WEATHER & FORECAST
Real-time conditions and trip-planning data for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Park Headquarters Road closed
Park Headquarters Road is closed due to rehabilitation work on the Sugarlands water and wastewater systems.
Elkmont/Sugarlands Dump Station is temporarily closed
The Elkmont/Sugarlands Dump Station is temporarily closed for maintenance. In the meantime, visitors can use the dump stations at Cosby, Cades Cove, or ones commercially available in Gatlinburg.
Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road closed.
Straight Fork and the one-way section of Balsam Mountain Road (Heintooga Round-Bottom Road) are closed.
Hourly Forecast
Hour-by-hour outlook for the next 48 hours
Extended Forecast
16-day outlook for Great Smoky Mountains National Park
NWS Detailed Forecast
Official narrative forecast from the National Weather Service
Partly sunny, with a high near 73. West wind 5 to 10 mph.
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. Southwest wind around 5 mph.
Sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.
A chance of rain showers between 8am and 11am, then showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Showers and thunderstorms before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Source: weather.gov
Sunrise & Sunset
Plan your hikes and photography around the light
This Week's Sun Times
What to Pack Right Now
Personalized recommendations based on the current forecast
Clothing
- Shorts and breathable hiking pants
- Comfortable hiking socks (wool blend)
Sun Protection
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (desert sun is intense)
- Wide-brim hat for sun protection
- Polarized sunglasses
Hydration & Nutrition
- At least 3 liters of water per person per day
- Electrolyte packets
- Trail snacks (salty + sweet for energy)
Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Closed-toe water shoes if you plan to wade Sulphur Creek
- Quick-dry socks as backup
Safety & Gear
- Headlamp (for early starts or if hikes run long)
- Rain jacket (packable, waterproof)
- Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
- First aid kit with blister care
- Trail map or downloaded offline maps
Seasonal Guide
What to expect each season at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spring
Spring is one of the Smokies' finest seasons, famous for one of the richest wildflower displays on Earth — over 1,500 flowering species carpet the forest floor from March into May, peaking in April. Weather is highly variable: comfortable 60s–70s°F days in the lowlands can swing to rain, fog, and even late snow at the high elevations around Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome, which run 10–20°F cooler than Gatlinburg. The synchronous fireflies at Elkmont begin lighting up the final days of May. Frequent rain keeps creeks full and waterfalls roaring, so pack rain gear and expect muddy trails.
- Rain jacket and pack cover
- Layers for cool, variable days
- Waterproof hiking shoes
- Insect repellent
Summer
NowSummer is warm, humid, and — alongside October — the park's busiest stretch. Lowland highs in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge reach the mid-80s°F with high humidity, while the high country around Clingmans Dome and Mount LeConte stays 10–20°F cooler and can feel downright chilly. Afternoon thunderstorms build most days; the haze they help create is the 'smoke' that names these mountains. Early June brings the famous synchronous fireflies at Elkmont (by vehicle lottery). Lush, green, and alive, summer rewards early starts before the heat, humidity, and afternoon storms.
- Rain shell for afternoon storms
- Moisture-wicking layers
- Extra water and electrolytes
- Insect repellent
Fall
Fall is the Smokies' signature season and widely considered the best — and busiest — time to visit. Crisp, clear days and one of the East's most spectacular color shows draw enormous crowds, with peak foliage sweeping from the high ridges in late September down to the lowlands through late October and into early November. Expect heavy traffic on the Cades Cove loop and the Newfound Gap Road, especially on October weekends. Mornings turn cold, and Clingmans Dome Road closes for the season on December 1, so early fall is the window for the high country.
- Warm layers and a midweight jacket
- Hat and gloves for cold mornings
- Rain jacket
- Hiking boots
Winter
Winter is the quietest season, trading crowds for solitude and long, leaf-off views. Lowland Gatlinburg stays relatively mild with highs near 50°F, but the high elevations are a different world — Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome see real snow and ice, temperatures can be 20°F colder, and Clingmans Dome Road is closed December 1 through March 31. The Newfound Gap Road (US-441) over the crest can close on short notice during winter storms. Lower trails are usually hikeable, but shaded and high paths hold ice, so traction devices are wise.
