St. Patrick’s Day in Kansas isn’t just about parades and green shirts. The holiday usually brings a mix of unpredictable weather, too.
You’ll typically see daytime highs in the 50s to low 60s, but mornings can start off cold—think 30s or 40s. It really feels like the season is caught between winter’s leftovers and spring’s slow arrival.
Some years, you’ll get sunshine. Other years, brisk winds or light rain come out of nowhere.
March in Kansas is famous for changing its mind quickly. Cold fronts can sweep in with barely any warning.
A parade in Kansas City or a festival in a smaller town might start off mild, but don’t be surprised if things turn chilly or damp by the afternoon.
Knowing the usual weather patterns helps you plan. If you’re heading to a parade, joining outdoor events, or driving across the state, you’ll want to be ready for both sunshine and sudden changes.
Typical Weather Patterns on St. Patrick’s Day in Kansas
You’ll usually wake up to cool mornings and enjoy mild afternoons. Some years stay dry, others bring wet weather.
Passing cold fronts often shake things up, changing both comfort and travel plans in just a few hours.
Average Temperatures
On St. Patrick’s Day, Kansas mornings usually start in the 30s°F to low 40s°F. Afternoons often warm up, hitting the 50s°F to low 60s°F.
Eastern cities like Kansas City and Lawrence tend to be a bit warmer than places out west, like Goodland.
Wichita sits in the middle, with highs near the upper 50s°F.
If a cold front rolls through, you might see highs stuck in the 40s°F. Warmer years can nudge the thermometer up close to 70°F.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Region | Low °F | High °F |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern KS | 35-42 | 55-62 |
| Central KS | 33-40 | 54-60 |
| Western KS | 30-38 | 50-57 |
You’ll want to bring a jacket, but you might end up carrying it by the afternoon.
Precipitation Trends
Rain is the most common type of precipitation around mid-March. Light showers or steady rain pop up about 2 to 4 days in March on average.
Not every year brings rain on the holiday, though.
Snow can happen, but it’s rare. Western Kansas gets more snow chances, while the east usually sees rain.
If snow does fall, it doesn’t stick around long. Daytime warmth usually melts it pretty fast.
Moisture levels shift with the storm tracks. A cold front might bring a burst of rain or snow, then drier air moves in.
Sometimes, high pressure takes over and you get a sunny, dry day.
March keeps you guessing—precipitation can flip from rain to snow in just a few hours.
Wind Conditions
Kansas has a reputation for wind, and mid-March lives up to it. You’ll often see average wind speeds between 10 and 20 mph.
Gusts over 25 mph aren’t rare.
South winds usually warm things up before a storm, while north winds follow a cold front and cool things off.
That switch can make it feel colder than the thermometer says.
Out west, the wind really picks up. Eastern Kansas gets slightly lower speeds, but gusts still make their presence known.
Wind changes how the weather feels. Even light rain feels colder with a stiff north wind, while a sunny day with a south breeze can feel almost springlike.
Kansas City Weather Details for St. Patrick’s Day
Kansas City in mid-March brings its own blend of cool mornings and milder afternoons. The weather can flip fast—one day’s forecast might call for rain, snow, or just plain sunshine.
Temperature Ranges in Kansas City
Mornings in Kansas City around March 17 usually start in the upper 30s °F. By afternoon, you might see the low to mid-60s °F.
Sometimes, highs get stuck in the 40s °F. On warmer years, it can climb into the upper 60s °F.
The average high sits near 55–60 °F. The average low falls between 38–42 °F.
Layering is your friend here. Mornings can be chilly, but afternoons often feel just right with lighter clothes.
Records show how much things can swing. Some years, lows dip into the teens °F. Other times, rare warm spells send highs into the 70s °F.
Checking the forecast before heading out is always a good move.
Rain and Snow Probabilities
Rain is more likely than snow in Kansas City during mid-March, but both can happen.
The city averages about 2.5–3 inches of precipitation for the month. Light showers aren’t unusual on St. Patrick’s Day.
Snow chances are lower, but not zero. March sometimes delivers the last measurable snow of the season.
A late storm might drop an inch or two, but most years see little or no snow by mid-month.
