Great Smoky Mountains Weather in August: What to Expect and What to Pack
Monthly averages are NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals. Check the NPS alerts page for road and trail closures before you go.
By John Love I've been here · Aug 2022Facts checked against NPS.gov · Updated October 6, 2026August in Great Smoky Mountains82°F days, 62°F nights at Gatlinburg entrance (1,454 ft), with about 4.4 inches of precipitation. 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.
How elevation changes the weather in Great Smoky Mountains
Estimated average high and low for each area in August, highest first. Air cools about 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet you climb, so the same day can feel like two different seasons.
- 6,643 ftKuwohi64° / 44°
- 5,046 ftNewfound Gap69° / 49°
- 1,716 ftCades Cove81° / 61°
- 1,462 ftSugarlands Visitor Center82° / 62°
Estimates based on the long-term average at Gatlinburg entrance (1,454 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.
August compared with the months around it
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
August is 1°F cooler than July by day, and September cools another 4°F.
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.
What to pack for Great Smoky Mountains in August
Picked from Great Smoky Mountains's average weather in August.
Nights average 62°F at Gatlinburg entrance, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.
Shop at Coleman
August averages 4.4 inches of rain here. A full-coverage rainfly keeps you and your gear dry.
Shop at ColemanRain jacket on Amazon
In bear country, coolers must go in your vehicle or a food locker when not in use.
Shop at ColemanSome links above are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this works
Great Smoky Mountains in August: questions
What is the weather like in Great Smoky Mountains in August?
At Gatlinburg entrance (1,454 ft), August averages 82°F by day and 62°F at night, with about 4.4 inches of precipitation. 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.
How cold does Great Smoky Mountains get at night in August?
Nights average 62°F at Gatlinburg entrance. Up at Kuwohi (6,643 ft) expect it about 18°F colder, near 44°F.
Does it snow in Great Smoky Mountains in August?
Not at Gatlinburg entrance, where August averages no snowfall.
How does August compare with July?
August averages 82°F by day, 1°F cooler than July, and September averages 78°F.
What should I wear in Great Smoky Mountains in August?
Plan for light layers and a rain jacket. Check the forecast for each area you will visit a few days before you go.
More for your Great Smoky Mountains trip
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park guideFees, hours, maps, where to stay and a first-day plan.
- 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.