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Laurel County Climate

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec56.9°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

56.9°F

Annual Precip

51.9"

Annual Snowfall

5.7"

Extreme Heat Days

21

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
4.0"
3.9"
4.8"
4.8"
5.2"
4.9"
5.2"
4.0"
3.7"
3.2"
3.7"
4.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

7a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

4,064

Excellent for heat-loving crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/15
First fall frost (32°F): 10/25

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring47°65°14.8"Summer73°76°14.1"Fall47°69°10.6"Winter36°40°12.4"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 60% of US counties
Wetter than 81% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 37% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Laurel County

Climate Verdict

Laurel County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 56.9°F, moderately wet with 51.9 inches of annual precipitation, occasional hot days — 20.5 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 5.7 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 36.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 76.3°F. The 40°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

Laurel County closely matches the Kentucky statewide average temperature of 56.0°F.

Climate Profile

About Laurel County Weather

Warmer than the national median

Laurel County's 56.9°F average temperature is warmer than the national median of 53.8°F. The humid subtropical climate here brings a substantial 51.9 inches of rain annually.

Warmer and wetter than state norms

The county is 0.7 degrees warmer than the Kentucky state average of 56.2°F. It also exceeds the state precipitation average by over an inch, totaling 51.9 inches per year.

Matching heat with higher rainfall

Laurel's 21 extreme heat days match neighbor Lawrence County but far exceed Letcher's 15. Its 51.9 inches of rain is notably higher than Lawrence's 46.6 inches.

Hot July days and snowy winters

July averages peak at 76.3°F while winters drop to 38.4°F on average. Residents experience about 5.7 inches of snow and 21 days above 90°F annually.

Prepare for heat and heavy rain

Efficient cooling is essential for those 21 extreme heat days. Invest in rain-ready gear and maintain proper drainage to handle the heavy 51.9 inches of annual precipitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Laurel County?
The average annual temperature in Laurel County, KY is 56.9°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Laurel County get?
Laurel County receives an average of 51.9 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Laurel County?
Yes, Laurel County receives an average of 5.7 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Laurel County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Laurel County is 74.8°F. The county experiences an average of 21 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Laurel County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Laurel County is 38.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 36.0°F.

Track your own weather in Laurel County

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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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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