Kansas weather and outdoor projects
Kansas has hot summers, cold winters and strong winds, with rain decreasing from east to west. Wichita and Topeka see frequent spring and early summer thunderstorms, some severe. Wind is one of the biggest limits for spraying paint or weed killer, so look for calmer mornings.
Summer heat often passes 95°F, so concrete and finishes do best with early starts. Fall is usually the most comfortable and dependable season for exterior projects, before freezes start in late October. Western Kansas is drier and sees bigger day-to-night temperature swings.
Frost dates in Kansas
In Wichita, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 11 and the median first fall freeze is around October 29, a frost-free season of about 199 days.
In Topeka, the median last spring freeze (32°F) is around April 12 and the median first fall freeze is around October 23, a frost-free season of about 191 days.
Frost dates matter for concrete, which must not freeze in its first 48 hours, for paint and caulk that need nights above their minimum, and for lawn care, since crabgrass preventer goes down as the soil warms in spring. See how late in fall you can stain, paint or seal.
Best time to stain a deck in Kansas
In Wichita, the most reliable months are May and September. April, June, August and October can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. In March and November, nights average about 35°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. July is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 21 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In April and October, nights average about 46°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June and August are hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Topeka, the most reliable months are May–June and September. April, July–August and October can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 43°F. In March and November, nights average about 34°F, too cold for the coating to dry and cure overnight. In April and October, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July–August is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the deck staining forecast.
Best time to paint outside in Kansas
In Wichita, the most reliable months are May and September–October. March–April, June, August and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. July is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 21 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. In March–April, nights average about 40°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. June and August are hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun. November is cool, with highs around 57°F, so choose the warmest afternoons.
In Topeka, the most reliable months are May–June and September–October. March–April, July–August and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 43°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 56°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In April, nights average about 44°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low. July–August is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the exterior painting forecast.
Best time to pour concrete in Kansas
In Wichita, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days. November–March averages about 20 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. April and October bring about 2 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
In Topeka, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days. November–March averages about 21 nights a month at or below 32°F, so fresh concrete needs blankets or heated enclosures. April and October bring about 4 freezing nights a month, so pick a mild spell and keep curing blankets on hand.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the concrete pouring forecast.
Best time to seal a driveway in Kansas
In Wichita, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days. November–March is too cold, with average highs around 51°F. In April and October, nights average about 46°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
In Topeka, the most reliable months are May–September. April and October can also work on the right days. November–March is too cold, with average highs around 48°F. April is cool, with highs around 67°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. In October, nights average about 45°F, so finish early on mild days and check the overnight low.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the driveway sealing forecast.
Best time to fertilize or treat a lawn in Kansas
In Wichita, the most reliable months are April–May and September–October. March, June, August and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 46°F. July is hot, with average highs near 93°F and about 21 days a month at 90°F or more, so work early in the day. March and November are cool, with highs around 58°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. June and August are hot, with highs near 89°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
In Topeka, the most reliable months are April–June and September–October. March, July–August and November can also work on the right days. December–February is too cold, with average highs around 43°F. March and November are cool, with highs around 56°F, so choose the warmest afternoons. July–August is hot, with highs near 90°F, so start early and keep out of full afternoon sun.
Check this week’s hour-by-hour verdict with the lawn fertilizer forecast.
How the weather differs across Kansas
| Place | Hottest month avg high | Coldest month avg low | Rain per year | Last spring freeze | First fall freeze |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wichita | 93°F | 23°F | 34 in | April 11 | October 29 |
| Topeka | 90°F | 20°F | 37 in | April 12 | October 23 |
Of the places above, Topeka has the most good months for staining, painting and concrete combined (12 job-months), and Wichita has the fewest (10). If you live between them, expect something in between, and higher ground to be cooler with a shorter season.
Monthly weather in Wichita
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 44°F | 23°F | 2 | 0.8 in | 49% | 28 |
| February | 49°F | 26°F | 3 | 1.2 in | 45% | 21 |
| March | 59°F | 36°F | 4 | 2.3 in | 43% | 11 |
| April | 68°F | 45°F | 5 | 3.1 in | 44% | 3 |
| May | 78°F | 56°F | 7 | 5.2 in | 50% | 0 |
| June | 88°F | 66°F | 7 | 4.9 in | 46% | 0 |
| July | 93°F | 70°F | 6 | 4.0 in | 43% | 0 |
| August | 91°F | 69°F | 5 | 4.3 in | 44% | 0 |
| September | 83°F | 60°F | 4 | 3.0 in | 43% | 0 |
| October | 71°F | 47°F | 4 | 2.9 in | 42% | 2 |
| November | 57°F | 35°F | 3 | 1.4 in | 46% | 13 |
| December | 46°F | 25°F | 2 | 1.2 in | 51% | 25 |
*Days with at least 0.1 inch of rain or melted snow. Freezing nights: average nights a month at or below 32°F. Humidity is calculated from NOAA hourly normal temperature and dew point at 3 PM.
Monthly weather in Topeka
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Wet days* | Rain | 3 PM humidity | Freezing nights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40°F | 20°F | 2 | 0.9 in | 51% | 28 |
| February | 46°F | 24°F | 3 | 1.3 in | 47% | 23 |
| March | 57°F | 34°F | 5 | 2.3 in | 42% | 14 |
| April | 67°F | 44°F | 7 | 3.8 in | 44% | 4 |
| May | 76°F | 55°F | 8 | 5.2 in | 50% | 0 |
| June | 86°F | 65°F | 7 | 4.9 in | 50% | 0 |
| July | 90°F | 69°F | 6 | 4.0 in | 49% | 0 |
| August | 89°F | 67°F | 6 | 4.5 in | 49% | 0 |
| September | 81°F | 58°F | 5 | 3.5 in | 47% | 0 |
| October | 69°F | 45°F | 5 | 2.9 in | 44% | 3 |
| November | 55°F | 33°F | 3 | 1.8 in | 47% | 15 |
| December | 44°F | 24°F | 3 | 1.5 in | 52% | 26 |
Use the averages, then check the forecast
These ratings describe a typical month, not a particular week. A warm spell in a “poor” month can give you a good day, and a wet week can spoil a “good” one. Use this page to plan the season, then check the 7-day forecast for your ZIP code before you buy materials or book help. Each project forecast checks the hours after you finish too: overnight lows, dew and rain that would ruin fresh stain, paint, sealer or concrete.
About this data
Monthly temperatures, rain days, snowfall and freeze dates are NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) U.S. Climate Normals for 1991–2020 at WICHITA, TOPEKA MUNI AP. Ratings apply the same temperature limits as our forecasts (for example, 50°F or warmer for deck stain and driveway sealer, and no freezing nights for new concrete) to the average month. Your product label always takes priority.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to stain a deck in Kansas?
In Wichita, May and September. In Topeka, May–June and September. Look for at least 24 dry hours before and after, and nights above about 40°F. The deck staining forecast checks your exact week.
When is the last frost in Kansas?
Wichita: around April 11; Topeka: around April 12. These are median dates from NOAA 1991–2020 normals, so a freeze after them happens in about half of years. Low spots and valleys freeze later in spring.
Can you pour concrete in winter in Kansas?
Yes, but it needs cold-weather practices. Wichita averages about 74 freezing nights from December to February, so fresh concrete needs insulated blankets, a heated enclosure or an accelerated mix, and must not freeze in the first 48 hours. Many homeowners wait for spring.
What months are best for sealing a driveway in Kansas?
In Wichita, May–September. In Topeka, May–September. Most sealers need 50°F or warmer for 24 hours and a dry day after. See the driveway sealing forecast.