Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Louisville in January
This is the coldest month in Louisville: highs average 39°F (4°C) and lows 24°F (-4°C), with about 3.3 in (84 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
- 3.3 in (84 mm)
- Humidity
- 85%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 37 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.
About 3.3 in (84 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
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 3.3 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Louisville in January
With highs near 39°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Jack Fry's
Highlands bistro since 1933 with live jazz and Southern classics.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Garage Bar
NuLu pizza and oyster spot in a converted service station.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
Whiskey Row artisanal distillery with tours and tastings.
Why now A cozy break on a 39°F day.
Angel's Envy Distillery
Downtown distillery in a restored factory; tours end with a tasting.
Kentucky Derby Museum
Derby history museum at Churchill Downs with a track walking tour.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 39°F.
Nearby in January
- Bardstown in January~35 mi · highs 40°F, 3.4 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Lexington in January~70 mi · highs 39°F, 3.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Downtown Cincinnati in January~89 mi · highs 39°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Indianapolis in January~107 mi · highs 35°F, 3.0 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown Louisville & Waterfront and The Highlands & Cherokee Park.
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.
Louisville in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Louisville?
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 3.3 in (84 mm) of rain or snow. Our Kentucky Bourbon Country route recommends Apr – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Louisville 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 Louisville in January?
Some: about 3.3 in (84 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 50.0 in (1271 mm).
What should I pack for Louisville 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 3.3 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Louisville
Planning Louisville in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.