Planning for Halloween in Kansas? You’re in for a mixed bag of weather possibilities. Some years, the weather feels just right for costumes, while other times you’ll get chilly winds, rain, or even a little snow. Usually, highs land in the low to mid-60s and lows drop into the 40s across much of the state.
Kansas weather changes fast, and late October really shows that unpredictability. Take Wichita, for instance. Halloween temps there have swung from the 80s to the 30s, and there have even been a few snowy years.
You need to know what’s typical, not just what’s possible. It helps to look at statewide patterns and regional quirks so you don’t have to guess. That way, you can plan costumes, outdoor fun, and travel without much stress.
Typical Halloween Weather in Kansas
Halloween afternoons in Kansas usually feel mild, but things cool off fast after sunset. Rain doesn’t show up often, but it’s not out of the question. Wind almost always makes its presence known.
Average High and Low Temperatures
On October 31, Kansas cities like Wichita, Salina, and Russell generally see average highs around 63–64°F and average lows between 37–43°F. Once the sun goes down, you’ll probably want a jacket.
The state’s seen some wild swings. Wichita once hit 85°F on Halloween, but another year dropped all the way to 18°F. Salina has even recorded lows as cold as 13°F.
If you’re out in the afternoon, the weather can feel downright pleasant. But by evening, those temps often slide into the 40s, and wind makes it feel colder. Layers are your friend.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rain doesn’t usually spoil Halloween in Kansas. Wichita averages just 0.07 inches of precipitation on October 31, Salina gets 0.05 inches, and Russell only 0.04 inches. Most years, you’ll stay dry.
Still, there are outliers. Wichita got nearly 6 inches of rain on Halloween in 1998, and Salina saw over an inch in 1991. Snow is rare, but Wichita did pick up 1.5 inches back in 1991.
Don’t count on heavy rain or snow, but it’s smart to check the forecast or pack an umbrella, especially if kids will be outside for a while.
Common Weather Patterns
Late October brings strong winds to Kansas. Even if it’s dry, gusts can make it feel colder than you’d expect, especially out in open areas.
Clear skies show up a lot, but clouds can roll in fast. Sometimes a sunny afternoon turns into a brisk, gray evening. Cold fronts from the north can sneak in with little warning.
You’ll want to plan for changing conditions. A costume that works indoors might not cut it outside, especially if the wind picks up after dark.
Regional Differences Across Kansas
Halloween weather changes depending on where you are in Kansas. Temperatures, rainfall, and even snow chances can look pretty different between the east and west. Some cities, like Topeka, have their own quirks.
Eastern vs. Western Kansas Weather
Eastern Kansas usually gets milder Halloween weather than the west. Cities like Wichita, Lawrence, and Chanute often see highs in the low to mid-60s °F and lows in the 40s °F.
Rain is more common in the east, with average precipitation between 0.07–0.09 inches, but it’s usually just a sprinkle.
Western Kansas—think Goodland and Russell—runs cooler and drier. Highs hover near 60–63°F, and lows dip into the upper 30s. Rainfall is pretty limited, often less than 0.05 inches.
Early-season snow is more likely in the west, though it’s still rare. Russell, for example, once saw snow on Halloween in 1991. Winds blow harder out west, making it feel colder for evening trick-or-treaters.
Topeka Halloween Weather Trends
Topeka’s Halloween weather falls somewhere between eastern and central Kansas. Average highs reach about 63–65°F, and lows slip into the low 40s.
Rain can happen but usually doesn’t, with most years seeing less than a tenth of an inch. Still, you never know, so a jacket or umbrella isn’t a bad idea.
Records in Topeka show a big range. Some Halloweens have hit the 80s, while the coldest years dropped near freezing. You really do have to plan for both mild and chilly.
Wind often picks up in Topeka on Halloween, so it can feel colder than the thermometer says.
Historical Weather Data for Late October
Late October in Kansas usually brings cooler days, chilly nights, and a mix of calm autumn weather with the chance for sudden changes. Temperatures can shift fast, and past records show both mild evenings and sharp cold snaps.
Temperature Records on Halloween
Historical data shows a wide range for Kansas temperatures around October 31. In Topeka, average highs hit the upper 50s °F, and lows dip into the upper 30s °F.
Some years bring highs in the 70s °F, while others see freezing conditions by night.
Here’s how the late October averages usually look:
| Region | High °F | Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern KS | 65–70 | 40–45 |
| Central KS | 63–68 | 38–43 |
| Western KS | 60–66 | 34–40 |
You should be ready for both mild trick-or-treat weather and some pretty cold evenings. Light jackets work most years, but western counties sometimes call for heavier coats.
Notable Weather Events
Kansas Halloweens haven’t always been calm. Some years, strong cold fronts dropped temperatures into the 20s °F overnight. Other times, mild breezes made for comfortable outdoor fun.
Snow on Halloween almost never happens, but it’s not impossible—especially in northern and western Kansas. Topeka and nearby spots have seen light flurries, though they rarely stick.
Rain happens more often than snow, with the occasional shower dampening late-October nights. Winds can pick up and make things feel colder than expected.
