Harlan County Climate
Harlan County, Kentucky
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
55.9°F
Annual Precip
54.6"
Annual Snowfall
34.6"
Extreme Heat Days
13
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
7a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
3,806
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Harlan County
Climate Verdict
Harlan County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 55.9°F, moderately wet with 54.6 inches of annual precipitation, rare extreme heat with only 12.7 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 34.6 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are cold, with January averaging 35.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 75.0°F. The 39°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
The moderate temperatures support hiking, cycling, and camping comfortably in spring, summer, and fall.
Regional Context
Harlan County closely matches the Kentucky statewide average temperature of 56.0°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Kentucky, the county experiences 16.965934065934064 fewer extreme heat days than the state average.
Climate Profile
About Harlan County Weather
Wet and Snowy Appalachian Climate
Harlan County is one of the wettest and snowiest regions in Kentucky, with 54.6 inches of rain and 34.6 inches of snow. This far exceeds the national median for both types of precipitation.
High Rainfall in the Eastern Highlands
Harlan’s 54.6 inches of annual precipitation is significantly higher than the Kentucky average of 50.6 inches. While its 55.9°F average temperature is near the state norm, its elevation creates a unique weather profile.
The Snow Capital of the Region
Harlan's 34.6 inches of snow dwarfs the totals of nearby counties like Green or Grayson. It also experiences far fewer extreme heat days than central Kentucky, with only 13 days hitting 90°F.
Heavy Snow and Temperate Summers
Winters are defined by 34.6 inches of snow, the highest in this group, despite a relatively mild January average of 35.6°F. Summers are pleasant and rarely reach extreme temperatures, averaging 73.6°F from June to August.
Prepare for Serious Winter Weather
Residents must be prepared for significant snow accumulation with heavy-duty shovels and potentially 4WD vehicles. The high annual rainfall and mountainous terrain also require careful attention to local flood advisories.
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.