Harlan County Climate
Harlan County, Kentucky
Avg Annual Temp
55.9°F
Annual Precip
54.5"
Annual Snowfall
34.6"
Extreme Heat Days
12.7
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
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 source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.