- Insulated coat, hat, and gloves
- Microspikes for icy trails
- Warm layers and thermals
- Waterproof boots
Historical Monthly Averages
Typical conditions by month at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
🌡️ Average Temperature (°F)
🌧️ Average Precipitation (inches)
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month ratings for planning your trip
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Activities | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Feb | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Mar | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Apr | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| May | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| JunNow | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Jul | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Aug | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Sep | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Oct | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nov | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Dec | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Trail Weather Considerations
Essential safety information for Great Smoky Mountains National Park's trails
High-Elevation Cold & Exposure
Clingmans Dome, Mt LeConte, and the high ridges run 10–20°F colder than the lowlands, with strong wind and the chance of snow or freezing fog even in late spring and early fall. Hikers who leave a warm Gatlinburg in shorts have been caught by hypothermic conditions up top. Carry insulating and waterproof layers, a hat, and gloves for any high-elevation hike, year-round.
Sudden Thunderstorms & Lightning
On summer afternoons, thunderstorms build fast over the mountains, bringing lightning, downpours, and gusty winds. Exposed balds and ridgelines like Andrews Bald, Charlies Bunion, and the Clingmans Dome tower are dangerous in a storm. Start early, watch the sky, and be off high, open terrain by early afternoon.
Stream Crossings & Flash Flooding
The Smokies are a temperate rainforest, and heavy rain makes creeks rise fast. Several trails ford streams (Abrams Falls, Forney Creek, and others), and slick rocks plus high water cause drownings most years. Never cross a swollen stream or scramble on wet rocks above a waterfall — turn back and wait for the water to drop.
Hypothermia in Wet, Cool Weather
Frequent rain combined with wind and cool temperatures — even in summer at elevation — makes hypothermia the park's quiet hazard, and wet cotton is the main culprit. Wear wool or synthetic layers, keep a dry insulating layer sealed in your pack, and turn back if you can't stay warm and dry.
Winter Road Closures & Ice
Clingmans Dome Road closes December 1–March 31, and the Newfound Gap Road (US-441) can close without warning during winter storms. Shaded and high-elevation trails hold ice long after the lowlands thaw. Check the park's road status (nps.gov/grsm) before heading up, and carry traction devices in winter.
Fog & Low Visibility
The 'smoke' these mountains are named for is real — dense fog can settle over the Newfound Gap Road and high trails any time of year, cutting visibility to a few feet. Drive slowly with low beams (not high beams) in fog, allow extra time, and don't count on ridge-top views when the clouds move in.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park Weather FAQ
Common questions about Great Smoky Mountains National Park's weather, seasons, and forecast
What is the best time of year to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The two best windows are spring (April–May) for the famous wildflower bloom and fall (mid-to-late October) for peak autumn color, both with comfortable 60s–70s°F days. Fall is the most spectacular but also the most crowded, with heavy traffic on Cades Cove and the Newfound Gap Road. For fewer people, visit on weekdays, or come in late winter for solitude and long, leaf-off views.
How hot does it get in the Smokies in summer?
Summer highs in the lowlands around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge reach the mid-80s°F with high humidity, while the high elevations around Clingmans Dome and Mount LeConte stay 10–20°F cooler — often in the 60s. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Early-morning hikes are the most comfortable strategy, and the high country is the natural escape from the valley heat.
Does it snow in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Yes, mainly at the higher elevations. Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap can get several feet of snow over a winter, and Clingmans Dome Road is closed December 1 through March 31. The Newfound Gap Road (US-441) can close during storms. The lowlands around Gatlinburg see only occasional light snow that usually melts quickly.
When is peak fall foliage in the Smokies?
Fall color moves down the mountains over about six weeks. The highest elevations turn in late September to early October, mid-elevations peak in mid-to-late October, and the lowlands often hold color into early November. Mid-to-late October is the classic peak for most of the park — and the busiest stretch of the year, so expect heavy traffic and book lodging early.
When can you see the synchronous fireflies in the Smokies?
The synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) put on their famous flashing display at Elkmont for about two weeks, usually from late May into mid-June. Access during the peak requires a vehicle reservation won through a recreation.gov lottery, with a shuttle from Sugarlands Visitor Center. The exact dates shift each year with the weather and are announced by the park in late spring.
How rainy is Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Very — the Smokies are a temperate rainforest. The lowlands get around 55 inches of rain a year and the high peaks receive over 85 inches, some of the wettest country in the eastern U.S. Rain is possible any day, fog is common, and creeks rise fast after storms. Pack a rain jacket and waterproof footwear no matter the season.