Weather in Gatlinburg
Summer
Gatlinburg is the perfect place to visit for your summer getaway. While East Tennessee experiences all four seasons, temperatures in the Smokies typically do not exceed highs in the upper 80s and lows in the mid-60s, even though it may seem warmer due to the humidity the season brings. Summer is the perfect time to go white water rafting or summit Mt. LeConte for our more adventurous visitors, but it is important to note, temperatures can drop about 10 to 20 degrees in the higher elevations of the mountains.
Fall
Fall brings visitors from all corners of the world to see the warm reds, oranges, and yellows that the turning leaves of the national park showcases. Every year a Fall Foliage Report is put together to monitor the changing of the leaves to provide the best time frame for visitors to see the color changing at its peak. The season usually begins very warmly, with highs still in the 80s and lows in the 50s but transitions throughout the season to highs typically reaching the mid-50s with the low temperature in the 30s, nearing the month of November. This transition can bring some snowfall in the higher elevated regions.
Winter
Winter brings many visitors. Skiing, snowboarding, admiring snow-covered mountains, as well as enjoying festivities in downtown Gatlinburg are just a few of the activities the Winter season provides. Just like the variety in winter entertainment though, temperatures can vary exceptionally throughout the Winter months, as well. Highs typically range in the 30s to 40s and low temperatures range in the 20s to 30s. However, there are usually outliers to this, with temperatures sometimes climbing into the 60s or even plunging into the teens depending on the local weather. It is important to note for park visitors, that the weather in the lower elevations can differentiate from weather in our higher elevated regions. Snow being prevalent in these higher regions is not unusual, especially in the months of January and February. It is always recommended to check the weather in these regions before beginning your trip.
Spring
Springtime in the Smokies begins as the Winter magic begins to fade and is replaced with a lively scene of greenery and mountain wildflowers. Temperatures can still be chilly with lows typically ranging around 40 to 50 degrees but gradually warming up throughout the Spring months, with highs usually reaching approximately 60 to 70 degrees. Being relatively mild in climate, springtime in Gatlinburg is the perfect time to take a hike through popular trails that highlight the blooming wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park or take a stroll throughout downtown through its many restaurants, shopping centers, and events.
Historical Monthly Averages
|
Month |
High |
Low |
Precipitation (Days out of the month) |
|
January |
49º |
26º |
10 |
|
February |
53º |
29º |
9 |
|
March |
62º |
35º |
11 |
|
April |
71º |
42º |
9 |
|
May |
77º |
51º |
11 |
|
June |
83º |
59º |
11 |
|
July |
86º |
63º |
12 |
|
August |
85º |
62º |
10 |
|
September |
80º |
56º |
8 |
|
October |
71º |
44º |
6 |
|
November |
61º |
35º |
9 |
|
December |
52º |
29º |
10 |