Labor Day in Kansas usually brings a blend of summer heat and the first early hints of fall. Most years, you’ll see daytime highs in the 80s, but sometimes it jumps up into the 90s or drops into the 70s, depending where you are.
Nights cool down, which honestly feels like a relief after those hot afternoons.
Rain chances start to fade this time of year, though a stray storm or shower might still roll through. Sunshine is pretty common, especially out in central and western Kansas, but eastern parts might see more clouds.
Early September feels like a time of change, as summer’s grip starts to loosen.
If you’re thinking about traveling or just hanging out outside, it helps to know how the weather shifts across the state. Western Kansas often feels drier and hotter, while the east is a bit cooler and more humid.
Knowing these patterns can make planning anything from a backyard BBQ to a road trip easier.
Typical Temperatures Around Labor Day
Labor Day in Kansas delivers late-summer heat, but you can tell fall is on the horizon. Expect warm afternoons, mild evenings, and some variation depending on your spot.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Around Labor Day, highs usually reach the upper 80s to low 90s °F (31–34 °C). Some years, the mercury climbs into the mid-90s, especially in central and southern Kansas.
Nighttime lows often fall into the mid-60s °F (17–19 °C). That drop is a welcome break from the daytime heat, though humidity can keep evenings feeling warm.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect afternoons that can get hot in the sun. Mornings and evenings feel better, especially in the shade or if there’s a breeze.
Temperature Variations Across Kansas
Weather in Kansas isn’t the same everywhere. In western Kansas, places like Goodland cool down more at night thanks to drier air and higher elevation.
Highs there usually hover in the mid-80s °F.
In eastern cities like Lawrence or Kansas City, humidity is a bigger deal. Highs often land in the upper 80s to low 90s °F, but muggy conditions can make it feel even warmer.
South-central Kansas—think Wichita—tends to run hotter, with more days in the low 90s °F. Early September is one of the hottest stretches there.
How This Period Compares to Other Months
Labor Day marks the shift between summer and fall in Kansas. Compared to July and August, highs drop a few degrees, but it’s still hotter than many would call comfortable.
By late September, highs settle into the upper 70s °F, and nights get down into the 50s °F. Early September really stands out as warmer than the rest of fall.
If you look at spring months like May, Labor Day is usually hotter and more predictable. May has a reputation for wild swings, but early September usually sticks to the warm side.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Early September in Kansas means moving from the rainy summer months toward a drier fall. Rain still happens, but it’s less frequent and not as intense as June or July.
Humidity and storm chances change across the state, with eastern Kansas getting more rain than the west.
Average Rainfall for Early September
How much rain you get in September depends on where you are. Eastern cities like Lawrence average about 3.8 inches for the month, while Wichita sees closer to 2.6 inches.
Go farther west to Goodland and totals drop to about 1.2 inches.
Most rain comes from scattered thunderstorms instead of all-day drizzles. These storms can dump a lot of water quickly, especially in central and eastern Kansas.
The western High Plains go longer between showers.
Rainfall is uneven. One town might get soaked while another nearby stays dry. That’s just Kansas in late summer.
Chance of Rain and Storms
Rainy days aren’t spread evenly across Kansas. In early September, Wichita gets about 7 days with measurable rain, while Lawrence sees closer to 9 days.
Western Kansas, like Goodland, usually has 5 or fewer rainy days.
Thunderstorms can still roll through, though not as often as in midsummer. When they pop up, they might bring gusty winds, lightning, and brief heavy rain.
Severe weather isn’t as common as in spring, but isolated strong storms still happen.
If you’re planning something outside, it pays to watch the forecast. Rain chances can change fast, and storms often pop up late in the day.
Humidity Levels
September’s humidity depends on where you are and how much rain just fell. The east side of the state often feels more humid, with dew points sometimes above 65°F after storms.
Wichita averages about 6 to 7 muggy days in September. Lawrence gets about 7 days.
Out west, it’s a different story. Goodland barely sees any muggy days—less than 1 day in September hits those sticky levels.
You’ll probably notice mornings feel damp if it rained overnight, but afternoons usually dry out as the sun comes up and the wind picks up. By late September, humidity drops even more as fall takes hold.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
Kansas weather around Labor Day is a mix of sunshine and passing clouds. Expect long daylight hours and a good shot at clear skies, though cloud cover can change depending on your location.
Likelihood of Clear or Cloudy Skies
Early September skies in Kansas usually lean clear, especially in the west. Data shows clear to mostly clear skies about 70–74% of the time in places like Goodland.
Eastern cities like Lawrence average closer to 65–70% clear skies.
Central areas, like Wichita, land in the middle with about 72% of days being mostly clear. So, you’re more likely to get bright, sunny afternoons than gloomy ones.
Cloud cover is lightest in mid to late summer, and that trend continues into early September. You might see some morning clouds or haze, but skies often clear up by midday.
If you’re planning something outdoors, afternoons and early evenings usually bring sunshine. This is one of the more reliable times for clear skies in Kansas.
Average Hours of Daylight
By early September, Kansas still enjoys over 12 hours of daylight daily. For example, Wichita averages about 12.4 hours, and Lawrence and Goodland are nearly the same.
