Soil Temperature in Kentucky
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Kentucky is 82°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 81°F to 83°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Kentucky with soil averaging 82°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Kentucky
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Kentucky. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Kentucky (3)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Kentucky. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Kentucky. See the Kentucky soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Princeton #1 (Caldwell) | 82°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Mammoth Cave (Hart) | 81°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Versailles 3 NNW | 83°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Kentucky (37)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Ashland | 41101 | 80°F* |
| Berea | 40403 | 83°F |
| Bowling Green | 42101 | 81°F |
| Campbellsville | 42718 | 81°F |
| Corbin | 40701 | 77°F* |
| Covington | 41011 | 83°F |
| Danville | 40422 | 83°F |
| Elizabethtown | 42701 | 81°F |
| Erlanger | 41018 | 83°F |
| Florence | 41022 | 83°F |
| Fort Knox | 40121 | 81°F |
| Frankfort | 40601 | 83°F |
| Franklin | 42134 | 81°F |
| Glasgow | 42141 | 81°F |
| Hazard | 41701 | 78°F* |
| Hebron | 41021 | 83°F |
| Henderson | 42419 | 82°F |
| Hopkinsville | 42240 | 82°F |
| La Grange | 40031 | 83°F |
| Lancaster | 40444 | 83°F |
| Leitchfield | 42754 | 81°F |
| Lexington | 40502 | 83°F |
| London | 40741 | 83°F |
| Louisville | 40201 | 83°F |
| Newport | 41071 | 83°F |
| Nicholasville | 40340 | 83°F |
| Owensboro | 42301 | 82°F |
| Paducah | 42001 | 82°F |
| Paris | 40361 | 83°F |
| Pikeville | 41501 | 80°F* |
| Radcliff | 40159 | 81°F |
| Richmond | 40475 | 83°F |
| Shelbyville | 40065 | 83°F |
| Shepherdsville | 40165 | 83°F |
| Somerset | 42501 | 83°F |
| Versailles | 40383 | 83°F |
| Winchester | 40391 | 83°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Kentucky
- Summer Lawn Dormancy: Keep Cool-Season Grass Alive in Heat
Cool-season grass slows once 2-inch soil sustains 75°F and goes dormant near 85°F.
- When to Apply Grub Control: The 65-70°F Soil Window
Apply preventive grub control (chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid) before eggs hatch, when 2-4 inch soil holds 65-70°F: late June through July in most regions.
- Lawn Fungus by Temperature: Brown Patch, Dollar Spot & More
Brown patch and Pythium strike when humid nights hold above 68°F on lush, over-fertilized turf; dollar spot, red thread, and rust hit slow-growing lawns at 60-85°F.
- When to Apply Broadleaf Weed Killer on Warm-Season Lawns in Spring
Spring broadleaf timing for St.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Kentucky
What is the current soil temperature in Kentucky?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Kentucky is 82°F, based on 3 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 81°F to 83°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.