Kansas City in December
In December, Kansas City averages 8°C (46°F) during the day and -1°C (30°F) at night, with around 6 days of rain (51 mm total).
High seasonConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
December in Kansas City is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Kansas City
December is one of the coolest months in Kansas City (10th of 12) and one of the driest months (12th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (19°C). December runs 4°C cooler than November (12°C) and cools 3°C in January (5°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Kansas City
Times shown for Kansas City local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Kansas City — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Kansas City's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Kansas City in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Kansas City's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Kansas City
This is a busy month in Kansas City — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Kansas City
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🌬 Frosty nights — Kansas City in December
Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.
Kansas City in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C / 41°F | -5°C / 24°F | 43 mm | 7 | — |
| February | 6°C / 44°F | -4°C / 24°F | 44 mm | 7 | — |
| March | 14°C / 56°F | 3°C / 37°F | 84 mm | 10 | — |
| April | 19°C / 66°F | 8°C / 46°F | 105 mm | 10 | — |
| May | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 151 mm | 15 | — |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F | 143 mm | 12 | — |
| July | 31°C / 89°F | 22°C / 71°F | 124 mm | 10 | — |
| August | 30°C / 87°F | 21°C / 69°F | 138 mm | 11 | — |
| September | 28°C / 82°F | 18°C / 64°F | 80 mm | 8 | — |
| October | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 51°F | 111 mm | 8 | — |
| November | 12°C / 54°F | 3°C / 38°F | 58 mm | 7 | — |
| December | 8°C / 46°F | -1°C / 30°F | 51 mm | 6 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kansas City in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Kansas City in December?
In December, Kansas City averages a high of 8°C (46°F) and a low of -1°C (30°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Kansas City in December?
December sees occasional rain in Kansas City, with about 6 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Kansas City?
December is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Kansas City in December?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves. See the full December packing list for Kansas City for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.