That’s plenty of daylight for outdoor plans—whether it’s an event, a hike, or a road trip. Sure, the days are a bit shorter than midsummer, but you’ve still got lots of time.
Daylight drops by about 2–3 minutes a day as September goes on. Still, Labor Day is one of the brighter times of year.
With long daylight and frequent sunshine, you can plan your day without feeling rushed.
Regional Weather Differences Across Kansas
Kansas weather really changes from east to west. Temperatures, rainfall, and humidity all shift depending on where you are, and that affects how hot or dry things feel around Labor Day.
Eastern vs. Western Kansas
Eastern Kansas is more humid and wetter, with a higher chance for late-summer thunderstorms. Cities like Lawrence see average highs near 80°F in early September, with lows in the upper 50s.
Rain is more common here, averaging about 3–4 inches in September.
Out west, it’s drier and less humid. Goodland, for instance, averages highs around 80°F but with nights cooling off into the low 50s. Rainfall is lighter, closer to 1–1.5 inches, and you’ll see more clear skies.
The east feels warmer during the day because of the moisture in the air, while the west cools down faster at night. If you’re not a fan of humidity, western Kansas is probably more comfortable.
If you like greener scenery and warmer nights, the east might be your pick.
Weather in Major Cities: Wichita, Lawrence, Goodland
Wichita sits in south-central Kansas and usually gets the warmest Labor Day weather. Highs average 83°F, with lows near 61°F.
Humidity is moderate, and rainfall averages about 2.6 inches in September.
Lawrence, in the northeast, is a little cooler. Highs reach about 80°F, and lows dip to 57°F.
It’s slightly wetter than Wichita, with around 3.8 inches of rain.
Goodland, out by the Colorado line, stays drier and cools off more at night. Highs are close to 80°F, but lows often drop to 52°F.
Rainfall averages just over 1 inch, and skies are clearer more often.
Your Labor Day weather experience really depends on where you are in Kansas.
Wind and Other Weather Factors
Kansas gets steady breezes in early September, and those winds can make a difference if you’re outside. Storms aren’t as common as in spring, but late-summer weather can still throw in a few surprises.
Typical Wind Speeds
Most places in Kansas see average wind speeds between 8 and 12 miles per hour around Labor Day. Central and western areas—like Dodge City or Goodland—tend to get stronger gusts than eastern cities such as Lawrence.
Winds usually blow from the south or southeast this time of year. That brings in warmer air and sometimes bumps up the humidity.
On cool mornings, breezes might feel light, but by afternoon, gusts can get pretty noticeable.
If you’re hosting something outside, expect wind strong enough to move paper plates or decorations. Farmers count on these breezes to help dry late-summer crops.
It’s not extreme, but the wind is just part of Kansas life in early September.
Unusual Weather Events
Most days stay calm, but sudden changes can happen. Thunderstorms might still pop up, especially in the east. These storms can bring brief heavy rain, lightning, and strong gusts.
Tornadoes almost never happen in September, but it’s not impossible—spring is the real tornado season.
Sometimes, western Kansas gets dusty conditions when winds blow over dry fields. After a hot summer, the soil loosens, and you might get a quick dust storm.
Another thing to watch for is late-season heat waves. Highs can still push into the upper 80s or low 90s °F, and when it’s humid, it feels even hotter.
Occasionally, a cold front will sweep through and drop temperatures fast, so don’t be surprised by a sudden change.
Travel and Outdoor Planning Tips
Labor Day in Kansas means warm afternoons, cooler evenings, and the chance for a late-summer storm. Planning ahead helps you enjoy outdoor events, festivals, and all kinds of activities.
What to Pack for Labor Day in Kansas
Early September temperatures usually swing from the 60s°F in the morning to the 80s°F during the day. Bring clothes you can layer. A light jacket or sweatshirt works for evenings, while short sleeves and breathable fabrics are perfect for daytime.
Humidity can still show up, especially in the east, so pack lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes. If you’re heading to fairs, parades, or markets, comfortable shoes are a must.
Rain showers and storms aren’t out of the question. Toss a compact umbrella or light rain jacket in your bag.
If you’ll be out in rural areas or near lakes, insect repellent is a good idea.
The sun is still strong, so don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. With these basics, you’ll be ready for both hot sunshine and sudden weather changes.
Best Outdoor Activities for the Weather
Early September in Kansas feels just about perfect for outdoor get-togethers. The temperatures stay warm, but thankfully, you won’t have to deal with the midsummer heat.
You can really make the most of state parks, hiking trails, and lake activities this time of year. It’s honestly one of the best stretches for being outside.
Labor Day weekends bring out county fairs, local festivals, and outdoor concerts all over the place. The mild weather makes it easy to stroll through historic towns or wander around botanical gardens.
People flock to reservoirs like Clinton Lake and Cheney Reservoir for fishing and boating. If you want calmer water, try heading out earlier in the day, since the wind usually picks up later.
If hiking’s your thing, check out the trails in the Flint Hills or Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. The morning air feels cooler and the views are pretty great.
Just a heads up, though—thunderstorms can develop quickly in Kansas, so it pays to keep an eye on the forecast.