Thanksgiving in Kentucky never seems to settle into a predictable weather pattern. Some years, you’ll get crisp, sunny days, while others hit you with cold mornings, rain, or even a surprise snow shower.
Most years, expect daytime highs in the 40s or 50s, and nights that drop into the 30s.
Weather swings a lot depending on the year and your spot in the state. Louisville and Lexington might feel mild, but head east or climb into the hills and it can get colder and wetter fast.
If you’re making travel plans or hosting an outdoor gathering, you’ll want to keep things flexible.
It helps to know what you’re up against. Whether you’re driving cross-state, planning a post-dinner walk, or just curious about Kentucky’s climate quirks, understanding Thanksgiving weather gives you a leg up.
Typical Thanksgiving Weather in Kentucky
When you plan Thanksgiving in Kentucky, brace yourself for cool or cold temps, a decent chance of rain, and maybe a little snow if you’re lucky (or unlucky, depending on your plans).
The weather can switch up quickly, so you might see mild afternoons and frosty mornings in the same week.
Average Temperatures in Late November
Late November usually brings highs in the mid-40s to low 50s °F, and lows in the upper 20s to mid-30s °F.
Some years, you’ll get a warm spell that nudges into the 60s, but other years? It’s way colder.
Back in 1896, Louisville hit 73°F on Thanksgiving, and Lexington reached 71°F. That’s rare, but it’s happened.
On the flip side, Lexington dropped to a bone-chilling 3°F in 1930, and Louisville wasn’t far behind at 8°F.
With a range like that, you’ve got to be ready for chilly mornings and maybe a surprisingly mild afternoon.
Layering up is your best bet, especially if you’re traveling or spending time outside.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rain is pretty common in Kentucky’s late November. Most years, you’ll see light to moderate rainfall around Thanksgiving, but those heavy downpours don’t show up too often.
Louisville got over 2 inches of rain on Thanksgiving in 2010, and Bowling Green had a similar amount in 1959. Those are outliers though—most holidays bring less than an inch.
Clouds and dampness stick around, so having a backup indoor plan for gatherings or travel is smart.
Roads can get slick after rain, especially in rural areas, so give yourself some extra time if you’re driving.
Snowfall Possibilities and Frequency
Snow on Thanksgiving? Not common, but it does happen. When it does, it’s usually just a dusting.
Lexington holds the record with 4.2 inches in 1938, and Bowling Green saw just over 2 inches in 1950.
Snow on the ground is even rarer—only a handful of years have seen more than an inch sticking around for the holiday.
If you’re dreaming of a white Thanksgiving, odds aren’t great, but don’t rule out a few flurries, especially up north or in the hills.
Historical Thanksgiving Weather Records
Thanksgiving weather in Kentucky has run the gamut from sunny 70s to mornings in the single digits. Rain and snow have both made their mark, with a few years seeing record precipitation or measurable snow cover.
You just can’t count on anything being “typical” in late November here.
Record Highs and Lows
Kentucky’s Thanksgiving temperatures have swung wildly. In Louisville, the warmest Thanksgiving hit 73°F in 1896. Lexington reached 71°F that same year, and Bowling Green topped out at 75°F.
On the cold end, Lexington dropped to 3°F in 1930. Louisville hit 8°F that year, Frankfort got down to 7°F in 1930, and Bowling Green hit 15°F in both 1912 and 1950.
Sometimes you just need a light jacket, other years you’re digging out the heavy winter coat. The difference between the warmest and coldest Thanksgivings is usually more than 60 degrees.
Notable Weather Events
A few Kentucky Thanksgivings stand out for wild weather. The snowiest on record was in Lexington in 1938, with 4.2 inches. That same storm dropped 3.5 inches in Frankfort and 1.2 inches in Louisville.
Bowling Green’s biggest Thanksgiving snow came in 1950 with 2.1 inches.
Rain has made an impression, too. Louisville’s wettest Thanksgiving was 2010 with 2.19 inches, Bowling Green had 2.03 inches in 1959, and Frankfort’s record was 1.81 inches in 1896.
Snow cover in 1938 was especially notable—Lexington and Frankfort both reported 4 inches on the ground. Events like these can mess with travel plans, so it’s always good to keep an eye on the forecast.
Year-by-Year Weather Patterns
Thanksgiving weather in Kentucky just doesn’t stick to a script. Some years bring mild sunshine, others hit you with freezing wind chills.
The holiday sits right on the edge between fall and winter, so you can get pretty much anything.
For instance, 1930 brought record cold, while 1896 was weirdly warm statewide.
Then 1938 had widespread snow, and 2010 brought heavy rain to Louisville.
Look across the decades and you’ll see—no single trend dominates. You really need to check the forecast each year, because Kentucky’s weather history proves just about anything can happen.
