Your Top Smoky Mountains Weather Tips for Every Season
The Smoky Mountains are a great place to visit all year round! Each season brings something special to the Smokies, from fun spring events to gorgeous fall foliage. While you’re in town, we don’t want the weather to get in your way of having a fun vacation! That’s why we’ve created a guide to how to handle any Smoky Mountains weather that may happen throughout the different seasons.
Winter Snow
One of the most beautiful sights to see are the Smoky Mountains blanketed in snow. While the snow is gorgeous to look at and fun to play in, we understand that it can be scary to drive in. One of the best things to do when it starts to snow on your vacation is to stay put in your cabin! You can have gorgeous views of the mountains covered in snow right from your deck. Stay warm in front of the fireplace and spend quality time with your loved ones in the comfort of your cabin. If you’re not comfortable or prepared to drive in the snow, the best thing to do is just to enjoy everything your cabin has to offer.
However, don’t miss the chance to actually play in the snow! Whether you’re having a snowball fight, making snow angels, or building a snowman, there’s so much fun you can have in the snow. Spend time outside your cabin, or, if you do feel comfortable driving in it, head into town to enjoy the attractions in the snow! Visit Ober Gatlinburg or Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark for snow tubing, or drive down the Parkway and take in the views. As long as you’re dressed for the weather and the roads are safe to drive on, the snow won’t stop you from exploring attractions!
Spring Showers
A little rain never hurts anybody! While the Smokies are sure to see some showers here and there in the spring, there is still plenty of fun to be had throughout the area. Pack a rain jacket and an umbrella, and you’ll have no trouble exploring everything the area has to offer. Plus, it may not rain the whole day! There’s no reason to let it spoil your fun. If you’d rather not be outside when it’s raining, you’re in luck. Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are home to so many indoor attractions and activities. From indoor mini golf to museums, there’s something for everyone. Of course, you can also visit the shops and dine at popular restaurants while avoiding the rain.
For more ideas, check out our blog, “6 Fun Things to Do in Pigeon Forge When It Rains.”
Summer Heat
There’s no doubt about it — summertime can get hot in the Smokies! Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can keep cool. Summer is actually a great time of year to go hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, especially because the temperatures are lower in the higher elevations and you can cool off in the creeks and streams. Of course, swimming is a great way to keep cool too. Head to Dollywood’s Splash Country for pools, water slides, water rides and more! Many cabins also have access to resort pools you can enjoy, or, if you’re lucky, you’ll have a private pool of your own at your cabin!
Warm Days and Cool Nights in Fall
Fall is filled with warm days and cooler nights, which can be more difficult to prepare for if you plan to be out all day and into the night. The best thing to do is to dress in layers. We recommend always having a light jacket with you, that way you can easily adapt to the temperatures. Fall is actually one of the best seasons to spend time outdoors during! Go for a hike to see the gorgeous fall foliage, visit outdoor attractions like Anakeesta and Dollywood, or relax on your cabin’s deck and take in the views. If you don’t like the cooler temperatures and forget to pack a jacket, go for a scenic drive and take in the views from your car, or enjoy one of the many indoor attractions.
Stay Up to Date with Smoky Mountains Weather
Weather in the Smoky Mountains can be unpredictable, but we make it easy for you to stay up to date! Our Smoky Mountain meteorologist, Paul Poteet, releases weather update videos twice a week. These videos not only tell you about what to expect with the weather, but also about fun and exciting things to do in the Smoky Mountains. Take a look at our Smoky Mountains weather forecasts to keep up with what’s happening in the area!
