Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Climate

Fall has warm days and cool nights and is the driest period. Frosts occur starting in late September. Daytime highs are in the 70s and 80s during September, falling to the 50s and 60s in early November. By November, nighttime lows are usually near freezing and snow is possible. Winter is generally moderate, but extreme conditions can occur. It is not unusual to have warm temperatures in the low elevations and snow in the higher areas. Half the days in the winter have high temperatures of 50 degrees or more. Nighttime lows are normally at or below freezing, but can drop to -20°F at high elevation. In the lowlands, snows of 1" or more occur 1-5 times a year. Snow falls more frequently at higher elevations. Most snow falls in January and February. For a current forecast dial (865) 436-1200 extension 630.