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Wichita

Wichita travel guide

City in Kansas, U.S.

Best time to visitOctober
Nearest airportCEA · 5 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population397,532

About Wichita

Wichita is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Sedgwick County. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 397,532, and the Wichita metropolitan area had a population of 647,610. It is located in south-central Kansas along the Arkansas River.

Places to visit in Wichita

  1. Keeper of the Plains

    Keeper of the Plains

    Landmark

    A tall steel sculpture of a Native American figure at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, with fire pots that are lit on many evenings.

  2. Old Cowtown Museum

    Old Cowtown Museum

    Museum · 1 mi from centre

    An open-air living-history museum that recreates Wichita's early cattle-town days, with historic buildings, costumed interpreters, a working blacksmith shop and occasional demonstrations along the riverside.

  3. Sedgwick County Zoo

    Zoo · 4 mi from centre

    A large zoo with expansive habitats, including a sizeable elephant exhibit, a tropical rainforest building and a boat ride, and it takes a good half day to explore.

  4. Botanica Wichita

    Park

    Botanical gardens with themed areas including a children's garden, a Japanese garden and a butterfly house, set along the Arkansas River close to several other Wichita museums.

  5. Exploration Place

    Exploration Place

    Museum

    A science center on the Arkansas River with hands-on exhibits and a dome theater, plus displays highlighting Wichita's role as a major center of the aviation industry.

  6. Old Town

    Neighborhood

    A historic warehouse district turned entertainment area with brick streets, restaurants, bars, a Saturday farmers market and the Museum of World Treasures, lively in the evenings.

  7. Wichita Art Museum

    Wichita Art Museum

    Museum

    A museum with a fine collection of American art, including paintings by Edward Hopper and Mary Cassatt, plus a glass art collection and a sculpture garden outside.

Where to stay in Wichita

Popular hotels in Wichita, out of 104 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Wichita

Best time to visit Wichita

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Wichita is October, when average daytime highs are around 75°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 19° – 36° 7
Feb 28° – 49° 3
Mar 41° – 64° 5
Apr 50° – 71° 10
May 57° – 76° 12
Jun 69° – 87° 10
Jul 72° – 91° 9
Aug 70° – 88° 8
Sep 63° – 82° 8
Oct 55° – 75° 5
Nov 41° – 58° 7
Dec 31° – 49° 1

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Wichita weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 70° 53° 15%
  • Thu 22 Oct 79° 62° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 78° 63° 1%
  • Sat 24 Oct 79° 63° 11%
  • Sun 25 Oct 76° 65° 17%
  • Mon 26 Oct 66° 51° 19%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Wichita

These are the airports closest to central Wichita. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • CEA Cessna Aircraft Field5 mi (9 km) from the city centre
  • ICT Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
  • BEC Beech Factory Airport7 mi (11 km) from the city centre
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Wichita travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Wichita?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Wichita is October, when average daytime highs are around 75°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Wichita?

July is usually the warmest month in Wichita, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 19°F (-7°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 148 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Wichita?

Cessna Aircraft Field (CEA) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (9 km) from the centre of Wichita. Other nearby airports include Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT, 6 mi) and Beech Factory Airport (BEC, 7 mi).

What time zone is Wichita in?

Wichita uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Wichita?

Top sights in Wichita include Keeper of the Plains, Old Cowtown Museum, Sedgwick County Zoo and Botanica Wichita. A tall steel sculpture of a Native American figure at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers, with fire pots that are lit on many evenings.

Where should I stay in Wichita?

Popular areas for hotels in Wichita include Wichita and Downtown. Well-reviewed options include SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wichita East at Plaz and Hampton Inn & Suites Wichita Northeast.

How many hotels can I book in Wichita?

Destina Holidays currently lists 104 properties in and around Wichita, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.