Valentine’s Day in Kansas usually brings cold air, brisk winds, and a mix of snow or rain depending on where you are. Temperatures tend to range from the mid-20s to the low-40s Fahrenheit (-4°C to 6°C), so it definitely feels like winter rather than spring.
Some years, the skies stay clear and calm. Other years, you might run into icy roads or damp evenings that can really mess with your plans.
If you know the typical weather patterns, you can plan for both cozy indoor celebrations and outdoor adventures. Central and eastern Kansas usually run colder and wetter, while the west stays drier and the temps swing more wildly.
These differences matter, whether you’re thinking about dinner out, a weekend trip, or just a simple stroll downtown.
I’ve spent decades tracking Kansas weather and helping folks plan travel in the region. I can walk you through what to expect and how to make the most of it.
Looking at historical trends and regional quirks, you’ll start to see how Valentine’s Day weather shapes everything from dining options to those last-minute getaways.
Typical Weather Patterns on Valentine’s Day in Kansas
You’ll usually wake up to cold mornings and cool afternoons around mid-February in Kansas. The air sits near freezing, light snow or rain can show up, and the wind always seems to add to the chill.
Average Temperature Ranges
Kansas Valentine’s Days often bring highs in the 40s°F (4–9°C) and lows in the 20s°F (-7 to -2°C). Lawrence and other eastern cities tend to be a bit colder than places like Wichita.
Western towns like Goodland can get sharper overnight drops.
The wind makes the air feel colder than the thermometer says, especially if it’s steady throughout the day. You’ll want to dress in layers, since afternoons sometimes warm into the 40s, but mornings usually call for a winter coat.
City | Avg High | Avg Low |
---|---|---|
Wichita | 49°F | 29°F |
Lawrence | 46°F | 25°F |
Goodland | 47°F | 22°F |
These averages mean you’ll probably have a chilly but manageable day outside if you dress for the weather.
Common Precipitation Types
February isn’t as wet as spring, but Valentine’s Day can still surprise you with light snow, sleet, or cold rain. Wichita averages about **0.
Typical Forecast Accuracy
Forecast accuracy in Kansas really depends on how far ahead you’re looking. If you check a 10-day forecast, you’ll probably just get a rough idea of the temperature, but details like snow amounts? Those often get missed.
By about 3 days out, meteorologists usually have a much better grip on storm tracks and temperature swings. That’s when you can trust the details a bit more.
On Valentine’s Day, you can expect the average high in eastern Kansas to hover in the low 40s °F. Out west, it usually stays in the 30s.
At night, lows often drop into the teens or 20s. These averages don’t change much from year to year, but the weather? It can still surprise you.
Forecast models do a better job with temperature than with precipitation. Predicting exactly how much snow or ice will fall is tricky, especially in those in-between zones where cold and warm air clash.
If you’re driving, keep in mind that a forecast for “light snow” could mean anything from a few flurries to some pretty slick roads.
Preparing for Sudden Weather Changes
Kansas has a reputation for fast-changing conditions in February. You might wake up to sunshine, but by evening, freezing drizzle or gusty winds could roll in.
Because of this, you should always have a backup plan for travel or outdoor stuff.
Pack your clothes in layers so you can adjust if temperatures jump or drop without warning. A light jacket might feel fine in the afternoon, but after sunset, you’ll probably want a heavier coat, gloves, and a hat.
If you’re hitting the road, keep an emergency kit handy—think water, snacks, blankets, and a flashlight. Road conditions can flip fast if ice or snow squalls move in.
For indoor plans, call ahead to check if places are still open, since some businesses might close early when the weather gets rough.
Staying flexible and checking updates throughout the day helps you steer clear of last-minute hassles.
Climate Context: February Weather in Kansas
February in Kansas usually brings cold air, light precipitation, and shorter days of sunshine than you’ll get in spring or summer. At night, temperatures tend to hang near freezing, and you might see a little daytime warming. Rain and snow don’t show up much, but they’re always possible.
How February Compares to Other Months
February sits among the coldest months in Kansas, but it’s just a touch warmer than January. Average highs reach the upper 40s °F (around 9 °C). Lows? Those often sink into the upper 20s °F (about -2 °C).
You’ll want to prep for chilly mornings and afternoons that stay brisk.
Compared to March, February is still solidly winter. March highs climb into the upper 50s °F (15 °C), and rainfall nearly doubles, which hints at spring storms on the way.
By April, average highs push into the 60s °F (20 °C), and rain becomes more common.
February usually brings about 1.5–2 inches of precipitation statewide, so it’s drier than the wetter months that follow. Snow can fall, but it’s hit or miss.
Northern Kansas tends to see more snow than the south, while central and eastern parts often get a mix of rain and snow.
Sunshine is limited, averaging around 7 hours a day. That’s less than the summer, when daylight can stretch to 11–12 hours.
Expect shorter days and cloudier skies, especially at the start of the month.
Recent Trends in February Temperatures
If you look at February temperatures in Kansas, you’ll notice they swing wildly from year to year. Statewide averages usually land somewhere between the low 30s °F (around 0 °C) and the upper 30s °F (3–4 °C), but that really depends on whether a cold snap or a rare warm stretch rolls through.
Over the past few decades, February’s gotten a bit warmer. Lately, a lot more years are clocking higher average temperatures than what people saw in the early 1900s.
Some February days even sneak up into the 50s °F (10–15 °C), especially down in southern Kansas. That’s not exactly what you’d expect from winter, right?
But the cold hasn’t disappeared. Arctic air can still sweep in and drop lows into the teens °F (-7 °C to -10 °C), which is especially true farther north.
Those chilly blasts serve as a reminder—winter’s grip doesn’t loosen easily, even if things seem to be warming up a bit overall.
Precipitation hasn’t changed as much. February usually stays on the dry side compared to the soggier spring months.
Some years, though, you’ll see more snow than usual. The weather really keeps you guessing, so if you’re planning something in mid-February, it’s smart to be ready for anything from mild sunshine to a surprise freeze.