Last updated: January 18, 2025
Tennessee exhibits a diverse climate, characterized by the Köppen-Geiger climate classifications of Cfa (humid subtropical) and Cfb (oceanic). The state experiences a temperature range that underscores its climatic variability, with minimum temperatures plunging to -20°C (-4°F) in January, while average annual temperatures hover around a comfortable 16°C (61°F). In contrast, the peak of summer can witness maximum temperatures soaring up to 38°C (101°F) in September. This climatic profile plays a crucial role in shaping the region's ecology, agriculture, and seasonal lifestyle patterns.
Tennessee's temperature patterns exhibit a distinct seasonal rhythm, transitioning from the cold grip of winter to the warmth of summer. In the winter months of January and February, temperatures reach their lows, with minimums dipping to -20°C (-4°F) and averages around 5°C (41°F). As spring approaches in March and April, the state begins to thaw, with average temperatures rising to 11°C (53°F) and 15°C (59°F), respectively, signaling the onset of more temperate weather. By May, warmth becomes more pronounced, averaging 21°C (69°F) and peaking at 36°C (96°F) during the height of summer in June and July, with maximums frequently reaching the upper 30s Celsius. The transition to autumn in September brings a gradual cooling, averaging 23°C (73°F) while still seeing maximums around 38°C (101°F). However, by November and December, temperatures once again plummet, with averages declining to single digits and approaching the freezing mark, illustrating a clear and cyclical pattern of seasonal temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
Tennessee's climate showcases a variety of temperatures across different cities. In Nashville, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -15°C (5°F) in January to a warm maximum of 37°C (98°F) in September. For more details, visit monthly temperature in Nashville. Gatlinburg experiences slightly lower winter temperatures, with a January minimum of -17°C (1°F), while reaching up to 33°C (91°F) in September. Discover more at monthly temperature in Gatlinburg. Memphis, on the other hand, hits its coldest in February at -18°C (-1°F), with August temperatures peaking at 36°C (96°F). Explore more about this city at monthly temperature in Memphis.
Tennessee experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, with the wettest months typically occurring in late winter to early spring. February leads the charge with 174 mm (6.9 in) of rainfall, closely followed by March at 164 mm (6.5 in) and April at 149 mm (5.9 in). The higher precipitation during this period correlates with the transitional climate, where winter weather gradually shifts into the spring thaw, resulting in increased moisture. Notably, February also records the highest number of rainy days at 14, highlighting the prevalence of wetter weather as the state warms.
As summer unfolds, monthly precipitation remains relatively consistent, with June to August receiving around 121 mm (4.8 in) each month. This sustained rainfall contributes to the lush growth characteristic of the Tennessee landscape during warmer months. Conversely, precipitation begins to taper off in autumn, with September and October receiving 107 mm (4.2 in) and 125 mm (4.9 in), respectively. By late fall, November brings a noticeable decrease in both rainfall and rainy days, resulting in 81 mm (3.2 in) over 8 days, as the region transitions once more toward the drier conditions of winter.
Tennessee's sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, showcasing a significant increase in sunlight as the year progresses. Starting in winter, January records only 143 hours of sunshine, but as February unfolds, this increases slightly to 157 hours. The true shift occurs in spring, particularly in March when sunshine hours jump to 219, and April sees a remarkable surge to 261 hours. This upward trajectory continues into May, where residents enjoy a delightful 302 hours of sunshine, marking the transition into the vibrant and sunny summer months.
As summer arrives, June tantalizes with a peak of 315 hours, followed closely by July at 335 hours, the highlight of the year for sun enthusiasts. August maintains an impressive 313 hours, although it begins a gradual decline toward autumn. The decrease continues into September with 283 hours and October, dropping to 261 hours, signaling the onset of shorter days. By November, sunshine hours diminish further to 225 hours, and December sees a further dip to 176 hours, reflecting the cold, overcast conditions typical of winter. This cyclical pattern underscores Tennessee's luminosity, characterized by ample sunshine in the warmer months contrasted with the subdued light of winter.
In Tennessee, the Ultraviolet (UV) Index exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern that mirrors the sun's intensity throughout the year. During the winter months, UV levels remain relatively low, with January and December recording a UVI of 4. As spring approaches, UV exposure begins to increase, forking up to 6 in February and reaching a peak of 8 in March. This growth continues into April, where the UVI escalates to 11, indicating a significant increase in sun intensity that prompts extra caution for outdoor activities.
The summer months see the UV Index remain at its highest levels, consistently at 11 from May through August, necessitating protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing to prevent skin damage. In September, the index slightly decreases to 10, but still indicates a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. As the year progresses into autumn, the UV Index drops further, with October at 8 and November returning to 6. This declining trend continues until winter returns, when UVI levels once again fall to 4, reinforcing the seasonal fluctuations in UV exposure risk throughout Tennessee.
