Yearly Weather Conditions in Gatlinburg, TN
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is nestled right in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, just 35 miles from Knoxville. It has been a popular tourist spot since the opening of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 1934, with visitors enjoying beautiful views and the wonderful air quality of the mountains.
Whether it’s hiking, dining, sightseeing, shopping, taking in the nightlife, or dinner theater, Gatlinburg has it all. Weather conditions like pouring rain, thunderstorms, and even scorching heat won’t stop the show, so be prepared to have the adventure of a lifetime when you arrive.
The best thing about Gatlinburg weather is that it rarely gets too hot or too cold. The average high temperature per year is 66.6 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low temperature is 44.1 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you want to snow tube or ski in the winter, hike in the fall, or enjoy theater dinners in the summer, the weather in Gatlinburg is always inviting. Remember that Gatlinburg and Sevier County are in the mountains, so the weather can be unpredictable! Fall is undoubtedly the best time to visit if you want to see the breathtaking changing of colors.
Temperatures By Season In Gatlinburg
Early to Late Winter
December, January, and February are typically the coldest in Gatlinburg. During this period, the area receives an average of about seven inches of snowfall. Temperatures range from an average low of 26 degrees Fahrenheit to an average high of 53 degrees Fahrenheit (-3℃).
Early to Late Spring
March, April, and May are when temperatures begin to increase. The average low is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit (8℃), while the average high runs about 71 degrees Fahrenheit (22℃).
Early Summer to Early Fall
June, July, and August are the most pleasant time of the year when temperatures are moderate. The dew point is usually about 76%, making the heat index mildly uncomfortable. The average low is 62 degrees Fahrenheit (17℃) with an average high of about 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29℃).
Fall to Early Fall
September, October, and November see temperatures beginning to dip. The average low is about 45 degrees Fahrenheit (8℃) and the average high runs about 71 degrees Fahrenheit (22℃).
What to Expect In Gatlinburg By Season
Summer
Gatlinburg is the absolute best place to plan that summer getaway. The temperatures stay in the 80s most of the time. A bit of humidity arrives between sunrise and sunset, but not so much to make it unpleasant. Many visitors take advantage of white water rafting or even hiking Mt. Le Conte. But, keep in mind that the temperatures in the higher elevations can plummet up to 20 degrees, and the wind speeds increase. Pack a jacket, even in summer!
Fall
Fall is the most beautiful time of the year in Gatlinburg. Visitors from all over the world come to see the breathtaking foliage. There is a Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage Report that people can check out. It has a listing of the fall color schedule along with pictures.
Winter
Snowboarders, skiers, and just plain old winter-lovers come to the city for fun during the colder months. People can go to the mountains or take advantage of several downtown activities. While the temperatures usually remain in the 30s and 40s, there have been freak weather occurrences when temperatures have spiked as high as 60 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you are looking for snow-related activities, always keep up with the forecast.
Spring
The area’s beautiful greenery begins to sprout in the Springtime. People come in droves to hike trails, visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, shop, and sightsee. The temperatures during this period are very mild.
Rainy Day Options in Gatlinburg
When in Gatlinburg, don’t let the rainy day blues get you down. Here’s a list of many things you can enjoy when there is a one hundred percent chance of showers:
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- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a great place to explore the underseas.
- Go to the Comedy Barn for plenty of laughs.
- Outbreak: Dread the Undead is a cool place to avoid the Zombie apocalypse.
- Ober Gatlinburg has an indoor ice rink where you can skate to your heart’s content.
- The Lazer Port Fun Center in Pigeon Forge has great laser tag games.
- Go to the Island in Pigeon Forge and play the amazing Escape Game; it’s one of the newer and most exciting attractions.
- Take a tour of Ripley’s Guinness World of Records Museum.
- Sample some delicious wine while touring the Sugarland Cellars Winery.
- The Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo has plenty of live animals to pet.
- Enjoy supper and a show at one of the many dinner theaters.
- Play games at Fannie Farkle’s in downtown Gatlinburg.
- The Smoky Mountain Opry always puts on a fantastic show.
- Make yourself dizzy by worming your way through Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze.
- If it rains while you’re at Dollywood, go inside and catch one of the many fabulous shows.
- Take in some breathtaking views while you drive around Cades Cove.
- Play some miniature golf at Circus Golf on Gatlinburg’s Parkway.
The Best Webcams For Gatlinburg Weather Footage
Gatlinburg Space Needle Live Cam – This webcam shows the Parkway area. It relays the weather conditions and current traffic. The camera shows different views and zooms in occasionally.
OberGatlinburg Live Webcam – This webcam gives a detailed panoramic view of the mountain range, tubing area, and ski area during all seasons.
Gatlinburg Ski Lift Park Live Webcam – This camera gives a great view of the Great Smoky Mountain area.
Clingman’s Dome Live Webcam – This webcam is posted at Clingman’s Dome and provides a view of the highest elevation of the Smoky Mountain Mountains.
Newfound Gap Live Webcam – This cam provides temperature information and shows the national park and parking lot area near the park.
Year-Round Fun — Rain or Shine
Gatlinburg is a great place to visit anytime because the weather is generally pleasant year-round. Like anywhere else, check the weather forecast and current conditions to know the chance of precipitation or severe weather. It’s a mountainous area, so the local weather in Gatlinburg can shift quickly. Even a slight chance of bad weather can turn into wind gusts and showers.
No matter the current weather in Gatlinburg, keep your eyes on Relax Gatlinburg. There you’ll find activities, museums, restaurants, and much more!
