Kentucky's mild climate makes it a year-round destination. The most popular time to visit is May through August, when school is out. Also, Kentucky is a popular destination for summer family reunions because it has many large lakes and options for outdoor fun. The least popular time is January through February, when the weather gets colder. Spring and fall are good times for outdoor activities, which have a longer season than more northern states.

high season: May to August, October
low season: January to February
shoulder season: March to April, September, November to December, May to August, October, January to February, March to April, September, November to December

Weather Information

Kentucky has a mild climate year-round, with moderate temperatures ranging from 40 degrees in January to 87 degrees in July. Summers can be very warm, with cool evenings. The wettest seasons are spring and summer, and the driest is the fall. Winters receive a moderate amount of snow.

Crowd Information

Major events, such as the Kentucky Derby in May and the three-day Rolex Kentucky in April, can cause a high demand. However, accommodations are always available in Kentucky.

Closure Information

All of Kentucky's major attractions are open year-round. However, campgrounds, cottages, and marinas are likely to close from November through February.

When to Save

Kentucky is relatively affordable year-round. The lowest rates are usually found in the winter months due to supply and demand.

When to Book

Book one month or more in advance for travel during the high seasons, two to three weeks in advance for the shoulder seasons, and three days to a week in advance for the low season.

Information provided by the Kentucky Department of Tourism