Gatlinburg local weather

It may be the rising mist of an early morning or a low flung cloud that has been gently snagged by a blue-green peak. This merger of cloud and mountain top gives the Smokies their name. Radiantly beautiful from early spring through the breath-taking fall season, the Smoky Mountains around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have drawn people for centuries. Now a year-round appreciation of the area has been nourished by the addition of snow skiing and winter sports in nearby Gatlinburg along with the biggest and brightest Christmas celebrations in the country in Pigeon Forge! So name your favorite season and enjoy the Tennessee Smokies.

Winter

It is Christmas time in the Smokies. Winterfest begins in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in early November and swells through the Christmas season to a real Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration in Dollywood. Gatlinburg seems to personify Christmas all year round with its quaint shops and the winter sports of Ober Gatlinburg. It can get chilly, so bring your warm clothes especially for mountain-top life which includes skiing, ice skating and snow boarding. Sunny days abound and some can be quite warm but watch out for winter snows, especially in the higher elevations. Hey, but snow is great for getting into the spirit of the season.

Spring

A perfect season for golf, park tours and shopping. It’s spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you might encounter a beautiful warm spring day in Cades Cove only to see snow on the mountain tops. Spring time ushers in the Festival of Nations at Dollywood. It’s also a great time for hiking, shopping or golf. You will need to pack for a wide range of temperatures until early May when the area warms ups considerably. As spring enters June, the water parks open signaling summers arrival.

Summer

It’s high season in the Great Smokies, where there is so much to do. Outdoor events include fishing, hiking, horseback riding and touring the adjacent National Park. Lush green mountains are filled with the mists rising as the heat of the sun warms the day. Most nights are cool in the higher elevations, so light jackets may be needed. Prime candidates for activity choices include sightseeing of course, but also look for “cool” fun at Dolly’s Splash Country and Ripley’s Aquarium. Others may prefer a game of golf, hunting for mountain hand crafts and outlet shopping.

Autumn

The Smokies are at their most beautiful in the fall. It’s the perfect season for golf, shopping or enjoying the finale of the colorful fall leaves in the mountains. Tour the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or get into the numerous Harvest and Music Festivals scattered around the area. The brilliant foliage is a visual focal point and at its prime in early to mid-October. Daytime temperatures are usually mild through October, nights however may get quite nippy. During autumn’s gorgeous sunny days, a sweater or light jacket will suffice. For cozy nights, a warm coat is handy for attending the area’s outstanding live musical performances.