Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a lovely town near Great Smoky Mountain National Park, known for natural beauty, outdoor adventures, romantic cabins, and fun local attractions. Called “the gateway to the Smoky Mountains,” Gatlinburg offers all sorts of opportunities for hiking, river rafting, fishing, ziplining, horseback riding, golfing, camping, and more.
If you’re interested in this scenic town in eastern Tennessee, you may be wondering, when’s the best time to visit Gatlinburg? In this article, we’ll tell you all about when to go to Gatlinburg, and answer more questions like when is the cheapest time to visit Gatlinburg, how many days should you stay in Gatlinburg, what is the best month to go to Smoky Mountains, what is the off season in Gatlinburg, and what is peak season in Gatlinburg?
What is the best time of year to go to Gatlinburg?
The best time of year to go to Gatlinburg depends on what sort of experience you’re looking for. If you want to see the leaves change and enjoy crisp weather for hiking and other outdoor activities, the fall is the best time of year to go to Gatlinburg. If you want to avoid peak prices and crowds, opt for September rather than October. However, the fall foliage is most vivid in October.
Average temperatures in September are lows of 55 and highs of 80; in October, lows of 43 and highs of 71; and in November, lows of 34 and highs of 61. October is the driest month.
If you dream of snow-filled days and cozy nights by the fire in a cabin, the winter is the best time of year to go to Gatlinburg. During the winter, you can also go skiing and ice skating at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. December offers magical holiday decorations and activities as well.
Winter temperatures range from lows of 28 and highs of 51 in December to lows of 25 and highs of 48 in January to lows of 28 and highs of 53 in February. The best time to go to Gatlinburg for snow is January, with an average snowfall of about 4 inches.
If you want to go swimming, whitewater rafting, and other warm weather activities, the best time of year to go to Gatlinburg is the summer. However, you will be sharing space with a lot of fellow vacationers during this time, and it can be hot. July is the busiest month for tourists of the summer.
Temperatures in June range from lows of 58 to highs of 83; in July, lows of 63 to highs of 86; and in August, lows of 61 to highs of 85. July is the second rainiest month.
If you want lower rates, fewer crowds, and the chance to see wildflowers bloom, spring is the best time of year to go to Gatlinburg. Milder temperatures mean you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking. This can be a very relaxing time to visit.
Average temperatures in March are highs of 61 and lows of 33; in April, highs of 70 and lows of 41; and in May, highs of 77 and lows of 50. May is the rainiest month.
What is the best month to go to Gatlinburg?
The best month to go to Gatlinburg for weather and fall foliage is September. The temperatures are mild and the leaves begin to change, but the biggest crowds haven’t started to appear yet.
If you want to see the leaf colors at their absolute peak and enjoy perfect weather, however, the best month to go to Gatlinburg is October. Just know there will be crowds and higher prices!
When is the cheapest time to visit Gatlinburg?
The cheapest time to visit Gatlinburg is in the winter and spring, especially January, February, March, and April, during the week.
The month of September is also less expensive, as are weekdays during October.
How many days should you stay in Gatlinburg?
You can fit in most of the attractions in Gatlinburg in a 3-day visit, but you should stay longer if you can—especially if you want to relax. You should stay in Gatlinburg for about a week to be able to enjoy the outdoor activities, visit some attractions, and take time to just hang out and enjoy some peace and quiet.
What is the best month to go to Smoky Mountains?
For the best weather to enjoy all the outdoor activities, the best months to go to the Smoky Mountains are September, October, and May. Summer can be hot, and some roads can get closed during the winter due to snow and ice.
If you want to go to Smoky Mountains National Park when crowds are the lowest, the best months to go are in the winter and spring. March and April are the best months to go to the Smoky Mountains to see wildflowers blooming.
What is the coldest month in Gatlinburg?
The coldest month in Gatlinburg is January, with average temperatures dropping to 25 for the lows.
What is the off season in Gatlinburg?
The off season in Gatlinburg is the early spring months of March, April, and May. While the winter months are also considered a low season in Gatlinburg, it can get busy around the holidays and weekends.
The least busy time to visit Gatlinburg is January, February, and March.
What is peak season in Gatlinburg?
The peak season in Gatlinburg is actually split into two. The first peak season in Gatlinburg is the summer (June, July, and August), and the second peak season in Gatlinburg is the fall (primarily October).
July and August are the two busiest months in Gatlinburg. Prices will be highest, there will be long lines at attractions and restaurants as well as lots of traffic, and it can be tough to find accommodations.
Have we answered your question of when should I go to Gatlinburg? Are you ready to plan a trip to this fun and scenic Tennessee town? If you are, check out our articles “30 Gatlinburg Cabins Perfect for a Smoky Mountain Getaway,” “Best Gatlinburg Cabins With Hot Tubs,” “10 Cheap Cabin Rentals in Gatlinburg,” and “20 Amazing Gatlinburg Luxury Cabin Rentals,” as well as articles on romantic Gatlinburg cabins, Gatlinburg cabins with pools, and pet-friendly Gatlinburg cabins.