Gatlinburg sits at a high elevation so its climate is generally moderate and is called a temperate mountain climate. The surrounding areas can become quite hot in the summer, so many people “head for the hills” and cool off in Gatlinburg. Visitors enjoy dipping their feet in any of the numerous mountain streams in the Gatlinburg area. The winter time climate is also somewhat mild - temperatures usually stay above freezing even when snow falls on the highest elevations. The summer is the best time to visit Gatlinburg for most people - the temperatures are warm, but there can be crowds. The spring and fall have perfect temperatures for hiking and other fun outdoor activities.
January is the year’s chilliest month in Gatlinburg with an average low temperature of 25°F (-4°C) and an average high temperature of 48°F (10°C). This month already receives the most amount of snowfall in the year with 4 inches (10 cm) expected in the city.
In February, snowfall averages fall to 2 inches (5 cm) as the temperatures start to rise. The average high temperature climbs to 53°F (12°C) while the average low temperature will rise to 28°F (-2°C) for the last of Gatlinburg’s winter months.
Gatlinburg Weather in March: Spring arrives in March along with warmer temperature averages. The average high and average low temperatures range between 61°F (16°C) and 33°F (1°C) with snowfall dwindling down to 1 inch (3 cm).
April sees the last of snow as spring goes into full swing. Average snowfall remains at 1 inch (3 cm) while the average high temperature hits 70°F (21°C). Low temperature averages shoot up to 41°F (5°C).
In May, Gatlinburg sees the highest precipitation rates out of the entire year with an expected rainfall of 6 inches (149 mm). The average high temperatures make another considerable rise to 77°F (25°C) while the average low temperatures hit 50°F (10°C).
Gatlinburg Weather in June: Temperatures climb past the 80s in June with the arrival of summer. Average high temperatures peak at 83°F (28°C) for the first of the summer months. The low temperature average is 58°F (15°C).
July is Gatlinburg’s hottest month of the year with 86°F (30°C) as the average high temperature. The average low temperature bumps up a few degrees to 62°F (17°C).
Gatlinburg Weather in August: Coming in at a close second for the hottest month of the year is August which sees average high and average low temperatures just one degree cooler than the previous month.
In September, the heat starts to subside as autumn comes to Gatlinburg. The average high temperature decreases to 80°F (27°C) and the average low temperature falls to 55°F (13°C).
October has the lowest precipitation rate of the entire year with just 3 inches (68 mm) of rainfall expected. Temperatures continue to cool as the foliage starts to turn hues of red and brown with average high temperatures at 71°F (22°C) and average low temperatures sitting at 43°F (6°C).
Gatlinburg Weather in November: Temperatures continue to sink for November, the last autumn month in Gatlinburg. The low temperature average sits at 34°F (1°C). The average high temperature to be expected is 61°F (16°C) at the most.
December marks the beginning of winter in Gatlinburg and is best illustrated with the first of the season’s snowfall. Average snowfall is 1 inch (3 cm) accompanied by an average high temperature of 51°F (10°C) and an average low temperature of 28°F (-2°C).
The best time to visit the Smoky Mountain Park and enjoy the fall foliage is during the fall season from September to November. The weather in Tennessee can change with a snap of your fingers though, so even if these months are typically dry, pack rain gear just in case. To enjoy the view of the actual mountains, come during the winter season as the lack of foliage makes viewing the mountain ranges much easier. Tennessee is the most beautiful in the spring, so if you want to experience the best of festivals and the state’s flowers and vegetation, come between March through May. Verified Resource: National Weather Service
