How Is the Weather in Tennessee?

Weather in Tennessee Year Round? (By Season & Region)

If you’re considering moving to Tennessee or just curious about what life feels like across the seasons you’ll want to know what to expect when it comes to weather. From snow-dusted mountains in the east to warm river breezes in the west, Tennessee’s climate varies by both season and region.

This complete guide will break down:

Tennessee’s year-round weather by season
Regional climate differences (East, Middle, and West Tennessee)
Average temperature, rainfall, and humidity
How the climate affects daily life, outdoor activities, and moving plans

Quick Snapshot: Tennessee Climate Overview

Factor	General Climate
Climate Type	Humid Subtropical
Average Yearly Temp	55–62°F
Summer Highs	85–95°F
Winter Lows	25–35°F
Rainfall	50–60 inches/year
Snowfall	3–10 inches/year (more in East TN)
Humidity	Moderate to High

Tennessee Climate Zones: 3 Main Regions

Tennessee stretches from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Mississippi River in the west and the weather shifts with geography.

1. East Tennessee

Includes: Knoxville, Johnson City, Chattanooga, Smoky Mountains
Elevation brings cooler winters and more snowfall
Scenic seasonal changes

2. Middle Tennessee

Includes: Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro
Moderate winters and humid summers
Slightly more rainfall than the east

3. West Tennessee

Includes: Memphis, Jackson
Milder winters, hotter and more humid summers
Occasional severe storms in spring and fall

Spring in Tennessee (March–May)

Spring in Tennessee is a season of renewal. Temperatures warm up quickly, trees blossom, and outdoor festivals kick off across the state.

Month	Avg Temp Range	Weather Notes
March	45–65°F	Cool, occasional frost
April	55–75°F	Warm and breezy
May	65–80°F	Lush green, more rain

Rainfall is frequent, but usually short-lived.
Tornado season peaks in April, especially in Middle and West Tennessee.
Allergies can spike due to tree pollen.

Best time to visit the Smoky Mountains or attend local spring festivals.

Summer in Tennessee (June–August)

Summer is hot, humid, and long, especially in the west. If you’re not a fan of heat, you may want to stick to early mornings or evenings outdoors.

Month	Avg Temp Range	Weather Notes
June	70–85°F	Warm and humid
July	75–95°F	Hottest month of the year
August	75–92°F	Humid, scattered storms

Humidity often reaches 70%+
Thunderstorms are common, especially in late afternoons
Heat indexes in July can push over 100°F

Best for: lake days, barbecues, and Tennessee’s many summer music festivals.

Fall in Tennessee (September–November)

Tennessee’s fall is a highlight of the year. With crisp mornings, vibrant foliage, and mild afternoons, it’s a favorite season for locals and visitors alike.

Month	Avg Temp Range	Weather Notes
September	65–85°F	Warm and dry
October	50–75°F	Cool and colorful
November	40–65°F	Chilly nights, early frosts

Fall foliage peaks in mid-October, especially in East Tennessee
Occasional cold fronts can cause sudden temperature drops
Outdoor hiking, festivals, and tailgating are at their best

Best season to move if you want cooler weather and fewer storms.

Winter in Tennessee (December–February)

While Tennessee doesn’t see harsh winters like northern states, it still gets cold snaps, occasional snow, and freezing rain especially in the east.

Month	Avg Temp Range	Weather Notes
December	30–50°F	Chilly, occasional snow
January	25–45°F	Coldest month
February	30–50°F	Slightly milder, wet

Snowfall is light in most of Middle and West Tennessee (1–4 inches per year)
East Tennessee, especially near the mountains, may see 8–12 inches annually
Ice storms are a bigger threat than snow in western areas

Cozy indoor months but still mild enough for winter hiking in some regions.

Climate by Region: Quick Comparison

Region	Winter	Summer	Snowfall	Humidity
East TN	Colder	Cooler	More snow	Moderate
Middle TN	Mild	Warm	Low snow	High
West TN	Mildest	Hottest	Rare snow	Highest

Moving or Retiring? Climate Considerations

If you’re planning to move, build, or retire in Tennessee, weather may influence where and when you relocate:

East TN: Better for those who enjoy seasons and scenic landscapes (e.g., retirees, nature lovers)
Middle TN: Balanced climate, popular for families and professionals
West TN: More urban heat but lower elevation; ideal for those escaping harsh winters

Best months to move: April–May or September–October for mild weather and lower humidity

FAQs About Tennessee’s Weather

Q: Does it snow a lot in Tennessee?

Not really. Most areas get very light snow each year. The mountains in East Tennessee see the most — often between 8–12 inches annually.

Q: Is Tennessee hot in the summer?

Yes. Expect highs in the upper 80s and 90s with high humidity, especially in July and August.

Q: What is the rainy season in Tennessee?

Spring (March–May) is the rainiest season, with thunderstorms common. Fall tends to be the driest.

Q: Is Tennessee humid year-round?

Humidity peaks in summer and early fall, especially in Middle and West Tennessee. Winters are much drier.

Q: Which part of Tennessee has the best weather?

It depends on your preference:

East Tennessee offers more seasonal variety and cooler summers
Middle Tennessee has a mild blend of all four seasons
West Tennessee has the mildest winters but hotter, more humid summers

Final Thoughts: Is Tennessee’s Weather Right for You?

Tennessee offers a mild four-season climate with enough variety to satisfy most preferences without the extremes of snowbound winters or desert summers.

If you love vibrant fall colors, green springs, and warm (but manageable) summers, you’ll likely thrive here.
Just be aware of the humidity in summer, and prepare for occasional severe storms or tornado alerts, especially in spring and early fall.

Whether you’re planning to retire, relocate, or invest in Tennessee real estate, understanding the local climate helps you choose the right location, lifestyle, and timing.