Great Smoky Mountains Weather in October: 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, 2026October in Great Smoky Mountains68°F days, 44°F nights at Gatlinburg entrance (1,454 ft), with about 3.2 inches of precipitation. 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.
How elevation changes the weather in Great Smoky Mountains
Estimated average high and low for each area in October, 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 ftKuwohi50° / 26°
- 5,046 ftNewfound Gap55° / 31°
- 1,716 ftCades Cove67° / 43°
- 1,462 ftSugarlands Visitor Center68° / 44°
Estimates based on the long-term average at Gatlinburg entrance (1,454 ft). Check the live forecast for each area above before you go.
October compared with the months around it
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precipitation | Snowfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
October is 10°F cooler than September by day, and November cools another 10°F. It is the driest month of the year here.
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 October
Picked from Great Smoky Mountains's average weather in October.
Nights average 44°F at Gatlinburg entrance, and higher campgrounds run colder. A bag rated about 10°F below the low keeps you warm.
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October averages 3.2 inches of rain here. A full-coverage rainfly keeps you and your gear dry.
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With nights near 44°F, hot meals and drinks make mornings much easier. Stoves are usually allowed even when campfires are banned.
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In bear country, coolers must go in your vehicle or a food locker when not in use.
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Great Smoky Mountains in October: questions
What is the weather like in Great Smoky Mountains in October?
At Gatlinburg entrance (1,454 ft), October averages 68°F by day and 44°F at night, with about 3.2 inches of precipitation. 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.
How cold does Great Smoky Mountains get at night in October?
Nights average 44°F at Gatlinburg entrance. Up at Kuwohi (6,643 ft) expect it about 18°F colder, near 26°F.
Does it snow in Great Smoky Mountains in October?
Not at Gatlinburg entrance, where October averages no snowfall. Snow is still possible at the highest elevations.
How does October compare with September?
October averages 68°F by day, 10°F cooler than September, and November averages 58°F.
What should I wear in Great Smoky Mountains in October?
Plan for layers you can add and remove: a fleece or light puffy for mornings and evenings. 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.