Expect breezy conditions as well. Winds from the northwest or south can make it feel cooler or warmer than the numbers suggest.
It’s smart to bring an umbrella or light rain jacket since the weather can turn fast.
Recent Historical Weather Events
Past St. Patrick’s Days in Kansas City really show off March’s unpredictability.
Some years, parade-goers have enjoyed sunny skies and highs in the 60s °F.
Other years, cold winds kept things near freezing in the morning.
One recent year brought cloudy skies and highs near 63 °F—pretty pleasant after a cool start in the 50s °F.
Another year, temperatures hovered around 32 °F, making outdoor activities feel a lot colder.
Wind almost always makes an appearance. Gusty days have happened during both warm and cold years, sometimes making it less comfortable outside.
These ups and downs are why it pays to prepare for just about anything if you’re heading to an outdoor event in Kansas City.
Rain and Snow Patterns in March
March in Kansas is all about unsettled weather as winter gives way to spring.
You’ll get a mix of mild days, cold snaps, and quick changes in precipitation—sometimes light rain, sometimes a burst of snow.
Cold fronts usually set the stage, shifting the weather within hours.
Frequency of Rain Showers
Rain starts to show up more often in March as Gulf moisture moves north.
Kansas averages 1.5 to 2.5 inches of precipitation for the month, mostly as light or moderate rain.
Showers usually come with passing storms, and they don’t last long.
You’ll see more quick rain bursts than all-day soakers.
Thunderstorms can pop up in late March, especially down south, but they’re rarely severe this early.
Rainfall depends on where you are. Eastern Kansas gets more rain, being closer to moisture sources, while western Kansas stays drier.
If you’re traveling, expect wetter conditions in the east and more dry breaks out west.
Likelihood of Snowfall
Snow in March happens less often than in the heart of winter, but it’s still around.
Average totals run from 1 to 4 inches depending on where you are, with more up north and out west.
Most of the time, snow comes in short bursts, not long storms.
A late-season snow can hit if a cold front pulls in Arctic air.
These events are usually quick, and March sunshine melts the snow in a hurry.
Still, travel can get tricky for a bit, especially in rural areas.
Some years, March brings big snowstorms. Other years, you’ll see barely a flake.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, staying flexible is smart—snow chances are lower than in January or February, but they’re not gone yet.
Impact of Cold Fronts
Cold fronts really run the show in March.
When one moves through, temperatures can drop by 20°F or more within hours.
These fronts often trigger rain or snow, depending on how much cold air follows.
Most fronts bring wind, too. Gusts can hit 30–40 mph, making it feel colder and even kicking up dust in dry spots.
If snow is falling, strong winds make it feel even chillier.
Cold fronts create sharp transitions. A sunny afternoon can turn cold and wet by evening.
This kind of back-and-forth is typical for Kansas in March, so packing layers and being ready for sudden changes is the way to go.
Influence of Cold Fronts and Rapid Weather Changes
Cold fronts push through Kansas in mid-March all the time, bringing quick swings in temperature and precipitation.
These changes shape how you plan outdoor activities, what you wear, and even how you get around.
Temperature Fluctuations
When a cold front blows in, you’ll notice a sharp temperature drop.
Warm air gets pushed up and out, and cooler, heavier air rushes in.
Afternoon highs can fall by 15–25°F in just a few hours.
You might start the day near 60°F and end up in the 30s by evening.
Winds shift from the south to the north or northwest, adding a brisk edge.
Kansas sits right where warm Gulf air and colder Canadian air meet, so these swings are pretty common.
If you’re traveling or have plans outside, it’s a good idea to check hourly forecasts.
Sudden cooling can mess with driving, outdoor gatherings, and even early spring sports.
Transition from Rain to Snow
Cold fronts can flip rain into sleet or snow in a hurry.
As the front passes, rain can switch to snow if temperatures drop fast enough and there’s still moisture in the air.
You might wake up to light rain and see wet snowflakes by evening.
Some years, measurable snow has fallen on March 17, but rain is more typical.
This change matters for travel. Wet roads can freeze after sunset, making things slick.
Farmers and gardeners pay close attention, too, since late frosts and soil moisture affect planting.
Kansas weather changes so quickly in March, so it’s wise to prepare for both rain and snow if a cold front is on the way.
