Great Smoky Mountains Weather: Forecast and Month-by-Month Averages
Live forecasts from the National Weather Service. Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures.
In shortGreat Smoky Mountains is humid and wet, with elevations from about 876 ft at Abrams Creek to 6,643 ft at Kuwohi. The table shows Gatlinburg at the park's low-elevation edge (Sugarlands/park headquarters area): summer highs in the low 80s and winter highs near 50°F. The high peaks such as Kuwohi and Mount Le Conte run 10-20°F (often 20-25°F) colder, get about 85 inches of precipitation a year versus about 58 in the lowlands, and see heavy winter snow.
Great Smoky Mountains forecast by area
Weather changes a lot with elevation here, so check the forecast for where you are actually going. Each forecast covers the National Weather Service grid square around that spot.
Sugarlands Visitor Center (Gatlinburg entrance) 1,462 ft
Matches the table: warm, humid summers in the low 80s; mild winters with only a few inches of snow a year.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Sugarlands Visitor Center (Gatlinburg entrance).
Cades Cove 1,716 ft
Similar to Gatlinburg; the valley floor collects cold air, so clear nights can be frostier than the town.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Cades Cove.
Newfound Gap 5,046 ft
Typically 10-20°F cooler than Gatlinburg; Newfound Gap Road can close for snow and ice in winter.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Newfound Gap.
Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) / Mount Le Conte (6,593 ft, hike-in only) 6,643 ft
Summer highs only in the mid-60s and winter highs in the mid-30s; about 85 in of precipitation and up to 26 in of snow in March.
The live 7-day forecast loads here. You can also open the National Weather Service forecast for Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome) / Mount Le Conte (6,593 ft, hike-in only).
Average weather in Great Smoky Mountains by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47°F | 27°F | 4.8 in | 2.4 in |
| February | 51°F | 29°F | 4.3 in | 2.4 in |
| March | 59°F | 35°F | 5.6 in | 1.3 in |
| April | 69°F | 42°F | 4.9 in | 0.0 in |
| May | 75°F | 51°F | 5.5 in | 0.0 in |
| June | 80°F | 59°F | 6.0 in | 0.0 in |
| July | 83°F | 63°F | 6.3 in | 0.0 in |
| August | 82°F | 62°F | 4.4 in | 0.0 in |
| September | 78°F | 56°F | 4.3 in | 0.0 in |
| October | 68°F | 44°F | 3.2 in | 0.0 in |
| November | 58°F | 34°F | 4.0 in | 0.2 in |
| December | 50°F | 29°F | 4.9 in | 1.4 in |
These are long-term averages at one station. Higher areas of the park are colder, and any single year can be much warmer, colder, wetter or drier.
Great Smoky Mountains weather month by month
Great Smoky Mountains in January
47°F / 27°F. Gatlinburg averages 47°F/27°F with about 2 inches of snow, while Kuwohi averages 35°F/19°F with about 18 inches. Clingmans Dome (Kuwohi) Road is closed to vehicles, and Newfound Gap Road can close for snow and ice.
Great Smoky Mountains in February
51°F / 29°F. Usually the snowiest month in the lowlands (about 3 in); the high peaks average about 20 in. Expect icy trails and possible Newfound Gap Road closures.
Great Smoky Mountains in March
59°F / 35°F. Weather changes fast; sunny skies can turn to snow flurries within hours, and March is the snowiest month on the peaks (about 26 in). Kuwohi Road stays closed to vehicles through March 31.
Great Smoky Mountains in April
69°F / 42°F. Kuwohi Road usually reopens to vehicles April 1. Lowland highs are around 69°F, but the summits average only about 49°F, and late snow is still possible up high.
Great Smoky Mountains in May
75°F / 51°F. Mild in the lowlands (75°F/51°F) and cool on the peaks (57°F/43°F). Showers are frequent, and waterfalls run strong.
Great Smoky Mountains in June
80°F / 59°F. Warm and humid in Gatlinburg (80°F) with afternoon thunderstorms building; Kuwohi stays in the low 60s. Haze often limits views.
