Weather in The Smoky Mountains

The Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular parks in the US. Millions of people visit the area each year. While planning a trip to the area many tourists ask, “How is the weather?”. There is an annual 55 inches of rain that falls in the Great Smoky Mountains and an average of 18 inches of snow. Depending on the time of year that you are visiting it can range from freezing temperatures and snow to bright, sunny days or rain.

The winter months are considered to be from the middle of November through February. The weather can vary during those months. One day could be a sunny day with temperatures in the 60’s or freezing weather in the 20’s. Temperature does depend on what part of the mountains you are planning on touring. With higher elevations come lower temperatures and sometimes snow. At lower elevations there is warmer temperatures. If you’re visiting the Great Smoky Mountains in hopes of seeing snow then visiting in January and February is the ideal time for you.

March through May are spring months. Spring is a beautiful season to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. This season is also when the temperature is most unpredictable. One day could be a sunny warm day that gets dark and rainy very quickly. Snow can still fall in March and mid April. When visiting the Great Smoky Mountains pack accordingly. Be sure you take your jacket with you while traveling during the Spring months. Lower elevations have an average temperature of 60 degrees and a low of 40 degrees for March. April sees highs of 80 degrees and lows of 50 degrees. May is a much warmer month ranging from 80 degrees to 50 degrees.

Summer months are popular months for touring the Great Smoky Mountains. From June through August heat and humidity will great you to the area. Some thunderstorms occur during these months during the afternoons. Low elevations can get highs in the 90’s. Higher elevation are cooler and more comfortable. No temperature over 80 degrees has been recorded in the Mount Le Conte area and that’s one of the highest points in the Smokies. Low temperatures are around the higher 60’s. These months are perfect for fishing and not having to worry about bringing a coat.

Perhaps the most traveled time to the Smoky Mountains are during fall months. The trees start changing colors and yellows, oranges, browns and reds can be admired through the trees. September through mid-November are well traveled months. Temperatures are comfortable and views are breathtaking. Clear skies are more common and weather is a bit more predictable. Warm days fade into cooler nights and rain is scarce. Temperature highs are in the mid 70’s to early 80’s and lows can be in the 50’s. Higher elevations start to receive snowfall by the time November comes around.

Many people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, some even multiple times per year. Come visit us and you could find yourself coming again year after year!