If you’re planning for Memorial Day in Kansas, you have to be ready for changing skies and unpredictable temperatures. Most years, highs land in the upper 70s or low 80s, and there’s a decent shot at scattered rain or storms.
The season usually mixes up warm afternoons and cooler evenings. Conditions swing pretty quickly, depending on where you find yourself in the state.
You might get a sunny afternoon in Wichita, but northeast Kansas could get hit with showers. Rain chances tick up in late May, though dry spells still pop up often.
This blend of warmth and moisture shapes how people plan their outdoor time, festivals, and travel during the holiday weekend.
Knowing the usual weather patterns gives you a leg up on planning. From average rainfall amounts to muggy days, you’ll get a sense of what Kansas weather does around Memorial Day and how it might affect your plans.
Typical Memorial Day Weather in Kansas
Memorial Day in Kansas tends to bring mild or warm afternoons, cooler nights, and a shot at rain or storms. Skies can change fast, with breezy conditions and temperatures that really shift from day to night.
Average Temperatures in Late May
By late May, most of Kansas gets daytime highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s °F. Southern spots like Wichita can see highs in the upper 80s, while up north in Lawrence or Manhattan, things usually stay a bit cooler.
Nighttime lows land between 55°F and 65°F. That’s pretty comfortable if you’re camping or just hanging around outside.
Sometimes, a warm spell pushes highs close to 90°F, especially in central and southern counties. Other times, a late cold front can drag daytime temps down into the 60s. Kansas loves to keep things interesting during these in-between seasons.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity around Memorial Day is usually moderate in Kansas, but it can get muggy if the winds pull moisture up from the Gulf. By afternoon, relative humidity often drops to 40–50%, but mornings might feel a little damp.
Wind is a big deal in Kansas weather. You’ll probably notice steady breezes around 10–20 mph, with stronger gusts when storms roll through.
These winds mostly come from the south or southeast, dragging in warm, humid air. If you’re planning a cookout or setting up a tent, the wind can definitely shake things up a bit.
Breezes help cool off the afternoons, but they might make evenings feel chillier than what the thermometer says.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Weather
Days are usually sunny or partly cloudy, though late May brings a good shot at scattered thunderstorms. Storms tend to build in the late afternoon or evening, once the day heats up.
At night, things usually calm down and cool off. Skies can clear after storms, letting temps drop pretty fast.
In western Kansas, the dry air means bigger temperature swings. Eastern Kansas holds onto warmth overnight because it stays more humid.
With such a gap between warm days and cool nights, you’ll want to pack light clothes for daytime and a jacket for the evening if you’re spending time outside.
Rain Chances and Dry Weather Patterns
Rain chances around Memorial Day in Kansas depend on seasonal storm systems, soil moisture, and local geography. Some years, steady rain shows up, while other years go dry, giving you totally different holiday vibes.
Historical Rainfall Data for Memorial Day
Kansas sits in the middle of the country, and late May is usually one of its wetter stretches. On average, most places get 4–5 inches of rain during May, with Memorial Day right in the thick of it.
Rain chances for the holiday are higher than in early spring or late summer. In Kansas City, for example, the odds of measurable rain on Memorial Day hit about 30–40%, based on long-term data.
Rain can be light, but stronger thunderstorms often pop up—especially when warm, moist air from the Gulf collides with cooler air from the north.
These storms sometimes dump heavy rain in a hurry, causing localized flooding.
Rainfall totals swing a lot from year to year. One Memorial Day might bring a few inches, while the next passes with barely a sprinkle.
Frequency of Dry Weather
Even though May is pretty wet, you still get a fair shot at dry weather for Memorial Day weekend. In central and eastern Kansas, about 6 or 7 days in May usually go by with no measurable rain, so dry spells aren’t rare.
Western Kansas runs drier overall. Cities like Dodge City or Garden City see less May rain than Wichita or Kansas City, so outdoor events there might dodge more rain delays.
When dry weather comes, it usually sticks around for just a day or two before the next system moves in. That’s why outdoor plans can feel like a gamble—sunshine one afternoon and storms by evening.
