Weather in Gatlinburg

What to Expect

Weather in Gatlinburg

Due to its high elevation and temperate Tennessee weather, Gatlinburg is a great place to visit no matter what time of year. The Smoky Mountains boast pleasant temperatures year round; with typically mild and short winters ranging with lows in the 20s and highs around 50. Summer can tend to be humid with highs in the mid 80s, but the cooler air of the elevation close to Mount LeConte makes it ideal.

At 6,593 feet, Mount LeConte is the third highest peak of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and because Elk Spring Resort is uniquely positioned near the base, views of the mountains are plentiful throughout the year. If you want to see the bright, full trees, and guarantee the best weather, be sure to come between April and September. If your family wants to see the splendor of fall in the Appalachia, October and November are key months to enjoy with us. And to treat the snowbird in your life, join us from December to February to catch the slopes.

Must Brings For Your Trip

  • Sunscreen
  • Insulated Water Bottle to stay hydrated
  • Binoculars
  • Your everyday toiletry items you use for bedtime and morning (face wash, brush, lotion, shampoo/conditioner, blow dryer/straightener/curling iron, razor, etc)
  • Comfy pajamas
  • Bathing suit for the Jacuzzi at your cabin
  • First Aid kit
  • A camera to capture those special moments on your trip
  • Any electronic charging device you may require (for your cell phone, camera, tablet, laptop and so on)
  • Small backpack for outings and to store items for outdoor activities
  • Indoor games to play around the fire or other entertainment (guitar, cards, art supplies, etc)
  • Your favorite movies to watch
  • Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers for smores around the fire or your favorite snacks

Winter

The temperature is cool with snow-topped peaks at higher elevations with an average snowfall of around 12 inches. Winterfest is a fantastic way to enjoy the sights of Gatlinburg with lights on display all through town, riding down the Tubing Hill at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, or seeing Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas.

What to pack

  • Suitable jacket for outdoor weather
  • Warm Hat or ear muffs, gloves, and scarf for all your outdoor fun
  • Sweaters (thick and light), long sleeved shirts, jeans (suitable for horseback riding), warm vest and comfortable and durable clothing (especially for fishing, hiking, and outdoor specific activities), long johns
  • Snow boots, waterproof footwear, or comfy shoes for outdoor activities
  • Snow pants and winter ski coat for the skiers, snowboarders, and sledding fans

Spring

While March can be tricky, it also brings the first warmth of the season with average temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees. The trees begin to wake up and the flowers bloom, and you can hike through the Smoky Mountains to see the natural beauty of the area. Click here for some of our favorite trail options and see spectacular waterfalls. Caught on a snowy or rainy afternoon? Take the family to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

What to pack

  • A light jacket or coat in case it gets cool at night
  • Hiking boots or shoes
  • Rain jacket or waterproof coat
  • Umbrella
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities, long and short sleeved shirts and sweaters, long and short pants
  • Bug spray

Summer

Summertime in the Smokies means humid, sunny days with temperatures in the 80s, and occasional quick thunderstorms. There are plenty of ways to beat the heat, and local swimming holes such as Midnight Hole, a popular and beautiful space approximately 70 feet wide and 10 feet deep, are abound. If your family is looking to spend a day in the water, also consider Splash Mountain, the water park at Dollywood. The trees are full and green this time of year, and you can explore why these mountains are called “smoky.”

What to pack

  • Bathing suit or shorts
  • Swim shoes
  • Sandals or Flip flops or comfy tennis shoes
  • Sunglasses and sun hats
  • Shorts, light clothing, a few sweaters for evening weather, light fabric pants, jeans, and summer dresses
  • Umbrella for those who want to escape the sun rays and summer heat
  • Bug spray

Fall

It goes without saying that seeing the changing of the leaves is one of the most beautiful sights to behold. Autumn in Gatlinburg holds temperatures ranging in the mid 40s to high 60s.  The Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer many scenic drive options, and the evenings are just right to sit around one of our open fire pits and relax with your loved ones.

  • Light jacket for evening wear
  • Rain jacket
  • Umbrella
  • Comfy shoes or boots for exploring
  • Light scarf and gloves as it can be chilly in the evenings
  • Sweaters and clothes for layering depending on your activities
  • Umbrella for those who want to escape the sun rays and summer heat
  • Bug spray