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Russell County Climate

Russell County, Kentucky

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec55.4°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

55.4°F

Annual Precip

57.0"

Annual Snowfall

4.9"

Extreme Heat Days

25

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
5.5"
4.6"
5.4"
5.1"
5.4"
5.0"
5.1"
4.2"
4.6"
3.1"
4.0"
5.0"
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

3,803

Supports most vegetables & fruits

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

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring46°64°15.9"Summer72°75°14.3"Fall45°68°11.8"Winter34°38°15.1"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 53% of US counties
Wetter than 91% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 43% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Russell County

Climate Verdict

Russell County has a mild, with an average annual temperature of 55.4°F, very wet conditions receiving 57.0 inches of precipitation annually, occasional hot days — 25 per year above 90°F, light snow averaging 4.9 inches per year. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are cold, with January averaging 34.0°F. summers are warm — July averages 75.4°F. The 41°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

Russell County closely matches the Kentucky statewide average temperature of 56.0°F, it is also noticeably wetter, receiving 6.6 inches more precipitation than the state average.

Climate Profile

About Russell County Weather

A Particularly Wet Landscape

Russell County’s 55.4°F average temperature is slightly higher than the national median. It receives a staggering 57.0 inches of precipitation, far exceeding the 38-inch national average.

Leading the State in Rainfall

While its temperature is slightly below the Kentucky average of 56.2°F, Russell is much wetter than the state norm. It exceeds the state average rainfall by nearly seven inches annually.

Low Snow Compared to Neighbors

Russell County sees only 4.9 inches of snow annually, which is roughly half of what Rowan County experiences. Its high precipitation falls primarily as rain rather than winter accumulation.

Mild Winters and Manageable Heat

The county experiences a mild winter average of 36.6°F from December through February. Summer heat is moderate for the region, with only 25 days reaching 90°F or higher.

Prioritize Drainage and Rain Gear

Heavy rainfall requires robust gutter systems and proper home site drainage. Residents can worry less about heavy snow gear, as annual accumulation rarely exceeds five inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Russell County?
The average annual temperature in Russell County, KY is 55.4°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Russell County get?
Russell County receives an average of 57.0 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 Russell County?
Yes, Russell County receives an average of 4.9 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Russell County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Russell County is 73.8°F. The county experiences an average of 25 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Russell County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Russell County is 36.6°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 34.0°F.

Track your own weather in Russell 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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