Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Lexington in January
This is the coldest month in Lexington: highs average 39°F (4°C) and lows 24°F (-4°C), with about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 41/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 39°F (4°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 3.2 in (81 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 72%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 38 min
- Comfort score
- 41/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Real cold sets in, with afternoon highs around 39°F (4°C).
Average lows of 24°F (-4°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 3.2 in (81 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are September & October.
- Comfort holds steady from December (43 → 41/100).
- Our Kentucky Bourbon Country route recommends Apr – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 3.2 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Lexington in January
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Frankfort distillery with free tours and tastings.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Woodford Reserve Distillery
Stone distillery among horse farms with copper pot stills.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Wallace Station Deli & Bakery
Country store deli on Old Frankfort Pike among horse farms.
Why now A cozy break on a 39°F day.
Holly Hill Inn
Ouita Michel's farm-to-table dinner restaurant in Midway.
Kentucky Horse Park
Working horse farm and museum with the International Museum of the Horse.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Nearby in January
- Bardstown in January~55 mi · highs 40°F, 3.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Louisville in January~70 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Downtown Cincinnati in January~73 mi · highs 39°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Knoxville in January~147 mi · highs 47°F, 4.2 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Lexington in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Lexington?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 41/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are September & October. Expect highs of 39°F (4°C) and 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow. Our Kentucky Bourbon Country route recommends Apr – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Lexington in January?
Average highs are 39°F (4°C) and average lows 24°F (-4°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Lexington in January?
Some: about 3.2 in (81 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 48.5 in (1231 mm).
What should I pack for Lexington in January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 3.2 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Lexington
Planning Lexington in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.