Major city · United States
Hays
One day covers the museum, historic fort and downtown; add a second day for the Wild West Festival or Aquatic Park if they interest you.
Hays is the largest town in north‑western Kansas, a college town with a natural‑history museum, historic fort, and seasonal festivals. Its sights cluster near downtown, so a single day covers the highlights; a second day lets you enjoy a festival or the Aquatic Park.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, limited indoor cooling)
- Airport
- HYS
- Nights
- 1–2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Hays911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Hays, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyHays is generally safe; main risks are heat and occasional aggressive buffalo; keep valuables secure.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportHYS Hays Regional Airport (Non‑stop to Denver and Great Bend).
- Getting aroundTransport options need checking; the historic fort is about 4 mi south of downtown, so most visitors rent a car.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–$3
- Street or quick mealPizza slice$5–$8
- BeerBeer (draft)$4–$6
- Budget bedBudget hotel or motel, a night, per personUS$60
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel, a night, per roomUS$200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- HYS Hays Regional Airport (Non‑stop to Denver and Great Bend)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Feb
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C) low), wettest Jun (9 rain days), driest Feb (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Hays: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
6 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
5 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
6 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
7 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
5 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Transport options need checking; the historic fort is about 4 mi south of downtown, so most visitors rent a car. Local bus service is limited.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Buffalo Herd at Fort Hays Park
goDoor to door: 5 min
Across from the historic fort; walk or short drive
Free, watch animals.
Wild West Festival (first week July)
cautionDoor to door: 5 min walk
Downtown streets, walkable from most hotels
Check schedule; expect crowds.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
AmericInn by Wyndham Hays
Near I‑70, indoor pool, budget‑friendly
Hilton Garden Inn Hays
Indoor pool, optional breakfast
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hays
Free breakfast with cinnamon rolls
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–$90 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–$150 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Car rental (compact, 3 days)2 × US$150 · check | US$300 |
| Sternberg Museum entry2 × US$9 · check | US$18 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$71 |
| Trip total≈ US$390 per person per day, bed included | US$779 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights, car rental, and festival tickets excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–$3 |
| Pizza slice | $5–$8 |
| Beer (draft) | $4–$6 |
| Hays Aquatic Park day pass | $4 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Check weather forecasts; summer can be hot.
- Public transport is limited; plan a car or rideshare.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
HaysHays
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
US citizens: 911, nearest US consulate in Denver.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Hays Regional Airport → Denver (non‑stop): about $150 one‑way (check)
- Car rental (compact, daily): $50–$60 per day (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me — Excuse me / Sorry (Excuse me)
- Thank you — Thank you (Thank you)
- How much is it? — How much is it? (How much is it?)
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom? (Where is the restroom?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Hays. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, limited indoor cooling) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add car‑rental guide for trips to nearby towns (e.g., Dodge City, Goodland).
- Include festival calendar for seasonal events.
Sources
- officialWikidata – Hays
- officialHays Regional Airport
- officialSternberg Museum of Natural History
- officialFort Hays State Historic Site
- officialWild West Festival
- officialHays Aquatic Park
- secondaryWikivoyage: Hays, revision 5236915 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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