Regional Variations Across Kentucky
Thanksgiving weather in Kentucky depends a lot on where you are. Elevation, rivers, and local climate quirks make a real difference in temperature, rainfall, and even snow chances.
Weather in Louisville and Northern Kentucky
Louisville and the northern part of the state usually get cool days in late November, with highs in the upper 40s or low 50s °F.
Nights often dip into the 30s, so frost shows up a lot.
Rain’s more likely than snow, but you could see a light dusting, especially in higher spots near the Ohio River Valley.
Cloudy weather is common, and damp conditions can stick around for days.
Temps can swing fast. A mild afternoon can turn chilly as soon as the sun drops.
If you’ve got outdoor plans in Louisville, bring layers and a waterproof jacket, just in case.
Typical late November conditions in Louisville:
- Average High: ~50°F
- Average Low: ~35°F
- Precipitation: 3–4 inches (mostly rain)
Central and Eastern Kentucky Conditions
Central spots like Lexington and Frankfort usually run a bit cooler than Louisville, especially at night.
Daytime highs hang in the mid to upper 40s °F, and lows often slip into the upper 20s or low 30s.
Eastern Kentucky, with its hills and valleys, can feel even colder. Frost happens a lot, and light snow showers are just a little more common here than in the west.
The Appalachian foothills make the weather extra variable, so even neighboring towns can have different conditions.
Wind chill matters in open areas. If you’re driving through the Bluegrass or into the foothills, watch for foggy mornings and slick roads after a cold rain.
Key points for Central and Eastern Kentucky:
- Cooler nights than western parts
- Higher chance of early snow flurries
- More day-to-day variability thanks to the terrain
Southern Kentucky Climate Differences
Southern Kentucky—think Bowling Green and nearby areas—tends to be milder. Highs reach the low to mid-50s °F, and lows usually stick around the mid-30s.
It’s definitely one of the warmer spots during Thanksgiving week.
Rain still happens, but snow is pretty rare this far south in November. You might even see more clear days than up north, though storms can roll in fast.
With that milder climate, outdoor gatherings stay more comfortable here than elsewhere in the state.
If you head south, you’ll spot less frost on the ground and the fall colors hang around a bit longer.
Southern Kentucky late November profile:
- Average High: ~53°F
- Average Low: ~36°F
- Precipitation: Mostly rain, not much snow risk
How Thanksgiving Weather Compares to Other Seasons
Thanksgiving in Kentucky usually means cool days—highs in the 40s or 50s, lows in the 20s or 30s.
It lands right between summer’s last warmth and the real cold of early winter. Honestly, it’s often more stable than spring’s wild mood swings.
Thanksgiving Versus Spring in Kentucky
Spring in Kentucky? It’s all over the place. Temperatures jump from chilly 40s in the morning to 70°F in the afternoon.
Storms and even tornadoes hit more often during April and May.
Thanksgiving is usually calmer. Sure, you might get rain, but it’s lighter than those spring downpours.
Snow almost never shows up in late November, while spring brings heavy rain that can flood roads.
Spring highs climb from the upper 50s in March to the low 70s by May. Thanksgiving highs sit closer to the low or mid-50s.
So, you’re looking at cooler but steadier weather for the holiday—none of that unpredictable spring drama.
Season | Highs (°F) | Lows (°F) | Common Weather |
---|---|---|---|
Spring | 58–73 | 40–55 | Rain, storms, tornadoes |
Thanksgiving | 45–55 | 25–35 | Cool, light rain, rare snow |
Thanksgiving Versus Summer in Kentucky
Summer in Kentucky is hot, humid, and honestly, it can be pretty stormy.
July and August highs average in the upper 80s, and it’s not rare to see 90°F or higher. Humidity turns the heat up even more, and afternoon thunderstorms happen a lot.
Thanksgiving flips the script. Humidity drops, and temps are 30–40 degrees cooler than summer.
No heat advisories—just grab a jacket and you’re set.
Summer can make outdoor activities miserable, but Thanksgiving’s chill is a lot easier to handle for a walk or an outdoor meal.
Rain is lighter and less frequent than those summer storms. Late November might be brisk, but it’s honestly a comfortable time to get outside.
Season | Highs (°F) | Lows (°F) | Common Weather |
---|---|---|---|
Summer | 85–90+ | 65–70 | Heat, humidity, storms |
Thanksgiving | 45–55 | 25–35 | Cool, light rain |
Thanksgiving Versus Early Winter
Early winter in Kentucky, especially December, usually brings colder days than Thanksgiving.
Highs can drop into the upper 30s or low 40s, and lows slide down into the 20s.
Snow becomes more likely, but big snowfalls are still pretty rare.
Thanksgiving tends to be a little warmer. Highs in the 50s are still possible, and lows hover in the 30s.
