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McCreary County Climate

McCreary County, Kentucky

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec54.9°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

54.9°F

Annual Precip

56.1"

Annual Snowfall

Extreme Heat Days

16

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet
4.8"
4.5"
5.2"
4.7"
5.5"
5.3"
6.1"
3.7"
3.6"
3.3"
3.8"
5.8"
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

3,583

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/24
First fall frost (32°F): 10/18

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring46°64°15.4"Summer71°74°15.0"Fall45°67°10.7"Winter35°38°15.0"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 51% of US counties
Wetter than 89% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 35% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: McCreary County

Climate Verdict

McCreary County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 54.9°F, very wet conditions receiving 56.1 inches of precipitation annually, rare extreme heat with only 15.8 days above 90°F annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 34.5°F. summers are warm — July averages 74.4°F. The 40°F seasonal variation provides noticeable but manageable change.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for McCreary County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.

Regional Context

McCreary County closely matches the Kentucky statewide average temperature of 56.0°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 5.7 inches more precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About McCreary County Weather

A Cool and Rainy Highland Climate

McCreary County's 54.9°F annual average is near the national median, but its 56.1 inches of rain is exceptionally high. This creates a lush, humid environment with frequent precipitation.

One of Kentucky's Wettest Spots

At 56.1 inches, McCreary far exceeds the state average rainfall of 50.6 inches. It is also over a degree cooler than the Kentucky state average temperature of 56.2°F.

Cooler and Wetter Than Neighbors

McCreary is much wetter than nearby Martin County and significantly cooler than McLean County. It experiences only 16 extreme heat days, the lowest in this regional group.

Mild Summers and Damp Winters

July averages a pleasant 74.4°F, and extreme heat is rare with only 16 days reaching 90°F. Winters are cold but moist, with January temperatures averaging 34.5°F.

Waterproofing is the Top Priority

The high annual rainfall requires excellent roof maintenance and basement waterproofing. While heat is less of a concern, residents should prepare for high humidity and damp winter conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in McCreary County?
The average annual temperature in McCreary County, KY is 54.9°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does McCreary County get?
McCreary County receives an average of 56.1 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does McCreary County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in McCreary County is 72.7°F. The county experiences an average of 16 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in McCreary County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in McCreary County is 36.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 34.5°F.

Track your own weather in McCreary 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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