There is a scientific explanation for our love for snow. As per research by the University of Kentucky, snow can absorb up to 60% of the sound, making the atmosphere serene, calm, and acoustic.
Unfortunately, when it comes to snow in Tennessee, we don’t get much snow falling in the state. Here is your quick answer to Does it Snow in Tennessee:
With an average of 5 inches of snow per year, Tennessee is the least snowy state in the US. Most of the snow falls between December to mid-February.
Bristol is the most snowy city, with an average of 12.3 inches of snow yearly. Erin and Duck River cities get the least snow, 0.38 inches.
This is not all. We want you to scroll down to know about the coldest month, freezing days, and more information on which part of Tennessee gets the most snow.
12 Things You Need To Know About Snow In Tennessee

If you’re planning to move to Tennessee, we don’t want you to miss this crucial information. As they say, “Climate is what we expect, weather is what we get.” So, here’re some interesting facts:
Average Snow In Tennessee | 5 inches yearly |
Average Snow In Gatlinburg | 9 inches yearly |
Snow In Pigeon Forge | 1.4 inches to 2 inches |
Average Snow In Nashville | 7 inches per year |
Average Snow In Tennessee Mountains | 9 inches to 11 inches |
Tennessee Snow Season | December To February |
Best Place To See Snow In Tennessee | Gatlinburg (East TN) |
Average Weather | 30°F (lowest), 89°F (highest) |
Coldest Day | February 4th (in 2023) |
Most Snowy City | Bristol (12.3 inches) |
Least Snowy City | Erin (0.38 inches) |
Where To Go For Snow Tubing | Ober Mountains |
Don’t worry, Tennessee still gets rough snow for you to make a snowman or have a snowball fight.
Ober Mountain snow tubing is yet another fun place to enjoy the mesmerizing weather.
Climate in Tennessee

As far as weather conditions in Tennessee are concerned the climate is all about extremely hot summers and refreshing falls.
Summer Season | Mid-May to September |
Average Summer Temperature | 71°F to 89°F |
Winter Season | November to February |
Average Winter Temperature | 32°F to 48°F |
Overall, the TN state enjoys the direct 4 weather making it an ideal place to start a family or enjoy retired life here.
What type of climate does Tennessee have?
Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate, though the state’s more mountainous regions experience a more maritime Oceanic/Highland climate.
What’s the weather like in Tennessee year-round?
Despite its mild climate, Tennessee experiences all four seasons. The high in winter is usually around 9.4 degrees Celsius (49 degrees Fahrenheit), and it snows occasionally. The average high throughout the summer is 31.7 degrees Celsius (89 degrees Fahrenheit).
What city in Tennessee has the best climate?
Kingsport has the best climate in Tennessee. Although Kingsport’s winters are a bit chillier than the rest of Tennessee, the city’s summers are more moderate.
Freezing Days in Tennessee
Tennessee has an average of 6 freezing or coldest days annually when the temperature remains below freezing point all day long.
February 4th was the coldest day in 2023. As per the Weather ORG report, since 2005, February 02 to 15 are considered the coldest days.
What’s the coldest month in Tennessee?
On average, Tennessee experienced its lowest temperatures in January, with highs of only 48.6 degrees and lows of only 31.3. The average low in Nashville is 27.9 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average high is 45.6 degrees.
How many cloudy days does Tennessee have?
On average, there are 158 cloud days per year in Tennessee. The rest of the days have a clear sunny sky.
Why does Tennessee have so many cloudy days?
There is insufficient sunlight, hence no heat to burn off the fog. In the summer, warm air is forced downward, and cold air from the north is forced upward. When cold air sinks back into Tennessee, it can’t be replaced in the winter, so we’re stuck with chilly weather and overcast sky. Condensation occurs when the air cools below its dew point, and fog and clouds form.
Snow in Tennessee FAQs
When does it snow in Tennessee?
The TN state gets most of the snowfall during January and February. The snow season is prolonged from December to April, but most snowfalls happen in February, up to 5 inches.
Where does it snow in Tennessee in December?
In Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Bristol, and Knoxville, it snows in December.
Does it snow in Tennessee for Christmas?
Typically, December sees less than 2 inches of snowfall, and even less of that accumulates. Hence, snowfall is rare in Tennessee during Christmas.
What is the cloudiest city in Tennessee?
Knoxville is the cloudiest city in Tennessee. It experiences fewer sunny days and 80% of cloud cover.
What is the cloudiest month in Tennessee?
The cloudier segment of the year begins around November 13 and lasts for 7.0 months, ending around June 14. In Nashville, 54% of the time in January, the sky is overcast or mostly gloomy, making it the cloudiest month of the year.
What part of Tennessee has snow?
The Great Valley of East Tennessee and the southern and western regions of the state receive an average of four to six inches of snow per year, while the northern Cumberland Plateau and the mountains of East Tennessee receive an average of more than ten inches of snow per year.
Conclusion
Winters in Tennessee are mild in terms of temperature and wild in terms of fun and recreation.
Though winters in Tennessee are not that extreme, you can expect to see snow if you visit the Appalachians, which will keep you appealingly entertained during the winters.
The low cost of living in Tennessee, four-season weather, less snowfall, and fewer tax rates are the reasons why the state had made its way into the retirees’ list for them to settle down. So, visit the place and have a great winter holiday!