"Great Smoky Mountains Weather" Top 5 Page for this destination Great Smoky Mountains National Park Favorite Tip by Stephen-KarenConn

Favorite thing: Weather can vary widely in the Smokies, not only according to the season, but also the altitude, which ranges from 800 to 6,643 feet above sea level. These mountains create their own weather, so forecasts for nearby towns often don't hold true for the Park. I have often seen it raining or snowing "on top of old Smoky," when the sun was shining everywhere but on the peaks.

Any time you visit the Smokies be prepared for rain, or in winter, snow. This is one of the wettest places in the continental United States, with an average of 88 inches of rain per year on the peaks and 65 inches in the lower elevations. Snow accumulations on top of Mt. Leconte totaled more than 14 feet in 2003. Most years accumulations are less, but the highest elevations can get snow from October through May.

Summers are very hot and humid in the lower elevations, but pleasant higher in the mountains. Afternoon thunderstorms are almost a daily occurance. Spring weather can be very unsettled, however, it never stops the April wildflowers from putting on a spectacular display. Fall usually has mild days and cool nights and is the driest time of the year.