One of the questions most people have when getting ready to leave for their trip to the Smoky Mountains is: “What is the weather going to be like?” Forecasts are great to follow, but you’ll find that Smoky Mountains weather can be quite unpredictable. It’s not uncommon for forecasts to change by the hour due to the region's high elevation. It’s always smart to have backup plans for your itinerary, which is why we’ve put together this guide of fun ideas for every type of Smoky Mountains weather:
Sunny & Warm Days
Warm and sunny weather is the perfect excuse to spend your time outdoors! These are a few of our favorites:
- Exploring the National Park: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its 800+ miles of hiking trails, gorgeous waterfalls, and incredible wildlife is an absolute must when Smoky Mountains weather cooperates!
- Scenic Drives: Roll the windows down and see the gorgeous Smokies up close along scenic drives like Cades Cove Loop Road, Newfound Gap Road, and the Foothills Parkway.
- Adventure Activities: Consider giving ziplining, whitewater rafting, or mountain coasters in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge a try.
- Water Thrills: Need to cool off? You can raft, tube, take a boat ride, or even visit water-based attractions like Dollywood’s Splash Country.
Partly Cloudy or Overcast
The threat of rain makes planning difficult for a lot of guests. Here are some flexible activities:
- Museums & Exhibits: Learn a little something that even the kids can appreciate at interactive museums, like the Titanic Museum or Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Indoor Shows & Dinner Theaters: Spend part of your day seeing a musical performance or a comedy show, or both at local dinner theaters.
- Arts, Crafts, Workshops: You can drop in at area artisan shops and even try your own glassblowing, pottery, or painting.
- Shopping: The Tanger Outlets in Sevierville and The Village Shops in Gatlinburg are among the many great shopping options in the area.
Rain & Stormy Weather
Don’t let rain put a damper on your vacation plans! Instead, consider these activities:
- Indoor Entertainment: Indoor attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a great way to escape the rain while still having a great time!
- Culinary Experiences: Get the family or group together and sit down for a delicious meal at one of the top local restaurants or even consider taking a cooking class together.
- Theaters & Movies: See a movie at The Forge Cinemas in Pigeon Forge.
- In-Cabin Entertainment: Spend the day inside your Smokies cabin rental taking advantage of amenities like game rooms, private theaters, and more.
Cold, Windy, or Snowy Days
From fireside relaxation to seasonal activities and outdoor experiences, there are plenty of awesome things to do during winter! Consider these:
- Snow Play: Make a snowman, throw snowballs, or take a walk in the picturesque snowy nature!
- Fireside Cabin Days: Cozy up by the fireplace, sit around the fire pit, or read a book while you watch the snow fall.
- Holiday & Seasonal Events: Take part in seasonal festivals and events like Smoky Mountain Winterfest.
- Indoor Attractions: Want to keep warm and dry? Visit one of the endless indoor attractions in the area for a great time.
Keep Up With Smoky Mountains Weather
No matter the weather, you can always have a great time with these ideas in mind! Make sure to keep up with the latest Smoky Mountains weather updates for your trip to make the most of your time in the Smokies.
