Best Time to Visit Kansas City for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

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Determining the best time to visit Kansas City can take some planning. Costs, climate, and crowd levels in the "Heart of America" change depending on the season.

If your main concern is the weather, consider visiting Kansas City in the spring (March to June) or summer (June to September). Temperatures range between 56 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with August as the warmest month.

Late spring and summer are the best times to plan a trip to Kansas City if you want to spend time outdoors. Many of the area's theme parks and campgrounds close for the fall (September to December) and winter (December to March).

Kansas City's low season for tourism is usually winter (December to March). As a result, you won't have to deal with many crowds of out-of-towners, and prices for hotels and flights will usually drop.

Planning the ideal trip to KC doesn't have to be stressful. Keep reading to find out your ideal time to travel!

Organizing a last-minute visit to Kansas City?

When visiting Kansas City, book your accommodations and experiences before you go. Below are some top recommendations to get you started.

🏨 Top accommodations in Kansas City

• Sonesta Select Kansas City South Overland Park (under $100 USD a night)
• Courtyard by Marriott Kansas City Downtown Convention Center (rated highly)
• Aloft North Kansas City (relax by the pool)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Kansas City

• Kansas City Segway Tour - Art & Glide (rated highly)
• Distillery Tour (rated highly)
• Kansas City Crossroads Art District & Westside Urban Hike (rated highly)
• SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium Admission Ticket
• SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium General Admission (likely to sell out)

Best Time to Go to Kansas City

Kansas City Vacation Planning Questions

When is the best time to visit Kansas City?

Summer (June to September) is the best time to visit to see all Kansas City offers. Notably, the weather is warm, usually between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

The nice weather makes summer the perfect time to take a walking tour around the city's neighborhoods and scenic parks. If you can't decide what tour to take, booking an art district tour is an excellent idea and gives visitors a unique look at Kansas City's artsy side.

A potential downside of visiting in the summer is that you must be prepared to deal with some crowds. Between late May and September, when school isn't in session, families and college students tend to come to the area, increasing the number of tourists exploring.

The increased demand for lodging and flights means you're less likely to find special offers at this time of year. However, if you're traveling on a budget but can only come to the city in summer, don't worry, as Kansas City tends to be pretty affordable all year.

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What is the airport closest to Kansas City?

Many people drive to Kansas City. However, depending on where you're coming from, that can add hours or even days of traveling time.

If you prefer to fly, Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the closest airport to the downtown core. This airport is 20 minutes from downtown and services hundreds of flights daily.

Since Kansas City is located in the center of the country, many flights departing from major cities have layovers at Therefore, you. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding a flight option. The city's central location also means no inbound or outbound flight within the continental US should be longer than three hours.

If you want to travel to Kansas City on a chartered plane, your closest airport option is Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport. It's a small airport typically used for privately owned aircraft and is a short five-minute drive from the city center.

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What are the cheapest hotels in Kansas City MO?

Kansas City has numerous hotel options, many likely to fall within the budget to mid-level price range. The cheapest hotel chains popular among tourists are the Days Inn near the airport and the Holiday Inn.

These hotels have a good balance between affordability and amenities and work for those that need to stay at the airport and those that want to be downtown.

Conveniently, Downtown Kansas City has many other affordable hotels, like the trendy Hotel Indigo. If you're happy to stay further from the city center, other highly recommended areas to stay in are Armour Hills and Mission Lake.

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What are the popular bars in Kansas City, Kansas?

If you're 21 or older, you won't want to miss the chance to visit a few of Kansas City's bars! You can find bars for any type of drink or night out all over the city.

If you're planning a date in Kansas City, an excellent bar to visit is Brown & Loe. This bar has routinely topped lists as being one of the trendiest places in the city and has an extensive cocktail menu.

Up-Down KC is a more laid-back place to check out for a night of arcade games and drinks. Knuckleheads Saloon is a popular bar if you're a blues fan. Musicians regularly perform here, and there's an open dance floor.

You can find bars all over Kansas City, but the largest concentration is downtown. Many are within walking distance of each other if you'd like to visit a few.

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What are the popular casinos in Kansas City?

Kansas City is a popular gambling destination for people who don't want to visit Las Vegas or Atlantic City. You can find casinos in the city's Missouri and Kansas sections.

The Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway is the most popular casino in the city because it caters to different gambling preferences, from virtual bets to card games. It's near a few hotels and has on-site eateries for guests.

The Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa is another popular casino to visit if you're planning to go with a group of friends. The hotel has a lively atmosphere, multiple restaurants, and even a fully-equipped spa if you want to do more than gamble.

Most of the city's casinos can be found near the city center, but they're not within walking distance of each other. Plan to have a car or use public transportation if you want to visit a few while in the area.

When is the best time to visit Legoland Kansas City?

The Legoland Discovery Center is one of the reasons families plan trips to Kansas City. Rides, impressive Lego displays, and other activities make this famous amusement a must for all ages.

The attraction is open all year, but a few periods are busier than others. Summer (June to September) is busy every day. Since children aren't in school, families are more likely to visit during the week between June and the end of August. Holiday weekends also tend to be busy.

