Soil Temperature in Kansas
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Kansas is 77°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 74°F to 80°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Kansas with soil averaging 77°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Kansas
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Kansas. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Kansas (4)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Kansas. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Kansas. See the Kansas soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Abrams (Cowley) | 80°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Centralia Lake (Nemaha) | 74°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Oakley 19 SSW | 77°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Manhattan 6 SSW | 78°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Kansas (16)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Hutchinson | 67501 | 80°F* |
| Kansas City | 66101 | 82°F |
| Kansas Lottery | 66652 | 78°F |
| Lawrence | 66044 | 82°F |
| Leawood | 66206 | 82°F |
| Lenexa | 66215 | 82°F |
| Liberal | 67901 | 80°F |
| Manhattan | 66502 | 78°F |
| Mission | 66201 | 82°F |
| Olathe | 66051 | 82°F |
| Overland Park | 66204 | 82°F |
| Salina | 67401 | 78°F |
| Shawnee | 66203 | 82°F |
| Shawnee Mission | 66250 | 82°F |
| Topeka | 66601 | 78°F |
| Wichita | 67201 | 80°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Kansas
- Summer Lawn Dormancy: Keep Cool-Season Grass Alive in Heat
Cool-season grass slows once 2-inch soil sustains 75°F and goes dormant near 85°F.
- When to Apply Grub Control: The 65-70°F Soil Window
Apply preventive grub control (chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid) before eggs hatch, when 2-4 inch soil holds 65-70°F: late June through July in most regions.
- Lawn Fungus by Temperature: Brown Patch, Dollar Spot & More
Brown patch and Pythium strike when humid nights hold above 68°F on lush, over-fertilized turf; dollar spot, red thread, and rust hit slow-growing lawns at 60-85°F.
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Warm-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for St.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Kansas
What is the current soil temperature in Kansas?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Kansas is 77°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 74°F to 80°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Kansas?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Kansas, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Kansas?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.