Weather in Gatlinburg
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers a diverse and ever-changing climate that attracts visitors year-round. From crisp, colorful autumns to snow-dusted winters, mild spring blooms, and warm, sunny summers, Gatlinburg weather provides the perfect backdrop for every type of adventure. Whether you’re planning a hiking trip, exploring the scenic parkway, or enjoying cozy cabin stays, understanding the seasonal weather in Gatlinburg helps you make the most of your visit. Stay informed and prepared to know Gatlinburg’s seasonal weather patterns and travel tips.
Weather this Week in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Weather by Season
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
FAQs about Weather in Gatlinburg
What is the average temperature in Gatlinburg by season?
Spring highs range from mid‑50 °F to low‑70 °F. Summer highs reach the low‑80s °F (up to about 83.7 °F in July), and winter highs dip into the 40s °F, with lows around the 20s–30s °F
Historical Monthly Averages
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation (Days in month) |
| January | 49℉ | 26℉ | 10 |
| February | 53℉ | 29℉ | 9 |
| March | 62℉ | 35℉ | 11 |
| April | 71℉ | 42℉ | 9 |
| May | 77℉ | 51℉ | 11 |
| June | 83℉ | 59℉ | 11 |
| July | 86℉ | 63℉ | 12 |
| August | 85℉ | 62℉ | 10 |
| September | 80℉ | 56℉ | 8 |
| October | 71℉ | 44℉ | 6 |
| November | 61℉ | 35℉ | 9 |
| December | 52℉ | 29℉ | 10 |
What time of year is the hottest in Gatlinburg?
July is the warmest: average high ~83.7 °F, average low around 60.8 °F.
What month has the most rainfall?
July is typically the wettest month, averaging about 4.37″ of rain over roughly 21.6 days.
What month is the driest?
October is driest overall, and September also sees lower rainfall (about 2.44″ over 16–17 days).
What is average humidity like?
Summers and July look at around 76% relative humidity, one of the more humid times.
When does Gatlinburg get snow?
Snow is rare in town. Snowfall mostly occurs in higher elevations in winter; May through September typically have no snow at all.
What’s the UV index like by season?
September has an average maximum UV index around 4, i.e. moderate risk.
What are daylight hours like?
In September, day length averages 12h 23m. Sunrise shifts from about 7:06 am to 7:28 am, sunset from 8:00 pm to 7:18 pm EDT over the month
When is the best time to visit, weather‑wise?
Early fall (September–October) offers mild temps (~80 °F to 70 °F), dry skies, and spectacular foliage.
What about spring weather and precipitation?
Spring (March–May) varies: cool early in the season (down to freezing nights), warming to mid‑60s–70s °F by May. Spring is one of the rainier seasons.