Carter County Climate
Carter County, Kentucky
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
53.3°F
Annual Precip
47.9"
Annual Snowfall
13.0"
Extreme Heat Days
21
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
6b
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
3,362
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Carter County
Climate Verdict
Carter County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 53.3°F, moderately wet with 47.9 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 20.900000000000002 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 13.0 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 31.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 73.9°F. The 42°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Carter County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Carter County closely matches the Kentucky statewide average temperature of 56.0°F, it is somewhat drier than average for Kentucky.
Climate Profile
About Carter County Weather
Cooler than the National Average
Carter County maintains an annual average temperature of 53.3°F, which is slightly cooler than the national median. This humid subtropical region receives 47.9 inches of precipitation, making it wetter than many parts of the country.
Below the Kentucky Average
The county's average temperature of 53.3°F sits below the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also receives about 2.7 fewer inches of rain than the state average of 50.6 inches annually.
Cooler than Neighboring Elliott County
Carter County is noticeably cooler than nearby Elliott County, which averages 54.9°F. While both regions share a similar geography, Carter's lower average temperature suggests slightly harsher winter patterns.
Cold Winters and High Snowfall
Residents see 13.0 inches of snow annually, which is high for the state. While July averages 73.9°F, the county still experiences 21 extreme heat days where temperatures reach at least 90°F.
Prepare for Snow and Humidity
Homeowners should invest in reliable snow removal tools to manage the 13-inch annual snowfall. Efficient HVAC systems are also necessary to handle the 21 days of extreme summer heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.