Dry stretches often show up when high-pressure systems block storms. These patterns aren’t as common in late May, but sometimes they bring clear skies and mild weather for the holiday.
Factors Influencing Rain Chances
A few things shape your rain odds around Memorial Day. The jet stream’s position often steers storm systems right over the Plains this time of year.
Southerly winds pulling up Gulf moisture matter a lot too. When that humid air heads north, showers and storms get a boost. If it doesn’t, rain chances drop and dry air takes over.
Local geography plays its part. Eastern Kansas, being closer to moisture sources, gets more rain than the dry western High Plains. Elevation differences also tweak how storms form and how much rain falls.
Soil moisture and recent weather patterns affect storm behavior. If the ground is already soaked, even moderate rain can cause flooding. If things have been dry, storms might be more scattered, giving you longer breaks of clear weather.
Kansas City Memorial Day Weather Trends
Kansas City usually sees a mix of warm temps and unsettled skies for Memorial Day. Daytime highs often land in the 70s or low 80s, but rain and storm chances bounce around from year to year.
Recent Forecasts and Local Variations
In Kansas City, Memorial Day sometimes brings sunny stretches, other times stormy weather. Some years get hot and dry with highs near 80°F. Other years, cooler days in the 60s and heavy rain take over.
Rainfall isn’t always even across the metro. South of Interstate 70, like Linn and Bates counties, storms sometimes drop more rain. Some years, those spots pick up 2–5 inches of rain over the holiday weekend.
Storms can bring hail, strong winds, or localized flooding. Severe weather isn’t a given, but if you’ve got outdoor plans near rivers or low spots, it pays to stay alert.
Clear skies show up too, especially when high pressure moves in. That brings warm afternoons, cooler nights in the 50s, and great weather for holiday events.
The year-to-year swings make planning a bit of a guessing game, so it’s smart to check the forecast as the weekend gets closer.
Comparisons to Statewide Averages
Kansas City’s Memorial Day weather isn’t always like the rest of Kansas. The eastern part of the state, including Kansas City, tends to be wetter and a bit cooler than the drier, warmer west.
For example, late-May highs in Kansas City average about 77–79°F, while western towns like Dodge City can hit the mid-80s. Nighttime lows in Kansas City average near 56°F, a few degrees cooler than central and western areas.
Rainfall is another big difference. Kansas City usually gets more late-spring rain than central or western Kansas. So, if you’re in the metro, you’re more likely to deal with wet ground or storm chances during Memorial Day than if you’re out west.
These differences really show how local geography and storm tracks shape your holiday. Statewide averages suggest warm, pleasant weather, but Kansas City’s spot along active storm paths keeps things less predictable.
Rainfall Amounts and Distribution
Rainfall in Kansas around Memorial Day usually comes from scattered storms, and totals can jump around a lot from county to county. Some places just get sprinkles, while others get soaked in a short time.
Typical Rainfall Totals in May
May is the wettest month for most of Kansas. Statewide, you can expect 4 to 5 inches of rain during the month.
This is when spring storms are most active, sometimes bringing steady rain, other times heavy downpours.
Late May often sees parts of south-central Kansas pick up 2 to 3 inches of rain in just a few days. Past Memorial Day weekends have brought more than 2 inches to places like Sedgwick, Reno, and Kingman Counties. These events help refill lakes and ease drought stress.
Rain usually arrives in waves, tied to storm systems sweeping across the Plains. You might get several dry days, then a single night of heavy rain. This makes flexible planning a must for outdoor events.
Regional Differences Across Kansas
Rainfall around Memorial Day isn’t spread out evenly. Eastern Kansas usually gets the most, averaging close to 5 inches for May. The air holds more moisture here, so storms can be stronger and rain lasts longer.
Central Kansas sees moderate amounts, usually 3 to 4 inches. Towns near Wichita and Hutchinson often report multi-inch rainfall in late May, especially when slow-moving storm clusters show up.