Snow on Thanksgiving is rare, with most years staying dry or just seeing a little rain.
The biggest change? Daylight. December brings shorter days and colder nights, making everything feel darker and less inviting.
Thanksgiving gives you a short window of cool—not yet harsh—weather before winter really sets in.
Season | Highs (°F) | Lows (°F) | Common Weather |
---|---|---|---|
Early Winter | 38–45 | 22–30 | Cold rain, light snow |
Thanksgiving | 45–55 | 25–35 | Cool, dry or light rain |
Travel and Outdoor Planning for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Kentucky usually brings cool days, chilly nights, and a mix of clear skies with some chance of rain or a little snow.
If you plan ahead, you’ll stay comfortable while traveling and get the most out of outdoor activities, no matter what the weather throws at you.
Packing and Preparation Tips
Late November in Kentucky usually brings daytime highs in the 40s or 50s °F. Evenings often get colder, sometimes dipping into the 30s.
Pack layers so you can adjust as the weather shifts. I always throw in a warm coat, gloves, and a hat—especially if you’ll be outside for any length of time.
If you’re driving, plan for holiday traffic and maybe even slick roads. It’s smart to keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, snacks, and a flashlight, just in case.
Flights and highways get busy this time of year, so give yourself extra time for possible delays.
For both indoor and outdoor comfort, bring water-resistant shoes. Rain pops up now and then, and wet ground can make walking kind of miserable.
A compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket will come in handy too.
Popular Outdoor Activities
Kentucky has a bunch of ways to enjoy the outdoors during Thanksgiving week. You can still hike the trails at Red River Gorge or Daniel Boone National Forest.
The cool weather actually makes longer hikes more pleasant than they are in the sticky summer months.
Lots of families head to local parks for a walk after a big meal. Spots like Raven Run Nature Sanctuary near Lexington or Bernheim Arboretum near Louisville offer great views.
Sometimes you’ll catch late fall colors hanging on, depending on the year.
If you’re into history, check out outdoor tours at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. You’ll find walking paths mixed with cultural experiences, which works well for groups of all ages.
Weather Considerations for Holiday Events
Outdoor gatherings—football games, parades, festivals—can really depend on the weather. Temperatures drop fast after sunset, so you might want to keep evening events short or just bring extra layers.
Rain happens, though heavy storms don’t show up much in late November. Light showers can still make things soggy, especially if you’re sitting outside or tailgating.
A small tarp or waterproof blanket helps keep your spot dry.
Thanksgiving falls during one of the best times to visit Kentucky if you’re after cool weather and fewer crowds.
Late fall has crisp air and calmer tourist spots, so with a little planning, you can actually enjoy holiday events a lot more than in the summer heat.
Climate Trends and What They Mean for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving weather in Kentucky shows both long-term climate patterns and recent warming trends. Some years bring cool days, others are mild, and every now and then you’ll get a wet or frosty holiday.
Long-Term Climate Patterns
Historical records say Thanksgiving in Kentucky usually lands in the 40s to 50s for daytime highs. Every so often, you’ll see temps in the 60s or even the low 70s.
Lows often drop into the 20s or 30s, so chilly mornings are pretty standard.
Snow doesn’t happen much, but it’s not impossible. Paducah, for example, only got measurable snow once on Thanksgiving—in 1950.
Rain is a little more common, with measurable precipitation about 25–30% of the time in western Kentucky cities.
Most years fall into a pretty tight range, so you can plan for cool but not extreme weather. Still, swings do happen. One year might be a warm Thanksgiving in the 60s, and the next could be damp and stuck in the 40s.
Kentucky sits in the Ohio Valley, where continental air meets Gulf moisture. This blend creates a lot of variability, but overall, moderate, cool weather has stuck around for decades.
Recent Changes in Thanksgiving Weather
Lately, warmer holiday weather keeps popping up more often than it used to. In places like Evansville, Paducah, and Cape Girardeau, people have seen highs in the upper 60s or even 70s show up more since the 1980s.
Low temperatures don’t dip as much either. Several recent Thanksgivings have started off with lows in the 50s—which, honestly, feels a bit odd for late November.
Rainfall swings wildly these days. Some years, not a drop falls. Other times, like in 2010 at Evansville, over an inch of rain can soak the whole day.
Snow almost never shows up. Warmer autumns just make a white Thanksgiving even less likely than it was back in the 20th century.
If you’re planning an outdoor gathering or hitting the road in Kentucky, you’ll need to prepare for just about anything. You might wake up to a chilly, frosty morning, or you could step outside to something that feels more like spring.
Sometimes, you’ll even have to deal with a good soaking rain. The pattern’s shifting toward milder, wetter Thanksgivings, which, honestly, lines up with what we’re seeing across the whole region as the climate keeps warming.