The climate of Lexington
Lexington, nestled in the heartland of
Kentucky, USA, enjoys a Humid subtropical climate, with no dry season, according to Köppen climate classification's Cfa category. Its geographical position renders a weather picture that plays out over four distinct seasons, with abundant rainfall and a significant range in temperature throughout the year.
In Lexington, the year swings from cold winters with average low temperatures dipping down to 25.7°F (-3.5°C) in
January to warm summers pushing the mercury up to 85.1°F (29.5°C) in
July. The city's temperature gauge swings between these two extremes, punctuated by the more moderate readings of spring and autumn.
The region sees consistent rainfall throughout the year, with the rainfall amounts oscillating from 2.32" (59mm) in
September to 3.82" (97mm) in
May. This wetness impacts the relative humidity, with a marginally higher average of 81% in
February and a slightly drier 75% in
August. The proportion of the day bathed in sunshine expands from the winter low of 4.2 hours in
December to the sun-soaked 10 hours in
June and July.
Interestingly, the city does experience snow, with the frost often dusting the city primarily from December through to
March. The wind also stirs the air of Lexington with speed ranging from 5.4mph (8.7km/h) in September to 9mph (14.5km/h) in January.
The best time to visit Lexington
Given
Lexington's climate, the ideal time for a visit is during late spring or early autumn where warmer temperatures prevail. The average high temperatures from
April to
June range from 65.5°F (18.6°C), climbing to 82.4°F (28°C). However, the temperatures from
September to
November offer a more temperate climate, ranging from 78.1°F (25.6°C) and progressively easing to 52.9°F (11.6°C). During these periods, rainfall strikes a reasonable balance with averages around 2.52" (64mm) in
October and 3.78" (96mm) in April. These seasons provide optimal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding, or enjoying the beautiful Lexington scenery with daylight hours ranging from 11.2 hours in October to 13.2 hours in April.
The worst time to visit Lexington
Visitors should consider
Lexington's winter months, specifically from
December to
February, less favorable due to the cold conditions. During this period, temperatures can plummet to a chilly low of 25.7°F (-3.5°C) in
January. In addition, the city receives most of its snowfall, January being the peak with an average of 2.8" (71mm). The sunshine hours also dwindle to 4.2 in December, the city's least sunny month.
Spring weather in Lexington
Spring in
Lexington brings a refreshing change from the cold winter months.
March opens the season with the temperatures gaining momentum from an average low of 36.7°F (2.6°C) to an average high of 53.4°F (11.9°C), culminating with an average high of 74.8°F (23.8°C) by the end of
May. Rainfall also sees a rise during this period, reaching its peak in May at 3.82" (97mm). The longer daylight hours of about 12 hours in March, extending to 14.3 hours in May, coupled with increasing sunshine duration from 5.7 hours to 8.7 hours, make spring a great time to enjoy the outdoor bloom of Lexington.
Summer weather in Lexington
In
Lexington, summer stretches from
June to
August, characterized by high temperatures and consistent rainfall. The months of June and
July are the warmest with average high temperatures of 82.4°F (28°C) and 85.1°F (29.5°C), respectively. Humidity hovers around 77% adding to the warm weather feel, while rainfall remains consistent, averaging 3.54" (90mm) in June and 3.39" (86mm) in July. However, the summer months offer the year's longest daylight hours and maximum sunshine duration, peaking at 14.8 hours and 10 hours in June, making it ideal for various sun-soaked activities.
Autumn weather in Lexington
As autumn sets in,
Lexington witnesses a gradual drop in temperatures from an average high of 78.1°F (25.6°C) in
September to a much cooler 52.9°F (11.6°C) in
November. Rainfall also sees a slight decrease during this period, with September being the driest month in Lexington with an average of 2.32" (59mm). The city offers plenty of daylight hours, starting with 12.4 hours in September and ending with 10.1 hours in November, providing ample opportunities to explore the colorful fall scenery in and around the city.
Winter weather in Lexington
Winter in
Lexington is typically cold, with temperatures descending steadily from an average high of 43.9°F (6.6°C) in
December to a chilly low of 25.7°F (-3.5°C) in
January. While the city experiences snowfall during this season, it peaks in January in accumulation of 2.8" (71mm) on average. Sunshine hours are the year's lowest during winter, limited to 4.2 hours in December. Despite the cold, the winter season offers its own allure with the city's landscape transformed into a white winter wonderland.
Weather in January
January marks the onset of the New Year in
Lexington,
Kentucky, bringing with it a chilly climate featuring snow and high humidity levels. A prominent feature of this month is the cool temperature dropping down to 25.7°F (-3.5°C), with snowfall reaching 2.8" (71mm), thus providing a snowy retreat.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Lexington,
Kentucky signifies a gradual shift from the harsh winter towards the approach of spring. Despite the cold evenings and mornings, the temperature is slightly higher compared to
January. This month also exhibits a change in atmospheric conditions, with rain experiencing a slight upsurge, hitting 3.39" (86mm).
Weather in February » Weather in March
March ushers in the pleasant spring weather in
Lexington, making it an attractive period for outings and outdoor activities. This time of the year witnesses a significant leap in temperature, signifying the end of the winter season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Lexington promises more sunshine and warmer temperatures, enhancing the city's charm. With the departure of the rainy
March, the temperature continues its upward trend, aligning with the spring feel. Amidst the rejuvenating conditions, April experiences the maximum average daylight hours, amounting to 13.2 hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May imbues
Lexington with the early signs of summer, offering perfect weather for recreational pursuits. As citizens bid farewell to the cooler spring breeze, temperature surges higher, filling the city with warmth. Moreover, May sees the longest daylight hours at 14.3 hours, which boosts the outdoor activities around the city.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Lexington enters the summer season with temperatures soaring up and humidity levels escalating. This month witnesses a substantial increase in temperature, setting in the summer heat. Interestingly, the month's UV index peaks at 6, signaling the intense summer sun rays usually experienced during June.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is indeed the spotlight month of summer in
Lexington marked by high temperature, humidity, and extensive daylight hours. The city experiences its warmest days, with the temperature peaking as high as 85.1°F (29.5°C). July promises long, hot days perfect for sun-lovers who relish in hot summer afternoons.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Lexington continues the trend of high summer temperatures and longer days. This time of the year brings ample sun, with the average daylight matching that of the previous month. August enjoys the least amount of rainfall amongst all the summer months, with the downpour measuring only 3.07" (78mm).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Lexington heralds the arrival of the fall season, with the cityscapes starting to show the first hints of autumn colors. The dramatic change in weather brings a sense of calmness to the otherwise hot summer days.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October celebrates the peak of autumn in
Lexington, with visibly cooler temperatures and stunning colors of fall. The change in weather dresses the city in shades of red, orange, and yellow, gaining the attention of locals and tourists alike.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Lexington witnesses a sharp drop in temperatures, signifying the arrival of winter. The cityscape transforms from bright autumn colors to more subdued hues, showcasing nature's cyclical beauty. This month is marked by an increased amount of snow, recording 1.14" (29mm), signaling the start of the winter season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Lexington embraces the full-blown winter season with colder temperatures and shorter days. The city prepares for a festive atmosphere with Christmas and New Year celebrations taking place amidst falling snow. Snowfall registers 1.69" (43mm), offering just the perfect backdrop for this festive month.
Weather in December »