Great Smoky Mountains in July
83°F / 63°F. The hottest and wettest month: about 83°F in Gatlinburg (low 90s on some days) and 8.3 in of rain at Kuwohi. Plan summit hikes early, before afternoon storms.
Great Smoky Mountains in August
82°F / 62°F. Still warm and stormy in the lowlands (82°F/62°F). The high peaks stay in the mid-60s, which makes them the most comfortable escape from the heat.
Great Smoky Mountains in September
78°F / 56°F. The start of the driest season, with about 3 in of rain in Gatlinburg. Nights cool off, and the first frost often comes in late September at higher elevations.
Great Smoky Mountains in October
68°F / 44°F. Mild days (68°F) and cool nights (44°F) in the lowlands, with frost and possible snow (about 2 in) on the peaks. Fall color moves downhill from the high peaks through the month; it is also one of the busiest months.
Great Smoky Mountains in November
58°F / 34°F. Cooler (58°F/34°F in Gatlinburg). Snow becomes likely up high (about 5 in at Kuwohi), and Newfound Gap Road can close for ice late in the month.
Great Smoky Mountains in December
50°F / 29°F. Kuwohi Road closes to vehicles December 1 (open to walkers and skiers). Gatlinburg averages 50°F/29°F with about 1 in of snow; up to two feet can fall in a single storm on the peaks.
Weather hazards to plan for
- Sudden temperature drops of 10-20°F or more between Gatlinburg and the high peaks; dress in layers for Kuwohi, Newfound Gap, and Mount Le Conte.
- Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning and heavy rain in summer, especially June-August.
- Snow and ice closing Newfound Gap Road and making high-elevation trails icy from November into March, sometimes April.
- Flash flooding and rapidly rising streams after heavy rain; the park gets 55-85 inches of precipitation a year.
- Severe storms, including tornadoes, mainly in spring and summer, plus wildfire danger in the dry fall season during drought.
Great Smoky Mountains weather questions
What is the weather like in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October?
October is one of the driest months. In Gatlinburg, highs average about 68°F and lows about 44°F, while Kuwohi averages about 53°F/38°F and can get early snow.
Does it snow in the Smoky Mountains?
Yes. Gatlinburg averages only a few inches a year, but the high peaks average 18-26 inches a month in January-March, and a single storm can drop two feet.
How much colder is it at Kuwohi or Mount Le Conte than in Gatlinburg?
Usually 10-20°F colder, and the monthly averages differ by about 15-25°F. In July, Gatlinburg averages about 83°F while Kuwohi averages about 65°F, and temperatures above 80°F are extremely rare on Mount Le Conte.
When is thunderstorm season in the Smokies?
Summer, June through August. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are frequent, and July is the wettest month (5.7 in in Gatlinburg, 8.3 in at Kuwohi).
What is the best month for weather in the Smokies?
September and October usually have the driest, most settled weather, with warm days and cool nights. May is also pleasant before the summer heat and humidity arrive.
Great Smoky Mountains planning guides
- Best Time to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National ParkWhen to visit the Great Smokies: April wildflowers, the May firefly lottery, summer crowds, October color by elevation and winter road closures.
- Great Smoky Mountains Parking Tag Guide (Park It Forward)Great Smoky Mountains has no entrance fee, but parking over 15 minutes needs a tag: $5 a day, $15 a week, $40 a year. Who needs one, where to buy, exemptions.
- Best Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park11 of the best Smoky Mountains hikes, from Kuwohi and Grotto Falls to Alum Cave and Mount LeConte, with mileage, elevation gain, parking tags and 2026 closures.
- Camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Campgrounds, Reservations and TipsAll 10 Smoky Mountains campgrounds compared: sites, seasons, $30 fees, RV limits and 6-month Recreation.gov booking, plus backcountry permits and LeConte Lodge.
Sources
- NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals: GATLINBURG 2 SW, TN (USC00403420)
- NPS - Great Smoky Mountains: Weather (Gatlinburg and Kuwohi climate tables)
- NPS - Great Smoky Mountains: Mountains (elevations)
- NPS - Newfound Gap (Clingmans Dome Road seasonal closure)
- National Weather Service forecasts (api.weather.gov)