Discover the 5 Coldest Places in Kentucky

Kentucky is located in the Upland South portion of the southeastern region of the United States. Although Kentucky is one of the northernmost states in the South, it still maintains a humid subtropical climate. Kentucky rarely sees temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, and in the winter, temperatures generally don’t dip below 0 degrees. In short, Kentucky welcomes hot, humid summers and cold, rainy winters, and the climate throughout the state itself varies by region. Let’s dive into the five coldest places in Kentucky and talk about their record-breaking temperatures.

1. Mount Sterling

The coldest place in Kentucky is Mount Sterling, which is approximately 30 minutes east of Lexington. Originally dubbed “Little Mountain Town,” Mount Sterling experiences some of the coldest temperatures in the state. The average temperature during the winter is 42 degrees Fahrenheit. Throughout the course of the year, temperatures span from 27 degrees to 85 degrees, depending on the season. The coldest recorded temperature in Mount Sterling was -22 degrees in 1899, and in 2014, the town saw -5 degrees. As of the 2021 U.S. Census, 7,545 people called Mount Sterling home, having adapted to the temperatures of the region.

2. Cynthiana

Located in the northern part of Kentucky, Cynthiana is approximately 45 minutes north of Lexington. The town sees average temperatures slightly above or around the same as those of Mount Sterling, coming in at 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Interestingly, this small, frosty town is home to Post-it notes (despite what Romy and Michelle might tell you). The creator of The Walking Dead comic book also hails from Cynthiana. Nearly 6,500 people call this town home.

3. Morehead

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains is Morehead, Kentucky. If you drive 30 minutes past Mount Sterling, you’ll find Morehead, which is approximately one hour from the West Virginia border. Morehead has an average temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. In January 2014, Morehead experienced -5-degree temperatures, reaching a wind chill of -23 degrees. The population of Morehead as of 2021 was approximately 7,013.

4. Hazard

Moving southeast from Mount Sterling and Morehead, you will find Hazard. Once a popular mining town, Hazard is now known for its rich culture. The town has an average temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Hazard generally experiences fairly chilly winters, and once saw the temperatures plunge to -4 degrees. Nearly 5,000 people live in Hazard.

5. Paducah

In the southwestern part of Kentucky, you can find Paducah along the Ohio River, which serves as the border between Kentucky and Illinois. Paducah is close to where the Ohio and Tennessee River merge, between Nashville and St. Louis, Missouri. The average temperature in the winter is approximately 47 degrees Fahrenheit. As one of the largest, yet coldest places in Kentucky, Paducah is home to 26,278 people.

Summary of the 5 Coldest Places in Kentucky