Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Kansas City in January
This is the coldest month in Kansas City: highs average 37°F (3°C) and lows 20°F (-7°C), with about 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 50/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 37°F (3°C)
- Avg low
- 20°F (-7°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.3 in (32 mm)
- Humidity
- 80%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 33 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 37°F (3°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 20°F (-7°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 1.3 in (32 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (51 → 50/100).
- Our Kansas City to Omaha route recommends Apr – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 20°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Kansas City in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Arthur Bryant's Barbeque
Barbecue institution with vinegar-forward sauce and piles of burnt ends.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
Barbecue served out of a working gas station; the Z-Man sandwich is the order.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Boulevard Brewing Company
KC's largest brewery, with tours and a rooftop beer hall.
Why now A cozy break on a 37°F day.
Tom's Town Distilling Co.
Art Deco distillery and cocktail bar named for Prohibition-era boss Tom Pendergast.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
Moving history of Black baseball in the 18th & Vine Jazz District.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 37°F.
Nearby in January
- Lawrence in January~36 mi · highs 37°F, 1.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Springfield in January~148 mi · highs 41°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Omaha in January~165 mi · highs 31°F, 0.7 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Des Moines in January~179 mi · highs 31°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · 4°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Country Club Plaza and Downtown Kansas City.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Kansas City in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Kansas City?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 50/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 37°F (3°C) and 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain or snow. Our Kansas City to Omaha route recommends Apr – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Kansas City in January?
Average highs are 37°F (3°C) and average lows 20°F (-7°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Kansas City in January?
Not much: about 1.3 in (32 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 40.9 in (1039 mm).
What should I pack for Kansas City in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 20°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Kansas City
Planning Kansas City in January?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.