The climate of Louisville
This city rests on the borders of the Ohio River, south of the Midwest and north of the South, matching its climate to that of the humid subtropical band. Designated as Cfa in the Köppen climate classification,
Louisville,
Kentucky, USA, has a diverse climate. Deviations are observed in each weather parameter throughout the year, creating an exciting mix of seasons.
Temperature variations exhibit an interesting pattern. Louisville experiences a wide range of temperatures, from lows averaging 25.9°F (-3.4°C) in the coldest month to highs reaching an average of 87.1°F (30.6°C) in the hottest month. Humidity levels maintain an average between 73% and 80% year-round, showing little variation per month. Meanwhile, rainfall experiences peaks in
May and
July, with lows seen in
January and
September.
Snowfall primarily occurs between
December to
March with maximum snow accumulation of 1.06" (27mm) in
February and 0.98" (25mm) in January. Lexington experiences the most daylight hours— approximately 14.8 hours— in
June and the least in December with about 9.5 hours. Sunshine is primarily enjoyed in June and July with an average of 10.4 hours a day.
UV index peaks from May to
August, reaching a maximum of 6. Winds show relatively consistent readings for most of the year, exhibiting increases in December while pressure variations are minimal. Cloud coverage is least in August (28%) and highest in January and December each year (both 56%).
The best time to visit Louisville
The ideal time to visit
Louisville depends largely on the visitor's weather preferences. If warm, balmy days filled with sunshine are desired,
June through
August could be the ideal period. With temperatures from 84°F (28.9°C) to 87.1°F (30.6°C), these months allow for plenty of time outside with about 10.4 hours of daily sunshine. Even though rainfall occurrences rise slightly during these months, the visibility stays clear at an average of 6 miles.
The worst time to visit Louisville
Conversely, the months from
December to
February may prove challenging for visitors. Uncomfortably low temperatures - hovering between 25.9°F (-3.4°C) to 31.8°F (-0.1°C) - along with frequent snowfall and reduced daylight hours (around 9.5 to 9.9 hours) can disrupt travel and outdoor activities. The average wind speeds also increase during these months, and cloud coverage peaks at 56%, which can limit visibility.
Spring weather in Louisville
Spring in
Louisville means moderate temperatures and increased rainfall. From
March to
May, Louisville transitions from the chilly winter months into the warmth of summer. Daytime temperatures are quite comfortable— ranging from 54.1°F (12.3°C) to 75.7°F (24.3°C)— while the nights maintain a cool bearable 37.6°F (3.1°C) to 57.2°F (14°C). Rainfalls are more frequent during spring months with a peak in May at 1.89" (48mm).
Summer weather in Louisville
Summer features warmth and humidity, with temperatures soaring between 75.7°F (24.3°C) to 87.1°F (30.6°C) between
June to
August. Nights are also warmer, with temperatures hovering between 64.2°F (17.9°C) to 67.5°F (19.7°C). However,
Louisville's summer isn't just about heat, it's also about light. With the longest daylight hours of up to 14.8 hours in June, and an ample amount of sunshine averaging 10.4 hours daily, the city truly comes to life. Rainfall remains high during the summer months, reaching a peak in
July at 1.89" (48mm).
Autumn weather in Louisville
In autumn, temperatures gradually cool from the heat of the summer.
September to
November see daytime temperatures descend from 79.3°F (26.3°C) to 53.2°F (11.8°C) and night time temperatures falling to a cooler range of 60.1°F (15.6°C) to 37.6°F (3.1°C). Rainfall decreases over these months, but sunlight decreases more significantly, with November only receiving around 10.1 hours of daylight.
Winter weather in Louisville
Winter in
Louisville, from
December to
February, is marked by cold temperatures with averages ranging from 38.8°F (3.8°C) to 44.1°F (6.7°C) during the day and dipping as low as 25.9°F (-3.4°C) at night. Rainfall in this season is consistently low, but most precipitation comes in the form of snowfall. The months from December to February are recognized as the snowiest, with February experiencing the highest snowfall of 1.06" (27mm). Winter also sees the shortest days, with December having the smallest daylight duration of 9.5 hours.
Weather in January
Starting the year, temperatures in
Louisville,
Kentucky can be quite chilly.
January sees humidity levels at 78%, with temperatures hovering from 25.9°F (-3.4°C) up to 38.8°F (3.8°C). This drops in stark contrast to later months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Entering
February, the temperature rise signals the transition of winter into the early dawn of spring. The weather remains largely unchanged from
January, but a notable spike in temperature from 38.8°F (3.8°C) in January to 43.7°F (6.5°C) marks the commencement of a warming trend.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March is often considered the cusp of spring in
Louisville. With an average high temperature of 54.1°F (12.3°C) and a lower humidity of 77%, the city slowly warms from the chill of the first two months. The amount of daylight extends to 12 hours bringing more sunshine to the beautiful city.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Louisville welcomes the month of
April with a significant leap in temperatures, climbing up to 66.2°F (19°C). The city also experiences increased rainfall this month, with 1.81" (46mm) spread across nearly two weeks. The arrival of spring is undeniable with a marked increase in daylight hours, reaching up to 13.2 hours in the day.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The month of
May ushers in a period of significantly warmer weather. Temperatures surge to highs of around 75.7°F (24.3°C), bringing balmy days to town. In addition to increasing temperatures, there is a notable escalation in rainfall with 1.89" (48mm) distributed over about half the month.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The arrival of summer in
June is marked by an increase in highs, touching 84°F (28.9°C). June, together with
July, provides the city with the longest daylight hours averaging around 14.8 hours. Rainfall decreases slightly to 1.54" (39mm), indicating a dip from the rainfall
Louisville experienced in the past two months.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Louisville,
Kentucky sails into the peak of its summer, with
July boasting of the highest temperatures of the year, reaching up to 87.1°F (30.6°C). This is supplemented by the longest stretch of daylight hours, taking sun-drenched days up to approximately 14.5 hours.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As summer winds down in
August, the climate in
Louisville remains predominantly warm. Although the temperature recedes a bit to an average high of 85.6°F (29.8°C), it remains one of the warmest months of the year. The city sees a reduction in rainfall, falling to 1.54" (39mm) after
July's surge.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings with it the first whispers of autumn. The significant drop in temperature to a high of 79.3°F (26.3°C) adds a cool undertone to the crisp air. Days become shorter, with daylight hours receding to 12.4. Rainfall falls slightly to 1.06" (27mm), marking the onset of the drier season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Louisville begins to feel the tug of the chill in
October. The average high temperature drops noticeably to 66.7°F (19.3°C) from the 79.3°F (26.3°C) of
September, bringing noticeably cooler days. October is typically a dry month, with rainfall averaging 1.34" (34mm) over the course of the month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As the year nears its end,
November sees a fall in temperatures with a high of 53.2°F (11.8°C). Rainfall levels decrease slightly to 1.26" (32mm), following the dry season that starts in
October. Wind speed continues to climb, setting a brisk tone for outdoor activities.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Wrapping up the year, the weather cools off considerably in
December, with temperatures ranging from 31.8°F (-0.1°C) to 44.1°F (6.7°C). December is a slightly wetter month with an increase in average rainfall to 1.3" (33mm).
Weather in December »