Wichita
Go to Wichita for aviation history, cattle-town history and Old Town nightlife in Kansas's largest city.
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Wichita is the largest city in Kansas, on the Arkansas River in the south-central part of the state, and the county seat of Sedgwick County. Its aircraft industry earned it the nickname Air Capital of the World. Cessna, Beechcraft, Textron Aviation, Airbus and Spirit AeroSystems still operate here. In the late 1800s, Texas cattle drives ended at Wichita's railheads, and Old Cowtown Museum, a living history museum west of downtown, shows that cattle-town period.
Old Town, just east of downtown, is the entertainment district, with nightclubs, bars, restaurants and shops in converted old warehouses. The Sedgwick County Zoo in northwest Wichita has more than 2,500 animals of about 500 species and is Kansas's most popular outdoor tourist attraction. Exploration Place, a science centre on the river, suits families with children. The city is not very walkable, so a car helps for most trips. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold and dry; spring and summer bring severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Wichita in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Wichita
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
21
- Feels like
- 18°
- Humidity
- 83%
- Wind
- 31 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 56%
Wichita
02:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today20°16°56%Monday: Rain. High 20°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 56%.
- Tue16°12°26%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 26%.
- Wed18°9°1%Wednesday: Partly cloudy. High 18°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Thu18°12°8%Thursday: Cloudy. High 18°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Fri19°11°3%Friday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Sat20°13°9%Saturday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 9%.
- Sun13°8°9%Sunday: Partly cloudy. High 13°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 9%.
Updated 12:09 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Wichita
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Rules for Wichita, checked
- Entry rules depend on your passport. Travelers from visa waiver countries apply for ESTA online before flying, and others need a visa. Check travel.state.gov before you fly.Source
- Carry-on liquids follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule: small containers in one clear quart bag. Check tsa.gov before you pack.Source
- Tipping is expected at restaurants, usually 15 to 20 percent of the bill, and is also customary for taxi drivers and hotel staff.
Plan around Wichita
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideWichita FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.