Local Weather

Great Smoky Mountains Climate

range from approximately 875 feet to 6,643 feet and the topography can drastically affect local weather. Temperatures can vary 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit from mountain base to top, and clear skies lower down do not guarantee equally pleasant weather at higher elevations. The park's abundant rainfall and high summertime humidity provide excellent growing conditions. In the Smokies, the average annual rainfall varies from approximately 55 inches in the valleys to over 85 inches on some peaks-more than anywhere else in the country except the Pacific Northwest, qualifying these upper elevation areas as temperate rain forests. During wet years, over eight feet of rain falls in the high country. The relative humidity in the park during the growing season is about twice that of the Rocky Mountain region. Some prior planning and weather-wise clothing will help ensure an enjoyable visit during any season.

Spring

March through May: Spring brings with it unpredictable weather. Changes can occur rapidly - sunny skies can yield snow flurries in just a few hours. March is the month with the most radical changes; snow can fall at any time during the month, particularly in the higher elevations. Temperatures in the lower elevations have a mean high of 61ºF while low temperatures, which are often below freezing, have a mean of 42ºF. By mid-April the weather is usually milder and daytime temperatures often reach the 70's and occasionally the 80's. Below freezing temperatures at night are uncommon in the lower elevations but still occur higher up. April averages over four inches of rain, usually in the form of afternoon showers. May is warmer, with daytime highs in the 70's and 80's and lows in the 40's and 50's. May rainfall averages about 4.5 inches.

Summer

June through August: Summer in the Smokies means heat, haze, and humidity. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are common and the peak rainfall month for both the lower and upper levels is in July. Temperatures increase through the period with July and August afternoon highs in the 80's and 90s in the lower elevations. Evening lows are usually comfortable with readings in the 60's and 70's. In the higher elevations, the weather is much more pleasant. On Mount Le Conte (6,593' elevation), temperatures above 80 degrees are extremely rare. Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to take a hike in the Smokies.

Autumn

September through mid-November: Clear skies and cooler weather signal the onset of the fall color season. Warm days alternate with cool nights. Daytime highs are usually in the 70's and 80's during September, falling to the 50's and 60's in early November. The first frosts often occur in late September, and by November, the lows are usually near freezing. This is the driest period of the year with only occasional rain showers, but in the higher elevations, snow is a possibility. Fall is one of the busiest times in the park, with some of the most beautiful fall colors to be found anywhere in the world.

Winter

Mid-November through February: Winter in the Smokies is generally moderate, but extremes in weather do occur, especially with an increase in elevation. It is not unusual to have warm temperatures in the low elevations and snow in the higher areas. About half the days in the winter have high temperatures of 50 degrees or more and highs occasionally even reach the 70's. Most nights have lows at or below freezing, but lows of -20°F. are possible at high elevations. In low elevations, snows of 1” or more occur 1-5 times a year and sometimes this snow melts within a few hours of falling. Snow falls more frequently in the higher mountains and up to two feet can fall during a storm. January and February are the months when one is most likely to find snow in the park.

At higher elevations, the climate is significantly cooler than in the surrounding lowlands and the mountain peaks receive much more snow. At nearly a mile high, Newfound Gap (elevation 5,046') receives an average of 69” of snow during the winter season. When winter precipitation is falling, however, travel conditions can quickly become very hazardous in the park. Newfound Gap Road (US-441) and other park roads are often temporarily closed during winter storms due to snow and ice on the roadways.