Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate, it is located in Southeastern United States. The climate is temperate during spring, fall and summer and the winters are cold. The Appalachians — the elevation regions are an exception because of its cool climatic condition.
At the end of the year, the feeling of Christmas is often associated with frosty outdoors and so, if you are planning a visit to Tennessee and you would like to know if it snows then you are in the right place. In the article, we’ll be answering all the necessary questions such as does it snow in Tennessee, what are winters like in Tennessee, what month does it snow, etc. All of these questions will be answered in details.
Does Tennessee Get A Lot of Snow?
It does snow in Tennessee but not a lot just like in most southern states. The southern region in the US experiences the highest precipitation in the country from December to April and also the driest months which span from August to October.
In West Tennessee, it snows during winter and winter storms and ice storms are often common in this part of Tennessee.
What are Winters like in Tennessee
In Tennessee, winters are mild except in the Mountainous region. During the day, the temperature is about 50 degree Fahrenheit but at night it’s extremely cold.
Winter in Tennessee runs from December to February but they are generally mild. However, the Smoky Mountains usually experience heavy snow.
It does snow in Tennessee but it’s usually not heavy and it’s from November and December, it’s slightly increase in momentum from January and February making these months the coldest.
Snowfall in November
In Tennessee, snowfall begins in November so it’s often referred to as the beginning of winter or the cold season. During this time of the year, the state records a low humidity during the day of about 56 degree Fahrenheit (13.3°C), and at night it about 39 degree Fahrenheit (3.88°C). It’s almost impossible to snow when temperature is above the Sub-Zero mark.
Snowfall in December
December is also a cold month in Tennessee, and as usual, temperature changes every so often between 40 degree Fahrenheit (9.4°C) to as low as 33 degree Fahrenheit (1°C). As soon as the temperature drops, it begins to snow in some part of Tennessee. Snowfall often span within a period of three days and accumulates to a depth of about 1 inch for a month.
Snowfall in January
As aforementioned, January is one of the coldest and snowiest month in Tennessee. The average temperature is the lowest when compared to the previous month. During the day, it’s about 48 degree Fahrenheit (8°C) and at night it’s about 33 degree Fahrenheit (0°C).
January in Tennessee, the Temperature goes as low as 24 degree Fahrenheit (-4.4°C) all through the month. In Nashville, it accumulates a depth of about 0.94 inches of snow after days of snow.
Snowfall in February
February is the last month of winter in Tennessee. As usual,the temperature fluctuates between highs of 52 degree Fahrenheit (11°C) and lows of 33 degree Fahrenheit (1°C). Occasionally, the temperature breach the zero mark like in January which results in snowfall.
Does it snow in Tennessee for Christmas?
Yes, you can see snow in Tennessee from the month of December to February but it’s chances of seeing snow is low except you live in the mountainous region. There are some parts in Tennessee where you shouldn’t expect to see snow during Christmas period and there are also parts where you can expect snow. Below are some part of Tennessee where you can see snow.
Where does it snow in Tennessee?
Mountain City
This town is located in Johnson county and it witnesses the highest amount of snow in the state. As the name implies, it’s located at an elevation of 2418 feet. Mountain City is a subtropical highland climate with snowy winters. The coldest month in this town in December with temperatures as high as 28 degree Fahrenheit (-2°C) and as low as 15 degree Fahrenheit (-9°C). Mountain City accumulates about 13 inches of snow throughout the year making it the city with the highest amount of snow in Tennessee.
Nashville
Nashville is the capital city of Tennessee, it is also the most populated city in the state. Nashville is located at an elevation of 597 feet with a population of 0.7 million people.
It snows in Nashville as early as November and spans through April. The median snowfall in Nashville is about 14.6 days throughout the year and accumulates up to a depth of 2.99 inches.
Cookeville
Cookeville is located in the southern region of Nashville, this is another part of Tennessee where you’d see snow. In a nor climatic condition, you will should see about 7 inches of snow. The winter in this part of Nashville is extremely cold so you should be ready. During the festive period whether or not it’s snows the atmosphere is ecstatic with lots of activities and Christmas decor and Christmas market which will certainly awaken the Christmas spirit in you.
Memphis
This is the second most populated city in the state of Tennessee, it is located close to the Mississippi River and has a general elevation of 337 feet high. In Memphis, the coldest month is January and it has a low temperature of 30 degree Fahrenheit, (-1°C). Memphis accumulates 4 inches of snow throughout the year.
Kingsport
This is not a very popular place in Tennessee but during the winter specifically from December to January. You’d definitely see snow. Most times it snows for a period of 16 days which is a lot in this part of the state.
Knoxville
This is the third most populated city in the state of Tennessee. Tye coldest time in Knoxville is January with an average temperature as low as 28 degree Fahrenheit (-2.2°C). Throughout the year, Knoxville accumulates up to 6 inches of snow.
Bristol
This is the most snowiest city in Tennessee. Due to it’s high elevation, Bristol has a cool subtropical climatic condition with cooler temperatures in summer. The city accumulates about 13 inches of snow throughout the year with most of it falling in January.
Hartford
This is a small town located within a Cherokee National Forest in the northeast of the Great Smoky Mountains. Yearly, this small community receives an average snowfall of 12 inches. The coldest month in Hartford is January with temperatures as low as 28 degree Fahrenheit (-2.2°C)
Is Tennessee fun in Winter?
Emphatically YES! winters in Tennessee are fun due to the activities you can engage. Although winters are not extreme like you would have in most states in the country but there are lots of thing to do that would make the season worthwhile. Below are some of the places to visit and things to do during winter in Tennessee.
Ice Skating
Ober Gatlinburg Near Smoky Mountains (Indoor skating)
Ober Gatlinburg is located on the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg. it is the only ski resort in Tennessee. To get to this town is a one hour drive southeast Knoxville. It’s definitely worth the one hour drive because it will give you value for your money.
This spot is the home of all kinds of winter sports and snow lovers. There different kinds of activities at the resort such as snowboarding, skiing, ice skating and snow tubing. Whether you are a skiing professional or learner you can still be guaranteed of great fun.
At Ober Gatlinburg, there is a 6.2km of skiable slope divided into various difficulty levels. The resort is equipped with four ski lifts to convey guests up to the resort’s summit so they can explore the snowy slopes.
Opening time: Sun: 10:00am – 7:00pm; Thurs – Fri: 10:00am – 9:00pm.
Wilderness at the Smokies — An outdoor skating rink of 3,200 square feet
Opening time: 22nd Dec. – 6th Jan. Weekdays: 4:00pm – 10:00pm; weekends: 10:00am – 10:00pm
The Ice Chalet — indoor skating
Opening time: Mon – Wed: 12:00pm – 3:30pm; Thurs: 12:00pm – 5:30pm; 7:30pm – 10:00pm; Fri: 1:30pm – ,10:00pm; Sat – Sun: 1:00pm – 4:30pm.
Go hiking on the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a place where you can have fun. This is a place for optimum hiking and skiing. If you are looking for an adventure, then this is the place to go.
Winterfest Light
During the festivities, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg all transform into a winter wonderland with thousands of shimmering Christmas lights giving you that ecstatic feeling of Christmas. These towns all becomes wintery and Christmassy with the lights display and decorations. Visitors enjoy Winterfest events and tours.
