In general, Tennessee enjoys a fairly mild and humid climate. Winters don’t get too cold, although summers tend to be rather hot and sweaty. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year, usually as rain with the occasional ice storm in winter. In the far eastern side of Tennessee, where the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains begin, the weather is cooler than in the rest of the state.
Summers are warm in Tennessee, with daytime highs averaging around 90°F between June and August. Add to this a solid dose of high humidity and the air starts to feel more like 100°F. It’s not particularly comfortable in summer, but this is when most people get out and enjoy the mountains and rivers. Except for in the mountainous east, Tennessee’s winters are pretty mild. Between December and February the daytime highs hover around 50°F, dropping off to around freezing at night. It doesn’t snow much except for in the Appalachians, and even then it’s often in the form of sleet and ice.
Best Time to Visit Tennessee
By all accounts, the prime time for a visit to Tennessee is in the fall. By September, the temperature has dropped into the low 80s (°F) and the humidity slowly decreases. October is a fantastic month, as daytime highs between the upper 60s (°F) and low 70s (°F). The leaves begin to turn at the end of October, reaching the peak of their beauty in early November, which is also a fine time to visit. The air is crisp but great for outdoor activities, and tourists are nowhere to be seen. The only time hotel deals seem to appear is in the winter and spring. After May, Tennessee kicks into high gear all the way through the fall.