If you’re planning a winter visit to the woods of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, then you’re probably wondering what you need to bring. Will there be a lot of snow? Will the weather be mild? Will it be freezing? Well, let’s take a look at the typical Gatlinburg winter temperatures before we create the ideal packing list for your trip to our corner of the world.
Winters in Gatlinburg
The weather here is certainly variable because of our high elevation. We’re pretty proud to say that it’s “never too hot, never too cold”, but depending on your cold weather tolerance, you might disagree.
Winter (November through March) temperatures are really quite mild in comparison to other towns located in the mountains. Average temperatures hang around the mid to upper 50s for most of the winter while December is the coldest month with an average high of 49 degrees.
But What About Snow?
We do love snow, and it seems to love us in just the right amounts! December is our peak month to get moisture, and we average about 4.9″. Whether it’s snow or rain depends on how high up you go, and our ski resorts get about 30 inches of snow per year. The rest of the winter you can expect to see between 3 and 4 inches of precipitation a month.
So What Do I Bring?
We recommend layers! Bring clothes for every type of weather because you’ll never know exactly what you’re going to get. Days are pretty mild, but the nights get chilly. Mornings are typically quite cold, but midafternoon is pretty pleasant, so dressing accordingly will ensure you stay comfortable no matter how much the temperatures fluctuate.
If you’re going skiing, we definitely recommend bringing all of your skiing/snow gear because you’ll definitely need it. If you’re planning on just hanging out around town and your cabin, then a light jacket and warm clothes are all you’ll really need to remain comfortable. An umbrella or waterproof outer layer is probably a good thing to bring just in case it decides to rain while you’re here.
Check the weather forecast before you come. If it’s calling for snow, then you need some warm boots to tromp through the snow. Comfortable walking shoes are always a necessity, especially if you’re planning on going shopping on the Parkway. Want to go for a hike? Bring athletic shoes or hiking boots. You’ll be trudging through mud, possibly hopping some creeks, and scrambling up hillsides to get to the best views around. Depending on how high you go in elevation, you need a hat, scarf, and some gloves to stay completely comfortable.
Our weather won’t deter any of your plans by any means. Whether you’re hitting the slopes or checking out the sights around town, you shouldn’t be put out by freezing temperatures or heavy snow. Pack for all types of weather and you’re sure to be comfy for your entire stay.