Kentucky weather in January
January is one of the least pleasant months in Kentucky: highs of 4°C (38°F) and about 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain on average. Nights average -5°C (23°F) and cloud cover 71% (NASA POWER, 2001–2025 averages). It is the driest month of the year and the coolest. Compared with December, it is cooler and drier; February brings highs of 6°C (42°F) and 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain.
Figures are long-term averages for Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky. See below for other places.
Is January a good time to visit Kentucky?
least pleasant month Weather score 32/100.
January is one of the least pleasant months for weather in Kentucky. For better conditions, consider Apr–Oct.
Does it rain a lot in Kentucky in January?
Some rain is normal: about 84 mm (3.3 in) falls in an average January. It is the driest month of the year.
How warm is Kentucky in January?
Days average 4°C (38°F) and nights -5°C (23°F).
Kentucky weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Cloud | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4°C (38°F) | -5°C (23°F) | 84 mm | 71% | least pleasant |
| February | 6°C (42°F) | -4°C (24°F) | 87 mm | 71% | least pleasant |
| March | 12°C (54°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 113 mm | 66% | fair |
| April | 19°C (66°F) | 7°C (44°F) | 131 mm | 60% | best |
| May | 23°C (74°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 135 mm | 64% | best |
| June | 28°C (82°F) | 18°C (64°F) | 114 mm | 53% | best |
| July | 30°C (85°F) | 20°C (67°F) | 117 mm | 52% | best |
| August | 30°C (86°F) | 19°C (66°F) | 85 mm | 49% | best |
| September | 27°C (81°F) | 15°C (58°F) | 93 mm | 46% | best |
| October | 20°C (67°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 108 mm | 54% | best |
| November | 12°C (54°F) | 1°C (34°F) | 96 mm | 58% | fair |
| December | 6°C (42°F) | -3°C (27°F) | 108 mm | 71% | least pleasant |
Sources: 2001–2025 monthly averages from NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis). Page updated . How we rate months
Weather across Kentucky in January
Weather can differ a lot within Kentucky: coasts, hills and mountains each have their own climate.
| Place | High | Low | Rain | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | 4°C (38°F) | -5°C (23°F) | 84 mm | least pleasant |
| Owensboro | 5°C (40°F) | -5°C (24°F) | 84 mm | least pleasant |
| Covington | 3°C (38°F) | -5°C (22°F) | 73 mm | least pleasant |
| Richmond | 5°C (41°F) | -4°C (25°F) | 89 mm | least pleasant |
| Georgetown | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (24°F) | 81 mm | least pleasant |
| Nicholasville | 4°C (39°F) | -4°C (24°F) | 81 mm | least pleasant |