far, keep those early sunsets in mind.
Civil twilight ends quickly, so darkness sets in fast after sunset.
The short daylight also means snow and ice stick around longer, especially in shady spots. If you’re visiting, try to do outdoor stuff around midday when the sun’s highest.
Humidity Levels
Relative humidity in Kansas during January usually sits in the moderate range, but the air feels dry thanks to the cold. Indoor heating makes this even more noticeable, so you might get chapped skin or static shocks.
Eastern Kansas sometimes gets a bit more humidity than the west, but cold air doesn’t hold much moisture. Fog isn’t common, but if it does show up, it can linger in valleys or low spots.
If dry air bugs you, pack lip balm or a tiny humidifier. And don’t forget to drink water—winter dryness can sneak up on you and leave you dehydrated before you know it.
Planning Tips for New Year’s Activities in Kansas
Winter in Kansas feels cold, with those brisk winds and the occasional snowy or icy day. If you prepare for both indoor and outdoor fun, you’ll stay comfortable and actually enjoy all the seasonal stuff going on.
What to Wear and Pack
You can expect highs around the mid-30s °F, but lows often drop into the teens. The wind chill? Yeah, it usually makes it feel even colder, especially if you’re out in the open.
I always go with layered clothing so I can adjust when the weather shifts. Start with thermal underlayers, add a sweater or a fleece, then top it off with a heavy winter coat.
Don’t forget waterproof gloves, a knit hat, and a scarf, since those Kansas winds can be brutal.
Footwear really matters. Pick insulated, waterproof boots with solid traction, so you don’t slip on icy sidewalks or snowy trails. If you’re planning to be outside for a while, snow pants or thermal leggings help a ton.
I usually toss in a few extras, just in case. Hand warmers, extra socks, and a small thermos for something hot to drink can make a big difference. Sunglasses come in handy on those bright days when the sun bounces off the snow.
Travel and Safety Considerations
Snow, ice, or freezing rain can make Kansas roads slick. Always check forecasts and road conditions before you drive, especially on highways or rural roads where you won’t find many services.
Keep a winter safety kit in your car. I’d toss in a blanket, flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, bottled water, and non-perishable snacks. A bag of sand or even cat litter can help you get traction if you’re stuck.
If you’re flying, give yourself extra time in case weather throws off your schedule. Smaller regional airports seem to get hit with more winter storm disruptions.
When you’re outside, try not to stay out too long if it’s really cold or windy. Frostbite and hypothermia can sneak up on you fast. Plan your activities so you can take warm indoor breaks, and don’t stray too far from shelter if the weather turns nasty.