Tennessee is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by eight states.
Tennessee is officially known as the “Volunteer State,” a nickname earned during the War of 1812 due to the prominent role played by volunteer soldiers from Tennessee. The capital of Tennessee is Nashville, and its largest city is Memphis.
If you are planning to visit Tennessee this Christmas, you might have a question in mind, does it snow in Tennessee? Well, folks, this Article is just for you!
Does it Snow in Tennessee?
The short answer would be Yes, it does snow in Tennessee, but not a lot.
The accurate answer to this question depends on which part of Tennessee you’re asking about.
While it is a southern state, Tennessee gets snowfall yearly of around 5 to 8 inches per year. The area around the Great Smoky Mountains experiences the most snow, with an average that can reach up to 15 inches per year. The mountains act as a barrier, preventing warm air from rising and causing moisture to condense and fall as snow.
The northernmost and central parts of the state, including Nashville, generally see at least a few inches of snow each winter.
While the Eastern parts of Tennessee are the place where you will find the Snow the most.
How Often Does it Snow in Tennessee?
Although most of Tennessee is located in the humid subtropical climate zone, the high elevations of the Appalachian Mountains in the east of the state give rise to a much cooler climate. As a result, snowfall is common in Tennessee, especially in the mountains.
On average, Tennesseans can expect around 15 inches of snow each year on higher elevations. However, this number can vary considerably from year to year and from place to place.
In some years, in parts of Tennessee, the average snowfall may see as little as 5 inches of snow, while other years may bring over 16 inches.
Snowfall is most common in the mountains of East Tennessee, where towns like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge typically see around 8 to 10 inches of snow each winter. Meanwhile, cities like Nashville and Memphis usually only see around 2-5 inches per year.
When Does it Snow in Tennessee?
Although most of Tennessee is located in the South, the state actually experiences all four seasons. The winters can be chilly, and although it doesn’t snow every year, when it does snow, it can be quite beautiful.
If you’re planning a winter trip to Tennessee, you might be wondering if there’s a chance you’ll see snow. The answer depends on where in the state you’ll be visiting.
The mountains of East Tennessee, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, have the best chance of seeing snowfall. In the higher elevations, it’s not uncommon for snow to fall as early as October and stay on the ground until April.
If you’re visiting Nashville or other parts of Middle Tennessee, your chances of seeing snow are a bit lower than in East Tennessee. However, it does still snow in this part of the state occasionally. The most likely time period for snowfall is from mid-November through late February.
Lastly, if you’ll be spending time in West Tennessee, your chance of seeing snow is even lower than in other parts of the state. This part of Tennessee rarely sees any significant snowfall. However, if you visit during the right time period (usually late December through early February), you might get lucky and see a few flakes!
The Climate in Tennessee
Tennessee has a temperate climate, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in the winter to the low 80s in the summer. The state experiences four distinct seasons, and while snow is not common, it does occasionally happen.
Tennessee is located in the southeastern United States, and its geography varies widely. The eastern part of the state is mountainous, while the central and western portions are hilly.
Despite these differences, most of Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate, which means that winters are typically mild and summers are hot and humid.
Precipitation also varies throughout the state. The eastern mountains tend to be wetter than the rest of Tennessee, while the western part of the state is generally drier.
However, overall, Tennessee receives enough rain to support a wide variety of plants and animals.
All of this means that, yes, it does sometimes snow in Tennessee. It could snow for around 5 inches per year in Tennessee.
While it’s not a guarantee, if you’re hoping to see some snowfall during your visit, you’re more likely to see it in the mountains than anywhere else in the state.
The Seasons in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the average temperatures and rainfall vary depending on the region of the state. The mountainous areas in the east tend to be cooler and receive more precipitation than the lowlands in the west. Tennessee generally has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.
In the spring (March-May), average temperatures range from 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit (10-21 degrees Celsius) with occasional showers.
Summer (June-August) is typically hot and humid, with average temperatures in the low 90s (32 degrees Celsius) and moderate rainfall.
Fall (September-November) brings pleasant weather, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s (16-21 degrees Celsius) and crisp nights.
Winter (December-February) can be cool to mild, with average temperatures in the 30s and 40s (-1 to 4 degrees Celsius) and an occasional snowfall.
Things to Do in Tennessee in Winter
Tennessee is known for its beautiful landscape, and its mild winters. However, there are still plenty of things to do in Tennessee during the winter months!
