March 13, 2018
A Look at the Weather: Gatlinburg Average Temperatures for Each Month
As you decide when to take your getaway in Gatlinburg, TN, the weather is one of the biggest factors to consider. Unlike other popular vacation spots, Gatlinburg is a year-round destination that offers something different to experience in each season. Featuring a temperate mountain climate, Gatlinburg typically does not get oppressively hot or bone-chillingly cold. To help you plan your next vacation, Hearthside Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to the Gatlinburg average temperatures for each month. We’ve also included a look at our favorite seasonal events and activities.
1. January
Average high: 48 °F
Average low: 25 °F
January may feature some of the coldest temperatures of the year, but it is still a wonderful time to vacation in Gatlinburg! We recommend visiting for the annual New Year’s Celebration at the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which includes an incredible fireworks display. January is also great for skiers and snowboarders, as the slopes at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area will be covered in fresh powder.
Average high: 53 °F
Average low: 28 °F
Gatlinburg is the perfect place to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Couples will love hiding away in a romantic one bedroom cabin and enjoying the stunning mountain scenery. If you are planning a family getaway in February, you will find a number of fun indoor attractions that your kids will love. Some of our favorites include Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlin’s Escape Games, and the Guinness World Records Adventure.
3. March
Average high: 61 °F
Average low: 33 °F
Late March usually marks the beginning of the lovely spring weather in Gatlinburg. Vacationers will love being out and about as they walk along The Strip or take in the sights in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Popular events include A Mountain Quiltfest, the Easter Arts & Crafts Show, and the Festival of Nations at the nearby Dollywood theme park.
4. April
Average high: 70 °F
Average low: 41 °F
Spring is in full swing during April! The Smokies are famous for their gorgeous wildflowers, which reach their peak toward the end of the month. Vacationers can even sign up for a guided hike to the flowers with the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. For more information, check out our guide to the top 6 spring events in Gatlinburg.
5. May
Average high: 77 °F
Average low: 50 °F
May is a great time for outdoor adventures around Gatlinburg! Located about 40 minutes outside of the city, Smoky Mountain Outdoors offers thrilling whitewater rafting trips down the Pigeon River, which is the third most rafted river in the nation. Other popular activities include hiking in the national park, horseback riding in Cades Cove, or ziplining at CLIMB Works.
Average high: 83 °F
Average low: 58 °F
As spring transitions to summer, the weather gets warmer and Gatlinburg really comes alive for peak vacation season. In the second half of the month (and for the rest of the summer), the city offers complimentary trolley rides through the downtown area and free live music as part of the Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales festival. June is also when the synchronous fireflies come to the Elkmont area in the national park to perform a one-of-a-kind light display.
7. July
Average high: 86 °F
Average low: 62 °F
As you can see, the Gatlinburg average temperatures are spectacular in July! This month is a great time to rent a cabin with swimming pool access or pay a visit to Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark. If you can visit Gatlinburg for July 4th, you’ll enjoy the midnight Independence Day Parade, a river raft regatta, and some of the very best fireworks in the Southeast.
8. August
Average high: 85 °F
Average low: 61 °F
August is your last chance to enjoy some summer fun in Gatlinburg. Some of our favorite activities include going tubing at the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, playing putt-putt at Hillbilly Golf, and getting an ice cream cone at Mad Dog’s Creamery. Don’t forget to pack some sunscreen!
9. September
Average high: 80 °F
Average low: 55 °F
September features gorgeous weather without the huge crowds of the summer months. In nearby Pigeon Forge, vacationers can enjoy two awesome car shows: Shades of the Past and the Fall Rod Run. Other great events include the Taste of Autumn fundraiser and the start of Ober Gatlinburg’s Oktoberfest celebration.
Average high: 71 °F
Average low: 43 °F
October is one of the most popular times to visit Gatlinburg, and it’s not hard to see why! During this month, the Smokies boast spectacular fall colors that cascade down the mountains in every shade of red, yellow, and orange. The weather is comfortably cool, making it perfect for hiking and picnicking. Of course, Gatlinburg also hosts a variety of fun Halloween events.
11. November
Average high: 61 °F
Average low: 34 °F
In early November, visitors to Gatlinburg can catch the end of the stunning fall foliage. However, this month also marks the official beginning of winter in the Smokies. Gatlinburg ushers in the holiday season with the annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff, which is when the city turns on its 3 million LED Christmas lights.
12. December
Average high: 51 °F
Average low: 28 °F
Gatlinburg is absolutely magical during December! The city celebrates the holiday season with the annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, free Christmas entertainment on The Strip, and trolley tours of the downtown Winter Magic lights. The weather may be a little chilly, but you’ll be nice and warm when you stay at a log cabin with a toasty fireplace.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg
Now that you know the Gatlinburg average temperatures for each month, you can start planning your vacation in the Smoky Mountains! With everything from 1 bedroom cabins to 18 bedroom lodges, we are guaranteed to have the perfect accommodations for your escape. Browse our selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals to find the vacation rental of your dreams!
