Gatlinburg Weather

Hi this is Tony again, and here’s my take on Gatlinburg Weather for each month of the year. At the bottom you’ll find a handy table of average temperatures and precipitation in Gatlinburg, but I wanted to offer my own experiences to flesh out the story a little.

Gatlinburg stays open year-round, and so does Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the weather never gets really extreme, whether in mid-summer or mid-winter. So the fun keeps on going all year – and now let’s dive into what it’s like in each month of the year!

All temperatures are in Fahrenheit.

January – what weather to expect

Cold and crisp with potential rain and snow. High around 50° low around 28°. You’ll want a good winter coat, warm socks, boots, and layers such as sweaters or hoodies to stay warm. The air is brisk and invigorating, snow is on the ground and maybe falling. Everything is scenic – waterfalls are frozen and many park trails are open and accessible. The sunshine is warm and the nights get freezing, so watch for icemelt on the mountain roads at night. Winterfest lights are still on, the towns are buzzing as always – see our events guide. It’s great cozy-cabin weather and it’s “shoulder season” so cabin specials should be attractive cost savings.

February – what weather to expect

Similar to January, with cold temps and snow – high about 51° and low around 27°. Winter attire, thermal layers and waterproof footwear. Sunshine is warm but you can still see your breath in the morning, and winds can bite! Scenic driving everywhere – look for the first daffodils in Cades Cove but more likely March. Bear cubs are born around now, but you won’t catch a glimpse of them until a bit later. Skiing and Snow Tubing up on the mountain all month, Valentine’s Day brings the cabin bookings.

March – what weather to expect

Spring is coming and everyone knows it. Daffodils in Cades Cove, the first hint of the wildflower explosion getting ready to burst. Highs around 60° now – paradise after the winter – and lows near 35° – could still freeze a bit, more rain now, but cold snaps are common too. Snow tubing keeps going, ski slopes may be closing. The waters of the park are starting to swell. Layered clothing is essential in varying temperatures, especially if you gain elevation.

April – what weather to expect

Mild weather with highs around 73° and lows about 45° – comfortable, nice for just about anything, and everyone is open now for the season. It’s the Smokies, so always expect rain, but especially now. Lighter clothing such as t-shirts, but include a rain jacket or umbrella. Cool breezes and night chills, but no more freezing. The snowpack is melting and the waters of the park are rushing. The forest floor is not yet shaded from the sun with the dense canopies of leaves, so the millions of wildflowers take their annual chance to bloom  – be sure to catch this! Wildlife is wide awake now, including bears and their cubs – be responsible toward all animals, they only know fight or flight, not tourism!

May – what weather to expect

Warm temperatures with highs around 78° and lows of 49°. Some rain. Summer wear backed up with layers and a jacket for evenings. Pleasant weather, everything is in bloom, and the towns are buzzing. Great time for whitewater rafting!  If you play golf, now’s your chance. Perfect weather for outdoor activities, chased down with a hot tub on the deck in the evening’s refreshing  cool. We see a lot of weddings planned for this month – did you propose back in February?

June – what weather to expect

Hot weather generally, with highs reaching 86° and lows around 57°, and with high humidity. The secret is to hit the higher elevations, and put yourself exactly at the temperature range that suits you. Lightweight clothing with breathable fabrics, and comfortable walking shoes. It’s a great time for stargazing with amazing skies, whether from your cabin deck or in the field. It’s the month of the Synchronous Fireflies, if you can get a parking place or know one of the secret viewing spots.

July – what weather to expect

Very warm, with average highs of about 87° – which can surge into the nineties – and lows of 60°. We get July thunderstorms. Evenings are mild to warm, so plan your barbecues accordingly, or your walking tours, strolls and outdoor events. Brilliant flame azaleas in the higher elevations during this month – many trails are easy, so take a hike! If you’re in town, expect bustling crowds and live music on Parkway.

August – what weather to expect

Warm temperatures continue with highs around 86° and lows near 60°, and it continues humid. Lightweight clothing is essential, and maybe sun protection such as hat and sunglasses. But remember, you can lose 20 degrees on a hike into the mountains, so always carry an extra layer (and always spare dry socks too, because there’s a lot of water in these misty mountains). This is Harvest Festival season and you’ll see haystacks and the famous Scarecrows everywhere in town.

September – what weather to expect

Gradually cooling down with highs of 82° and lows at 53°. Layered clothing is really always recommended, with a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings. The air feels a little crisper in the mornings, and there are live music events, and lots of car shows. Everywhere is accessible, and you can do pretty much whatever activity you want in this month – fishing, boating, horseback riding, golf. It’s fall for sure, and toward the end of month the leaves will begin to turn. The famous Smoky Mountain fall colors are coming.

October – what weather to expect

Crisp autumn air with highs around 72° and lows near 41° – the perfect mix for a lot of people. This is a high season for visitors, with gorgeous fall foliage showing – this is where having a hundred different species of tree takes on some meaning. Also the peak month for marriage. Cozy attire such as flannel shirt, jeans and boots are perfect for this season. And just getting around anywhere is a scenic drive or a walk in the autumn leaves. Beautiful month.

November – what weather to expect

Cooler temperatures with average highs of 63° and lows at 38°. Can be stormy. Definite chill in the air, check for firewood and warm drinks. We’re wearing warmer layers now including heavier coats, gloves and hats, especially mornings and evenings. Winterfest activities begin and the lights go on everywhere – many, many millions of festive lights. We should see the first of the snows, and if the temps are low enough they’ll be making snow on the mountain and getting the snow tubing ready to open for Thanksgiving. Shopping is a feature of this month, with holidays coming and the Arts & Crafts shows starting at the end of month.

December – what weather to expect

Cold weather returns with highs around 51° and lows about 28 – so the freeze has begun and people are hoping for snow – there will be some, and we’ll have a white Christmas, but the real snows will start in the new year. Heavy winter clothing is important, with thermal layers for added warmth. Be careful driving, and keep that cabin cozy – oh, and season’s greetings, enjoy the holidays!

Average Monthly Temps in Gatlinburg