What to Wear on a Hot Air Balloon Ride: A Season-by-Season Guide

One of the most common questions we get from first-time flyers is: "What should I wear?"

It's a fair question. You're going up in the air, standing in a basket, with a propane burner overhead. Should you dress warm? Will it be cold up there? What about those open-toe sandals?

Let's break it down season by season, so you can dress comfortably and focus on the experience rather than wondering if you wore the right thing.

The Golden Rule (That Surprises Everyone)

Here's what catches most people off guard: the temperature in the air is roughly the same as the temperature on the ground.

Unlike an airplane that climbs to 30,000 feet where it's freezing, hot air balloons typically fly between 500-2,000 feet. At that altitude, the air temperature is nearly identical to ground level.

The burner above you provides some radiant heat, but it's not like standing next to a fireplace. Think of it more like standing under a heat lamp—you feel it when it fires, but it's not warming you up significantly.

Spring Ballooning (March - May)

Temperature Range: 45-70°F at sunrise

What to Wear:

• Layers are your friend: Light jacket over a long-sleeve shirt
• Pants: Jeans or comfortable athletic pants (not shorts)
• Closed-toe shoes: Sneakers or hiking boots
• Optional: Light gloves for early spring mornings

Why it works: Spring mornings can be crisp, especially in March and April. You'll be standing in an open field before sunrise, so layers help. As the sun comes up during your flight, you can shed that jacket. The key is being able to adjust.

What to avoid: Heavy winter coats (you'll overheat), shorts (you'll be cold), sandals (grass can be dewy and you'll be helping with setup).

Summer Ballooning (June - August)

Temperature Range: 65-80°F at sunrise

What to Wear:

• Lightweight long pants: Jeans, khakis, or athletic wear
• Breathable shirt: T-shirt or light long-sleeve (cotton or moisture-wicking)
• Closed-toe shoes: Comfortable sneakers
• Sun protection: Sunglasses, hat (make sure it fits snugly—you don't want it flying off!)

Why it works: Even though it's summer, we fly at sunrise when it's cooler. You might think "it's summer, I'll wear shorts and flip-flops," but remember—you'll be standing in tall grass, possibly morning dew, and helping with the basket. Long pants and closed shoes keep you comfortable.

Pro tip: Sunrise flights in Kansas City summer are stunning but can still be cool. Bring a light zip-up hoodie you can tie around your waist if needed.

Fall Ballooning (September - November)

Temperature Range: 40-65°F at sunrise

What to Wear:

• Medium layers: Fleece or light jacket over a long-sleeve shirt
• Pants: Jeans or comfortable pants
• Closed-toe shoes: Sturdy sneakers or boots
• Accessories: Light beanie or headband for early mornings, gloves for November

Why it works: Fall is arguably the best time for ballooning in Kansas City. The air is crisp, winds are generally calm, and the foliage is beautiful. Dress like you're going for an early morning hike—comfortable, layered, ready for cool temps that might warm up slightly.

What people love: Fall colors from above are spectacular. You'll want to focus on the view, not on being cold, so don't underdress.

Winter Ballooning (December - February)

Temperature Range: 25-45°F at sunrise

What to Wear:

• Warm layers: Thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, warm jacket
• Pants: Jeans or lined pants (thermal leggings underneath work great)
• Warm, closed-toe shoes: Insulated boots or warm sneakers with thick socks
• Accessories: Beanie, gloves, scarf (secure anything that could blow away)

Why it works: Winter flights are rare but magical—clear skies, crisp air, and you might see frost from above. Dress like you're going to spend an hour outside in winter, because you are. The burner helps a tiny bit, but you're still in an open basket.

Bonus: Fewer bugs, crystal-clear visibility, and a winter wonderland perspective of Kansas City.

The Universal "Don'ts" (No Matter the Season)

Regardless of when you fly, never wear:

• High heels or dress shoes: You'll be in a field, climbing into a basket, and need stable footing
• Flip-flops or open-toe shoes: Grass, uneven terrain, and safety considerations make these a no-go
• Loose hats or accessories: The wind will take them—we've seen it happen!
• Brand new shoes: You'll be standing for 1-2 hours; wear something broken in
• Excessively baggy clothing: While we want you comfortable, very loose clothing can be a safety concern near the burner

What About Sunset Flights?

Sunset flights launch 2-3 hours before actual sunset, which means temperatures can be warmer than sunrise flights. Here's the adjustment:

• Spring/Fall: 10-15°F warmer than sunrise—dress lighter
• Summer: Can be quite warm (75-85°F); prioritize sun protection
• Winter: Still cold, but slightly more comfortable than sunrise

The tradeoff? Winds can be slightly more variable in the evening, but the golden hour lighting is incredible.

Special Considerations

If You're Planning to Propose:

Wear what makes you feel confident, but keep it practical. We've had proposals in everything from casual wear to button-down shirts. Just remember: you'll be standing in a basket, potentially kneeling, and you want to enjoy the moment—not worry about uncomfortable shoes or a tie blowing in your face.

For Photographers:

Dress in layers with pockets. You'll want your hands free during takeoff and landing. Consider a jacket with zippered pockets for small items like lens caps.

Accessibility Note:

You'll need to step up into the basket (about 2 feet high) and stand for the duration of the flight. Wear shoes that provide good ankle support and pants that allow free movement.

The Bottom Line

Dress like you're going for an early morning outdoor adventure, because that's exactly what you're doing.

When in doubt, think:

• Comfortable over fashionable
• Layers over one thick piece
• Closed-toe shoes always
• Secure accessories or leave them behind

And remember: we've taken thousands of passengers up in every season and every weather condition. If you're unsure about what to wear for your specific flight date, just call us. We check the weather obsessively anyway—we're happy to give you a specific recommendation based on the forecast.

After all, the only thing you should be thinking about when you're floating above Kansas City at sunrise is how beautiful it all looks—not whether you wore the right jacket.