Soil Temperature in Kentucky
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Kentucky is 63°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 37°F to 72°F. Last updated May 18, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Prime cool-season planting conditions in Kentucky with soil averaging 63°F at 2 inches. The spring fertilizer and overseeding window is active. This is the ideal range for tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass establishment.
Monitoring Stations in Kentucky (4)
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Princeton #1 (Caldwell) | 72°F | 2026-05-18 |
| Mammoth Cave (Hart) | 72°F | 2026-05-18 |
| Versailles 3 NNW | 70°F | 2026-05-18 |
| Bowling Green 21 NNE | 37°F | 2026-01-24 |
Cities in Kentucky (37)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp | Distance from state center |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ashland | 41101 | — | 158 mi |
| Berea | 40403 | — | 56 mi |
| Bowling Green | 42101 | — | 73 mi |
| Campbellsville | 42718 | — | 13 mi |
| Corbin | 40701 | — | 78 mi |
| Covington | 41011 | — | 114 mi |
| Danville | 40422 | — | 30 mi |
| Elizabethtown | 42701 | — | 33 mi |
| Erlanger | 41018 | — | 109 mi |
| Florence | 41022 | — | 103 mi |
| Fort Knox | 40121 | — | 43 mi |
| Frankfort | 40601 | — | 53 mi |
| Franklin | 42134 | — | 89 mi |
| Glasgow | 42141 | — | 51 mi |
| Hazard | 41701 | — | 117 mi |
| Hebron | 41021 | — | 110 mi |
| Henderson | 42419 | — | 127 mi |
| Hopkinsville | 42240 | — | 129 mi |
| La Grange | 40031 | — | 60 mi |
| Lancaster | 40444 | — | 40 mi |
| Leitchfield | 42754 | — | 56 mi |
| Lexington | 40502 | — | 56 mi |
| London | 40741 | — | 71 mi |
| Louisville | 40201 | — | 50 mi |
| Newport | 41071 | — | 114 mi |
| Nicholasville | 40340 | — | 46 mi |
| Owensboro | 42301 | — | 102 mi |
| Paducah | 42001 | — | 188 mi |
| Paris | 40361 | — | 74 mi |
| Pikeville | 41501 | — | 153 mi |
| Radcliff | 40159 | — | 39 mi |
| Richmond | 40475 | — | 57 mi |
| Shelbyville | 40065 | — | 47 mi |
| Shepherdsville | 40165 | — | 39 mi |
| Somerset | 42501 | — | 51 mi |
| Versailles | 40383 | — | 47 mi |
| Winchester | 40391 | — | 69 mi |
Soil Temperature FAQ for Kentucky
What is the current soil temperature in Kentucky?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Kentucky is 63°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 37°F to 72°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Kentucky?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Kentucky, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Kentucky?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.