You really need to check the forecast right up to the day if you’re planning anything outside.
Precipitation Patterns and Rainfall Chances
Late October in Kansas often feels cooler, but rain usually stays light. Storms happen, though most years are dry with just a few brief showers.
Average Rainfall Around Halloween
Rainfall amounts in Kansas during late October are pretty low. Wichita averages 0.07 inches on Halloween, Salina gets 0.05 inches, and Russell just 0.04 inches. Measurable rain isn’t common on this date.
Eastern Kansas is a bit wetter than the west. Chanute averages 0.09 inches, which is higher than central and western cities. The east is more humid, while the west is semi-arid.
Most years, you’ll find dry ground for trick-or-treating or evening events. But sometimes, like Wichita’s record 5.79 inches in 1998, the weather throws a curveball. That was a real outlier compared to normal.
Probability of Wet Weather
Your odds of rain on Halloween in Kansas are pretty low. Most years, there’s no measurable precipitation at all. When rain does fall, it’s usually light and doesn’t last long.
Snow is rare, but it’s not out of the question. Wichita got 1.5 inches of snow in 1991, so wintry weather isn’t impossible.
Most of the time, you’ll deal with cool and dry weather, not a soggy evening. A light jacket is usually more useful than an umbrella, but you’ll want to check the forecast since Kansas weather can flip fast.
Other Weather Factors Impacting Halloween
When you plan for Halloween in Kansas, don’t just think about temperature and rain. Humidity, wind, sunshine, and cloud cover all affect how comfortable you’ll feel and how long you’ll want to stay outside.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Late October in Kansas usually brings lower humidity levels than summer. Afternoon humidity often falls between 40–60%, which keeps the air crisp and cool.
At night, humidity rises a bit, making the air feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Wind is a big deal here. Kansas gets plenty of breezes, and on Halloween, winds average 8–15 mph. Stronger gusts are pretty common, especially out west.
Wind direction matters too. North winds bring colder air, while south winds can keep things milder. If you’re trick-or-treating, steady winds can make costumes feel less warm, so it’s smart to layer up even if the forecast looks fine.
Some evenings are calm, but you can’t count on it. Even a light breeze can carry a chill when it’s already in the 40s or low 50s.
Sunshine and Cloud Cover
Sunshine during the day makes a big difference after dark. A sunny afternoon warms up sidewalks and buildings, so the evening stays a bit milder.
Heavy clouds keep the sun away, and things cool off fast after sunset. Kansas often gets partly cloudy skies this time of year, so you might see some sun during the day but clouds by evening.
Cloud cover affects visibility, too. Clear nights let the moon light up outdoor activities. When it’s overcast, streets and yards get darker, so flashlights or glow sticks come in handy.
Sometimes, cloud cover traps warmth, keeping nighttime lows in the upper 40s or 50s. Other times, clear skies let the temperature drop quickly, especially in rural spots.
Tips for Planning Halloween Activities in Kansas
Kansas weather at the end of October can swing from mild afternoons to chilly evenings. You’ll want to be ready for both cool temperatures and the chance of wind or a light sprinkle.
Dressing for the Weather
Late October in Kansas usually means daytime highs in the low to mid-60s °F and nighttime lows in the 30s or 40s °F. Because of this, plan costumes and clothes that let you layer. A light jacket or sweater under (or over) a costume keeps you comfortable without hiding your outfit.
Wind is a given in the fall, especially in open areas like Wichita or Salina. A breezy night can make it feel colder than the thermometer says. Gloves or hats help if you’ll be outside for a while.
Footwear matters. Streets and sidewalks might be damp from earlier rain, and grass can hold moisture after sunset. Closed-toe shoes or boots keep feet warm and dry, especially for kids running between houses.
If you’re heading to an indoor event, you can keep layers light and peel them off once inside. For outdoor trick-or-treating or festivals, plan for extra warmth since temperatures drop fast after sundown.
Outdoor Event Considerations
Kansas weather in late October? It’s honestly unpredictable. Some days feel sunny and dry, but you might just wake up to damp, chilly air. Sure, the average precipitation stays low, yet folks still remember years with light rain or even a quick dusting of snow.
Before you head out, check the forecast. Especially if you’re aiming for a haunted hayride, corn maze, or pumpkin patch—nobody wants to get caught off guard.
Evenings hit the hardest with cold. If you’re around Kansas City or Russell, nighttime temps can drop right into the 30s °F. Toss a blanket in the car, or maybe fill a thermos with something warm. You’ll thank yourself if you end up sitting or standing outside for a while.
Wind sneaks up on you too. Open fields, which you’ll find at most rural spots, get downright chilly when the gusts pick up. Tie down lightweight decorations or costumes, because the wind will snatch them if you don’t. If you’re watching kids, maybe keep your route short so they don’t get worn out in the cold.
If rain fell earlier in the week, expect muddy parking lots and slippery paths. Grab some waterproof shoes and a flashlight, just in case. And if the weather really turns on you, have a backup plan—maybe hit a pop-up Halloween shop or check out an indoor community event.