Weather & Climate in Cumberland, KY
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Cumberland enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 36°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 49.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 16.7 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 2,262 feet.
Temperature
36°F Jan (2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 56.0°F |
| 4% above US avg | |
| January Average | 36°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 2,262 ft (689 m) |
| Area | 3.1 sq mi (8.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 716/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9870°N, 82.9961°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wise County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME) 89 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 62.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 6.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado | Very Low |
| Hurricane | Very Low |
| Earthquake | Very Low |
| Wildfire | Relatively Low |
| Flood | Relatively Low |
| Hail | Very Low |
| Strong Wind | Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave | No Rating |
| Winter Weather | Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning | Very Low |
| Ice Storm | Very Low |
| Drought | Very Low |
| Cold Wave | Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide | Relatively Moderate |
| Avalanche | Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
81 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.2.
| Nov 10, 2012 | 6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky | M4.2 | 18 km | 17 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 | 9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky | M4.0 | 35 km | 1 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 | 6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee | M3.8 | 72 km | 23 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 | 2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee | M3.8 | 111 km | 35 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 | 8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky | M3.7 | 90 km | 1 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 | 10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia | M3.4 | 91 km | 5 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 | 6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia | M3.4 | 137 km | 2 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 | 7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee | M3.4 | 101 km | 17 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 | 5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky | M3.2 | 14 km | 0 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 | 4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky | M3.2 | 104 km | 26 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 | 11 km S of New Market, Tennessee | M3.2 | 120 km | 17 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 | 11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee | M3.2 | 123 km | 14 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 | 7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky | M3.1 | 72 km | 1 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 | 10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee | M3.1 | 84 km | 21 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 | 11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee | M3.0 | 60 km | 0 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 | 3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee | M3.0 | 117 km | 10 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 | 7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee | M3.0 | 127 km | 7 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 | 4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina | M3.0 | 148 km | 2 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 | 7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee | M3.0 | 88 km | 13 km |
| Apr 5, 2005 | 1 km SE of Blaine, Tennessee | M2.9 | 112 km | 10 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tornado History
120 tornadoes (EF0+) recorded within 100 km since 1950. Strongest on record: EF3. Total: 7 fatalities, 156 injuries.
| Date | Rating | Distance | Path | Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 | EF3 | 83 km | 49.0 mi | 2 |
| May 9, 1988 | EF3 | 80 km | 5.0 mi | 1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 | EF3 | 97 km | 8.4 mi | 1 |
| Jun 29, 1973 | EF3 | 98 km | 0.5 mi | 0 |
| Mar 2, 2012 | EF2 | 76 km | 2.6 mi | 0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 | EF2 | 82 km | 8.8 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 2009 | EF2 | 41 km | 1.7 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 2009 | EF2 | 93 km | 1.1 mi | 0 |
| May 8, 2009 | EF2 | 78 km | 2.2 mi | 0 |
| Jun 2, 2001 | EF2 | 98 km | 7.0 mi | 0 |
| May 18, 1995 | EF2 | 55 km | 24.0 mi | 0 |
| May 6, 1984 | EF2 | 98 km | 5.0 mi | 0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 | EF2 | 51 km | 11.5 mi | 0 |
| Oct 1, 1977 | EF2 | 98 km | 12.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 | EF2 | 100 km | 19.8 mi | 0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 | EF2 | 92 km | 0.2 mi | 0 |
| Mar 12, 1967 | EF2 | 96 km | 16.0 mi | 1 |
| Jun 3, 1962 | EF2 | 83 km | 0.1 mi | 0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 | EF2 | 87 km | 3.0 mi | 0 |
| Mar 5, 1955 | EF2 | 59 km | 4.3 mi | 0 |
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (EF0+, 1950-2024, US only).
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) recorded within 100 km. Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 acres, 1987).
| Year | Name | Acres Burned | Distance |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 66,345 | 56 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 66,145 | 62 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 38,312 | 98 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 32,565 | 80 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 22,282 | 89 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 20,994 | 89 km |
| 2001 | UNNAMED | 18,013 | 53 km |
| 1999 | UNNAMED | 17,759 | 55 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 17,406 | 41 km |
| 1999 | UNNAMED | 17,328 | 41 km |
| 1994 | UNNAMED | 15,526 | 47 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 15,138 | 12 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 14,264 | 94 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 13,124 | 70 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 11,817 | 72 km |
| 1991 | UNNAMED | 11,117 | 95 km |
| 1999 | UNNAMED | 10,990 | 57 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 10,817 | 82 km |
| 1987 | UNNAMED | 9,572 | 53 km |
| 1999 | UNNAMED | 9,384 | 77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN Wildfire Records (100+ acres).
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36°F (2°C) | 3.7 in | Coldest |
| February | 39°F (4°C) | 3.9 in | |
| March | 46°F (8°C) | 4.8 in | |
| April | 56°F (13°C) | 4.5 in | |
| May | 64°F (18°C) | 4.8 in | |
| June | 71°F (22°C) | 4.4 in | |
| July | 75°F (24°C) | 5.7 in | Warmest, Wettest |
| August | 74°F (24°C) | 4.2 in | |
| September | 68°F (20°C) | 3.3 in | |
| October | 58°F (14°C) | 2.9 in | Driest |
| November | 46°F (8°C) | 3.2 in | |
| December | 39°F (4°C) | 4.5 in |
Cumberland has a seasonal temperature swing of 39°F / from 36°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.7") and October the driest (2.9").