The best time to visit Legoland Kansas City is in the fall (September to December), winter (December to March), or spring (March to June), particularly during the week. There are generally fewer crowds as it's during the school year. Spring (March to June), in particular, is quiet as tourists are more likely to be exploring the outdoors instead of visiting indoor attractions.

Legoland's least-busy times are in the morning, around 10 AM, and in the evening. Plan to arrive early enough to spend at least two hours at Legoland.

When is the best time to visit Kansas City for tree bloom?

Spring (March to June) is the best time to visit Kansas City if you want to admire the city's trees in bloom. April and May are the peak months when you'll see the seasonal trees flowering.

The best place to see the blooms is Powell Gardens. The gardens have over 50 varieties of magnolias, dogwoods, and more, which blossom during the spring months.

If you can't make it to Kansas City in April or May, you still have a few chances to see the trees changing color for the warmer seasons. March's temperatures are usually too cold for the flowers to blossom, but you'll see buds growing.

June, on the other hand, sees the flowers start to be replaced by leaves. However, early in the month, while the temperatures are still in the low-80s Fahrenheit, you'll see the last burst of tree blossoms.

Weather, Prices, and Crowds in Kansas City

Kansas City in Winter

Winter (December to March) is Kansas City's least busy season. After the December holidays, travel slows down around the country, so there are fewer out-of-towners. However, over 500,000 people live in Kansas City, so you will still have to deal with some crowds and queues.

Winter is also the most affordable time to travel. Airlines and hotels lower their prices starting the first week of January. The lower demand for amenities also increases the likelihood of finding last-minute deals.

It doesn't usually snow in Kansas City, but it can get cold. Daily temperatures typically hover in the 39-56 degrees Fahrenheit range, and nightly temperatures are generally around 21-35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Winter is pretty dry, and you won't have to worry about much rain, and the sunshine can make the climate feel a little warmer.

Kansas City in Spring

According to locals, spring (March to June) is the best time to visit Kansas City. The weather is beautiful and mild, with temperatures usually between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can expect six to seven days of rain per month. However, precipitation usually comes in brief showers that shouldn't affect your plans. You can still book one of many outdoor Kansas City experiences, like a downtown Kansas City and Strawberry Hill hike, without getting drenched.

Spring brings more events and activities to the city. The campgrounds usually start opening around April, and you can often attend concerts in March and April to celebrate the International Jazz Festival.

You'll notice more tourists in the city during this season, though. Around Easter, out-of-towners will start arriving, increasing crowd levels and wait times.

The larger crowds will also drive up the demand for lodging and flights, so prices will rise in March. Book your plans at least a month to ensure you have more options available.

Kansas City in Summer

Summer (June to September) is the most popular time for tourists to visit Kansas City. By June, schools around the country are out for summer vacation, which leaves families free to travel. You can also find many fun outdoor things to do in Kansas City during the summer.

On July 3rd, locals flock to the Kearney Fireworks Celebration at the Kearney Amphitheater. This free event has concerts, games, and activities for children, with lots of food stands also on-site. While it's a busy event, not many of the city's visitors know about it.

You can also catch Fourth of July fireworks shows all over the city, though locals and tourists favor Lee's Summit Legacy Blast at Legacy Park.

The weather in Kansas City can get warm during the summer, and temperatures are regularly in the high 80s degrees Fahrenheit. The warm weather makes summer rain and storms more likely. Try to be flexible enough to make some last-minute adjustments to your plans if you need to because of the weather.

Summer is the most expensive time to come to Kansas City. Flights will be at their highest and hotel rooms are in high demand so you won't find many discounts. Make sure you book your trip early to beat the rush for tickets and lodging!

Kansas City in Fall

Fall (September to December) is often considered the best time of year to visit Kansas City. The weather is nice, it's not very crowded, and you can book a budget-friendly trip.

The fall climate is usually warm and sunny. Temperatures start around 80 degrees Fahrenheit and slowly drop before reaching a daily average of 45 degrees Fahrenheit in early December.

The nice weather makes fall a pretty ideal time to take a Kansas City segway tour. Just double-check the forecast since it rains about once a week.

Fall crowds are pretty manageable. School is in session, so families are less able to travel. You'll usually encounter locals if you book a trip during the week.

Fewer tourists mean prices for hotels and flights tend to drop as well. Though holiday weekends like Labor Day and Thanksgiving weekend still tend to be more expensive and book up quickly.

In Summary

Kansas City is affectionately called the "Heart of America," thanks to its central location. It's a city full of art, culture, and history and has recently become a popular vacation destination.

Travelers that enjoy outdoor activities love visiting the city in the summer (June to September) when all the seasonal businesses are open. However, it's also the most crowded time.

The city is generally affordable, but you can plan the most budget-friendly trip in the winter (December to March). It's also the city's least busy season.

Hopefully, this list has helped you determine your travel preferences for an ideal trip to Kansas City. All that's left now is to plan it!

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

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