Weather in Louisville, Kentucky
Roses open on the Piedmont edge. Day 59 of spring. Read this microseason across nine climate regions →
- TodayMay 16Heavy Drizzle41%82°65°
- SundayMay 17Overcast20%89°65°
- MondayMay 18Overcast—90°68°
- TuesdayMay 19Showers55%82°65°
- WednesdayMay 20Showers64%68°61°
- ThursdayMay 21Light Drizzle38%69°55°
- FridayMay 22Light Drizzle31%75°57°
- PM 2.5
- 8.1 μg/m³
- PM 10
- 8.9 μg/m³
- NO₂
- 4.6 μg/m³
- Ozone
- 96.0 μg/m³
- UV Index
- 0.0 Low
When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass.
- Moonrise
- 10:38 AM
- Moonset
- 1:14 AM
- In sign
- ♊︎ Gemini
Roses open on the Piedmont edge
Louisville at a glance
- Today vs. normal: 5°F below the seasonal normal for this latitude
- Last frost: April 5 (climatological average for this latitude)
- Microseason: 28 of 72, May 16–20
- Planting window: Direct sow okra, melons, and southern peas. Thin carrot rows.
Right now in the garden
Warm-season window is open
As of May 17, the last spring frost has passed for most years. Transplant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, and cucurbits (cucumbers, squash, melons) now. Direct-sow beans and corn into warm soil.
Planting calendar
| Month | Plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | — |
| February | — | — |
| March | — | — |
| April | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes | — |
| May | lettuce, peas, spinach, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| June | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | lettuce, peas, radishes |
| July | tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| August | — | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| September | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | tomatoes, beans, summer squash |
| October | fall brassicas, garlic (overwinter), carrots | winter squash, tomatoes (last) |
| November | — | — |
| December | — | — |
A year in weather
July brings Louisville's warmest temperatures at around 78°F mean, while January delivers the coldest at roughly 34°F. Rainfall reaches its peak in May with 5.8 inches and drops to its lowest point in August at 3.3 inches.
| Month | Mean temp | Precip | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34° | 3.8″ | 7 |
| February | 38° | 3.7″ | 7 |
| March | 47° | 5.1″ | 8 |
| April | 57° | 5.3″ | 9 |
| May | 66° | 5.8″ | 9 |
| June | 74° | 4.9″ | 8 |
| July | 78° | 4.7″ | 8 |
| August | 77° | 3.3″ | 6 |
| September | 70° | 3.8″ | 5 |
| October | 59° | 4.2″ | 6 |
| November | 47° | 3.9″ | 6 |
| December | 38° | 4.6″ | 8 |
Regional context
Louisville belongs to the humid subtropical climate region, sharing similar temperature ranges, seasonal patterns, and growing conditions with other nearby cities in this climate zone.
Similar climates: Lexington, KY, Bowling Green, KY, Elizabethtown, KY, Owensboro, KY, Covington, KY.
Naturalist notes
Late April often brings the distinctive call of wood thrushes returning to Louisville's woodlands as spring migration peaks.
Redbud trees typically bloom in early April, their purple-pink flowers appearing before the leaves emerge.
Frequently asked
- When does it freeze in Louisville?
- Spring's last frost typically occurs around mid-April in Louisville, while the first fall frost usually arrives around mid-November.
- What is the rainy season in Louisville?
- May stands as the wettest month, bringing about 5.8 inches of rain on average, while the city receives roughly 53 inches annually.
- What is the warmest month in Louisville?
- July typically records the warmest temperatures, averaging about 78°F.
- What is the coldest month in Louisville?
- January typically brings the coldest temperatures, averaging about 34°F.
- When can I start a vegetable garden in Louisville?
- Cool-season crops like peas and lettuce can be planted around the last spring frost in mid-April, while warm-season crops such as tomatoes and peppers should wait 1–2 weeks after.
- How many rainy days does Louisville get?
- Louisville sees about 85 rainy days per year on average.
- What hardiness zone is Louisville?
- Louisville's USDA hardiness zone depends on its lowest average winter temperature; the USDA's online lookup tool using the city ZIP code provides the current zone designation.
Climate
Louisville, Kentucky experiences a humid subtropical climate zone. January temperatures hover near 34°F while July averages reach 78°F, creating a 43°F seasonal swing.
Annual precipitation totals about 53 inches across roughly 85 rainy days throughout the year.
Weather patterns here follow the city's latitude of 38.2°N, along with proximity to large water bodies and elevation. These factors determine what grows locally, frost timing, and daily weather conditions.