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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 speciesGermination optimumDays
Kentucky bluegrass5986°F14-30
Tall fescue6886°F7-12
Perennial ryegrass6886°F5-10
Fine fescue5977°F7-14
Bermudagrass7585°F10-30

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.

Station2" TempLast Reading
Abrams (Cowley)80°F2026-07-02
Centralia Lake (Nemaha)74°F2026-07-02
Oakley 19 SSW77°F2026-07-02
Manhattan 6 SSW78°F2026-07-02

Cities in Kansas (16)

Cities in Kansas with current soil temperature readings
CityZIPCurrent Temp
Hutchinson6750177°F*
Kansas City6610182°F
Kansas Lottery6665278°F
Lawrence6604482°F
Leawood6620682°F
Lenexa6621582°F
Liberal6790180°F
Manhattan6650278°F
Mission6620182°F
Olathe6605182°F
Overland Park6620482°F
Salina6740178°F
Shawnee6620382°F
Shawnee Mission6625082°F
Topeka6660178°F
Wichita6720180°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

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.