Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, NE
Today’s Forecast:
Today’s Report:
Hiking
Good for hiking. High near 85°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Biking
Good for biking. High near 85°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Camping
Excellent for camping. High near 85°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
Outdoor Events / Activities
Excellent for outdoor events / activities. High near 85°F. Low rain risk (1%). Light wind (10 mph).
- Temp: Marginal weather factor
- Rain: Favorable conditions
- Wind: Favorable conditions
- Thunderstorm: Favorable conditions
About Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area is a Nebraska destination for a Platte River campground, lake, trail, and historic-area recreation base.
Make the Most of a Fort Kearny State Recreation Area Day
Match the route, launch, campground, facility, or turnaround time to wind, severe-weather potential, temperature, water, smoke, road access, and daylight. Keep a shorter or more sheltered backup ready.
Weather Tips for Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
- Check official park, refuge, river, road, fire, and facility notices before leaving.
- Turn around before exposed prairie, bluff, forest, or badlands terrain becomes unsafe in lightning, hail, heat, smoke, high wind, or poor visibility.
- Expect fast-changing thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and powerful wind during Nebraska’s severe-weather season.
- Carry water, sun protection, layers, navigation, and seasonal traction or flotation appropriate to the activity.
Nearby Towns and Areas
This page can also be useful when planning outdoor time near:
- Kearney
- Fort Kearny State Historical Park
- Platte River
- Cottonmill Park
- Minden
- Rowe Sanctuary
Plan Around the Conditions
Choose the safest version of a Fort Kearny State Recreation Area day by matching the activity to current wind, precipitation, temperature, water or snow conditions, access, and daylight.
7-Day Forecast for Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
Fort Kearny State Recreation Area Weather by Season
Winter
Winter brings cold snaps, wind chill, snow, and icy roads around Fort Kearny State Recreation Area. Services may be reduced, and exposed trails or rural roads can become icy even when snow cover is limited.
Spring
Spring at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area is changeable, with strong wind, thunderstorms, muddy access, and rapid temperature swings. Trails and unpaved roads can remain soft after rain or late snow.
Summer
Summer at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area brings the broadest access, along with heat, lightning, hail, severe storms, and intense sun. Start exposed outings early and keep a storm-safe retreat within reach. Eastern humidity can raise heat stress.
Fall
Fall at Fort Kearny State Recreation Area usually offers cooler air and fewer insects, but daylight shortens quickly and early freezes are possible. Watch for hunting activity, wet leaves, early ice, and changing campground services.
Key Climate Data Points
- Annual average temperature: about 49–52°F using the nearest practical regional climate context.
- Annual snowfall: often 20–30 inches, with open-valley wind and drifting.
- Warmest months: July and August are normally warmest.
- Coolest months: December and January are typically coolest.
- Wettest season: late spring and early summer usually bring the most precipitation and severe-storm exposure.
- Driest season: late fall and winter are generally driest, though snow and upslope events vary by region.
- Best outdoor window: May through October for the main warm-season activities.