Western Kansas is much drier. May averages are more like 2 to 3 inches, and rain comes in short bursts instead of soaking everyone. Out here, isolated thunderstorms are key—one town might get drenched, while another nearby stays dry.
If you drive across the state during this season, you’ll spot the difference. Eastern counties look greener and wetter, while the west might still show dry patches even after storms.
Weather Variability and Year-to-Year Changes
Memorial Day weather in Kansas can flip from hot and dry to cool and stormy in no time. Rain chances often call the shots, and storm timing can make or break a holiday weekend.
Notable Weather Events on Memorial Day
Kansas has seen it all for Memorial Day. Some years, highs soar into the 90s with blazing sun. Other years barely break the 60s under clouds and rain.
Severe storms show up pretty often, especially in late May when tornado season peaks.
Past Memorial Days have brought large hail, damaging winds, and localized flooding from heavy rain. Other years, the holiday is bone dry with light breezes and clear skies.
That kind of swing is just Kansas in late spring.
Long-term data shows that measurable rain falls on about 3 or 4 out of every 10 Memorial Days in the central Plains. So, while showers or storms are a real possibility, dry and warm conditions are just as likely.
Impact of Weather Patterns on Outdoor Activities
Kansas weather can really throw a wrench into your holiday plans. Some years, a family cookout or a trip to the lake goes off without a hitch because the air stays warm and dry. Other times, a storm pops up and you’ve got to scramble for cover.
Thunderstorms usually form in the afternoon and evening, so if you’re looking to avoid disruptions, mornings are typically your best bet.
If you’re traveling or camping, get ready for some wild temperature swings. It might be hot during the day, but nights can drop into the 50s.
Strong winds show up pretty often too, which can make grilling or boating a bit of a headache.
Rain chances tend to be average or maybe just a touch higher than other spring weekends. So yeah, it’s smart to have a backup plan in your back pocket.
Check the short-term forecast before heading out, because Kansas weather can flip in just a few hours.
Long-Term Climate Patterns in Kansas
Kansas sits right between humid and semi-arid climates. The east gets more rain, while the west is usually drier.
You’ll notice big swings in temperature between seasons. Rainfall changes a lot depending on where you are and what time of year it is.
Seasonal Climate Overview
The biggest contrasts in Kansas show up when winter turns into summer. Winters stay cold, with average lows in January around 20–25°F in the east and about 15–20°F in the west.
Snow falls more often in the north and west. The south and east usually see less.
By spring, temperatures rise fast. Highs in April usually land in the 60s to 70s°F. By May, a lot of places hit the mid to upper 70s°F pretty regularly.
Spring also brings more rain and thunderstorms, especially in central and eastern Kansas.
Summers get hot. July highs average 90–92°F in Wichita, while Lawrence and Goodland are just a bit cooler.
Humidity makes the east feel stickier, but the west stays drier.
Fall brings a steady cool-down, with October highs in the 60s to low 70s°F. Nights start to feel crisp.
Daylight changes a lot too, from about 9.5 hours in December up to nearly 15 hours in June. That shift really shapes outdoor plans and even the way things grow around here.
Trends in Rainfall and Temperature
Rainfall in Kansas really varies from east to west. Cities like Lawrence in the east usually get over 40 inches of rain per year. Out west, towns like Goodland often only see less than 20 inches.
Most of the rain comes in late spring and early summer. Thunderstorms pop up a lot during that time.
May and June stand out as the wettest months. Wichita, for instance, gets about 4.1–4.4 inches of rain in May and June. Goodland, on the other hand, averages just 2.4–2.5 inches during those same months.
This seasonal rain helps crops grow, but it can also cause flooding.
Temperature patterns tell their own story. Hot summers and cold winters shape the year, and over time, things have been warming up.
Winters now bring a bit more precipitation than they used to. Summers, though, have lost a little rainfall.
So, you might see wetter soil in early spring, but then things dry out when the summer heat hits.
Wind is always in the mix. Speeds usually stay between 10–12 mph and really pick up in March and April.
Since the west gets less rain and more wind, the land out there dries out faster. That can mean a higher wildfire risk some years.