Weather
Elvis Presley famously sang about "Kentucky Rain," but we've got plenty of sunshine and four beautiful seasons to enjoy. Because of our central U.S. location, the weather in Kentucky is typically mild and moderate.
The state experiences all four distinct seasons, with warm summers and moderately cold winters. Daytime temperature during the summer average 87 degrees, and the UV index is typically high, even when the sun is blocked by clouds, so take precautions against skin damage if you’re spending much time outdoors. Conversely, the winter lows average around 23 degrees, meaning snow and ice can be a hazard at times – so always be prepared.
Despite these trends, the weather in Kentucky can vary a lot from day to day, and you never know when an afternoon will go from clear to thunderstorms in an hour or two, so it always helps to check the forecast before your visit in order to pack appropriately.
When it comes to great outdoors weather, Kentucky is most popular in spring and fall. In the spring, Kentucky awakens with color and foliage. The state's legendary bluegrass fields glow brightly, and spring foals can be seen making their first runs in Kentucky's Horse Country. Fall brings about even more color and crisp, cool air. The first shades of yellow, red and orange foliage can be spotted as early as mid- to late September in some areas, with a statewide peak typically around mid-October.
The state experiences all four distinct seasons, with warm summers and moderately cold winters. Daytime temperature during the summer average 87 degrees, and the UV index is typically high, even when the sun is blocked by clouds, so take precautions against skin damage if you’re spending much time outdoors. Conversely, the winter lows average around 23 degrees, meaning snow and ice can be a hazard at times – so always be prepared.
Despite these trends, the weather in Kentucky can vary a lot from day to day, and you never know when an afternoon will go from clear to thunderstorms in an hour or two, so it always helps to check the forecast before your visit in order to pack appropriately.
When it comes to great outdoors weather, Kentucky is most popular in spring and fall. In the spring, Kentucky awakens with color and foliage. The state's legendary bluegrass fields glow brightly, and spring foals can be seen making their first runs in Kentucky's Horse Country. Fall brings about even more color and crisp, cool air. The first shades of yellow, red and orange foliage can be spotted as early as mid- to late September in some areas, with a statewide peak typically around mid-October.