Here are just a few ideas:
- Visit Dollywood in Pigeon Forge: Dollywood is a world-renowned theme park that offers something for everyone. From thrilling roller coasters to live entertainment, there is something for everyone at Dollywood!
- Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. The park is gorgeous year-round, but it is especially scenic in the winter months when the trees are covered in snow.
- Take a scenic drive: Tennessee is home to some of the most scenic drives in the country. Take a drive down the Cherohala Skyway or the Newfound Gap Road and enjoy the stunning views of the mountains!
- Visit a winery: Tennessee is home to dozens of wineries that offer tours and tastings. Why not spend a day exploring some of Tennessee’s finest wineries?
- Attend a live show: Tennessee is known for its live music scene. From country music to blues, there are plenty of live shows to enjoy during your visit!
The Best Places to see Snow in Tennessee
If you want to see snow in Tennessee, you’ll likely have to travel to the higher elevations in the eastern and central parts of the state. While it’s not unusual for minor accumulations to occur at lower elevations, it’s typically not enough to build a snowball or go sledding.
That being said, here are some of the best places to see snow in Tennessee:
Gatlinburg:
Gatlinburg is a city in Sevier County, Tennessee, located along the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When winter comes, this is one of the best places to see snow in Tennessee!
Smoky Mountains National Park:
The Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tennessee. It’s also one of the best places to see snow! The park covers over 522,000 acres and receives an average of 10 feet of snow each year.
Clingmans Dome:
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s also one of the best places to see snow in Tennessee! Clingmans Dome Road is typically closed from November until April due to heavy snowfall.
Roan Mountain State Park:
Roan Mountain State Park is located in Carter and Johnson counties in northeast Tennessee. The park covers 2,689 acres and features beautiful views of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s also a great place to see snow!
How to Enjoy the Snow in Tennessee
Although it’s not one of the snowier states in the country, Tennessee does see its fair share of snow each year. And, when it does snow, the whole state seems to transform into a winter wonderland. If you’re hoping to enjoy the snow during your next trip to Tennessee, here are a few things you’ll want to do:
Visit a Sugar Maple Tree Farm – One of the best ways to enjoy the snow in Tennessee is by visiting a sugar maple tree farm. Here, you can see these beautiful trees while they’re covered in a blanket of white.
Take a Hike Through Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Another great way to enjoy the snow in Tennessee is by taking a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the state, and they’re even more stunning when covered in snow.
Visit Dollywood During Their Winterfest Celebration – Dollywood, Tennessee’s famous theme park, transforms into a winter wonderland each year during its Winterfest celebration. This is one of the best times to visit if you want to see the park all decked out in holiday decorations and covered in snow.
Conclusion:
Although it doesn’t snow very often in Tennessee, the state does see its fair share of winter weather. The average snowfall for the state is around 10 inches, but some areas see much more than that.
If you’re looking to experience a real winter wonderland, you’ll want to head to Gatlinburg. This small town is located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains and could see around two feet of snowfall during a storm. It’s a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, but there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy, like sledding and snowball fights.
So, whether you’re looking for a winter playground or just a few flakes to fall, Tennessee is a great place to be during the snowy season.
FAQs About Snow in Tennessee:
Where Does it Snow in Tennessee?
In the higher elevations of Tennessee, snow is a regular occurrence during the winter months. The main areas of the state that see significant snowfall are the Appalachian Mountains in the east and the Great Smoky Mountains in the west.
Does it Snow in Tennessee in February?
The answer to this question depends on what part of Tennessee you are asking about. In the eastern and central parts of the state, snow is fairly common in February. However, in the western part of the state, snow is not as common.
Does it Snow in Tennessee in November?
In Tennessee, snowfall accumulation is variable from one year to the next and from one location to another. The state’s average annual snowfall is around 10 inches (25 cm), but some years see significantly more or less depending on the winter weather patterns. For example, Nashville generally sees less snow than cities like Chattanooga and Knoxville.
Does it Snow in Tennessee in December?
In the higher elevations of Tennessee, snowfall is common in December. However, snow is less likely in the lower parts of the state.
Where Does it Snow in Tennessee in December?
In higher elevations, such as the Smoky Mountains, snowfall is common in December. East Tennessee generally sees less snow than the middle and western parts of the state.