Outdoor Activities and Weather Considerations
Kansas weather in mid-March likes to keep you guessing.
Mild afternoons can turn windy, mornings stay cool, or dry air can make things feel even chillier.
All this matters when you’re prepping for outdoor gatherings, whether you’re catching a parade or just hanging out somewhere open.
Planning for Parades and Events
Kansas City throws one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades around, and the weather can really make or break your comfort.
Afternoon highs usually land in the 50s or 60s °F, but early mornings still have a chill.
Dressing in layers lets you adjust as things warm up.
Rain isn’t super common, but it’s possible. Kansas averages about 0.1–0.2 inches of precipitation around March 17.
Bringing a compact umbrella or light rain jacket is a smart move, especially if you’re planning to watch the parade for a while.
Wind is another thing to watch for. Gusts over 20 mph happen a lot in March.
Those winds can make it feel colder than you expect, so gloves or a hat could come in handy even if the forecast looks nice.
If you’re bringing kids, it’s a good idea to plan for breaks in sheltered spots.
Open plazas and wide streets can feel extra cold with the wind blowing.
Knowing where nearby cafés or public buildings are gives you options if the weather turns suddenly.
Fire Weather and Wind Hazards
March in Kansas usually brings low humidity and strong southwest winds. You’ll notice these conditions raise the risk of grassfires, especially out in open fields or the countryside.
Even if the temperature feels nice, dry air and gusty winds can spread flames really fast.
If you’re planning outdoor activities near parks or out in the country, just skip open burning. Around this time of year, many counties issue Red Flag Warnings—fires can start and take off way too easily.
Check local advisories before you light a grill or fire pit.
Wind brings its own set of headaches besides fire danger. Gusts between 25 and 35 mph can make pitching a tent or setting up banners a pain.
Tie down loose stuff like folding chairs, decorations, or those lightweight signs or you might see them tumbling into the street or through a crowd.
If you’re driving to or from an event, especially on highways, stay alert. High-profile vehicles—think vans or trucks—can get shoved around by crosswinds.
Heading west of Kansas City? Expect stronger gusts since there aren’t many windbreaks out there.
A little planning for fire risk and wind hazards can save you a lot of hassle and keep your celebration safer.
Long-Term Climate Trends for Mid-March in Kansas
Mid-March usually marks the shift from winter’s chill to milder spring days in Kansas. You’ll get variable temperatures, some moderate rainfall, and honestly, the weather changes a lot year to year thanks to bigger climate patterns.
Comparing Recent Years
If you look at mid-March in Kansas, you’ll see average highs in the upper 50s °F (14–16°C). Lows usually fall somewhere between the mid-30s and around 40°F (2–5°C).
These numbers haven’t changed much over the last few decades.
Rainfall for the month typically lands between 2.5 and 3.5 inches, with mid-March doing its part.
Some years you’ll barely see a sprinkle, while others bring several soggy days in a row.
Over the past 20–30 years, March has seen a slight uptick in rainy days, even though the total rainfall hasn’t really shot up.
So, you’re more likely to get those frequent, lighter showers instead of one or two big storms.
Humidity usually sits around 60–65%, and you can expect about 7–8 hours of sunshine a day.
That combo gives you cool mornings and pretty pleasant afternoons, though every now and then, a late cold snap will still show up.
Climate Shifts and Variability
Kansas sits right in a transition zone, caught between humid air from the east and drier air from the west. Because of this, you’ll often notice some wild swings in temperature and rainfall, especially around mid-March.
Long-term records show winters have warmed up a bit. So, you won’t get as many really cold days in March as you used to.
Still, the weather can surprise you. You might run into a random freeze, especially during the first half of the month.
Precipitation patterns have changed too. Winters and early springs now bring a little more moisture, but summers seem to dry out more than before.
This shift makes rainfall around St. Patrick’s Day pretty unpredictable. Some years, it’s wetter than usual, while others feel much drier.
Honestly, you’ve got to be ready for anything. One day might bring a mild, sunny afternoon in the 60s °F. The next, you could be stuck with damp, chilly weather and highs only in the 40s °F.
Both of these are just part of March in Kansas.