UV Risk Categories
In Tennessee, daylight duration follows a predictable seasonal rhythm, shifting significantly throughout the year. During the winter months, both January and February provide 10 hours of daylight, which is a modest amount when compared to the brighter seasons ahead. As spring arrives in March, there is a slight increase to 11 hours, paving the way for longer days ahead. This trend accelerates in April, when daylight extends to 13 hours, and continues to reach a peak during the summer months of May through July, where residents can enjoy a maximum of 14 hours of daylight per day.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight duration begins to decline gently but noticeably. In August, it diminishes to 13 hours, followed by 12 hours in September, highlighting the gradual shift toward shorter days. By October, daylight drops to 11 hours, and as November approaches, it further reduces to 10 hours. The cycle culminates in December, when daylight reaches its lowest point at 9 hours, reflecting the winter solstice. This annual pattern of daylight duration underscores the natural changes in Tennessee’s seasons, influencing both lifestyle and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Chattanooga experiences a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year, with winter months like January seeing lows of -13°C (9°F), while summer months such as July can reach as high as 37°C (98°F). The city receives a substantial amount of precipitation, peaking in February and March with 171 mm (6.7 in) and 169 mm (6.7 in) respectively, but tapering off to 72 mm (2.8 in) in November. Sunshine hours peak in the summer months, with July enjoying 317 hours, contrasting with only 146 hours in January. For more detailed information, visit the Chattanooga climate page.
Falling Water, United States, experiences a diverse climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are mild with average temperatures of 5°C (42°F) in January, while summers are warm, reaching an average of 26°C (78°F) in July. Rainfall is fairly consistent, with the highest precipitation in March at 184 mm (7.2 in) and the driest month being November with 76 mm (3.0 in). Sunshine hours peak in July with 317 hours, providing ample sunlight during the summer months. For more detailed climate information, visit the Falling Water climate page.
Franklin, United States experiences a varied climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from chilly winter lows of -15°C (6°F) in January to hot summer highs of 37°C (98°F) in September and October. Average temperatures gradually increase from 5°C (41°F) in January to a peak of 27°C (80°F) in July and August, reflecting a typical temperate continental climate. Rainfall is consistently moderate, peaking in February with 179 mm (7.0 in) and tapering off to 81 mm (3.2 in) in November. Sunshine hours maximize during the summer months, with July receiving the most sunlight at 338 hours, while winter months like January see significantly less at 143 hours. For more details, visit the Franklin climate page.
Gatlinburg, located in the United States, experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters can be quite cold with January temperatures ranging from -17°C (1°F) to an average of 4°C (39°F). Summers, on the other hand, are warm with July temperatures averaging 24°C (75°F) and reaching highs of 32°C (90°F). Precipitation is fairly distributed throughout the year, with February being the wettest month at 153 mm (6.0 in). Sunshine hours peak in July at 327 hours, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit the Gatlinburg climate.
Lookout Mountain experiences a varied climate with distinct seasons. Winter sees cooler temperatures, with January's average around 6°C (43°F), while summers are warm, reaching up to an average of 26°C (80°F) in July and August. Rainfall is relatively consistent throughout the year, peaking in February and March with 171 mm (6.7 in) each, and sunshine is abundant in the warmer months, especially in July with 317 hours. The transitional months of spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and pleasant conditions, making it an attractive destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit the Lookout Mountain climate page.
Lynchburg, located in the United States, experiences a varied climate throughout the year. Winters can be cold with January temperatures ranging from -14°C (7°F) to 24°C (75°F), while summers are warm, peaking in July with temperatures between 16°C (61°F) and 36°C (97°F). Rainfall is fairly distributed with the wettest months being February and March, recording 178 mm (7.0 in) and 198 mm (7.8 in) respectively, while November is drier at 73 mm (2.9 in). Sunshine is abundant during the summer months, reaching a peak of 326 hours in July. For more details, visit the Lynchburg climate page.
Memphis, United States experiences a varied climate with hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a cool 5°C (42°F) in January to a warm 28°C (82°F) in July. The city receives substantial rainfall throughout the year, with February witnessing the highest at 170 mm (6.7 in) and November the lowest at 78 mm (3.1 in). Sunshine hours peak in the summer months, reaching up to 345 hours in July, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities. For more details, you can visit Memphis climate.
Nashville experiences a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild to cool winters. Average temperatures range from a low of 5°C (40°F) in January to a high of 27°C (80°F) in July, with extremes reaching up to 37°C (98°F) in the summer months. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with February being the wettest month at 180 mm (7.1 in). Sunshine peaks in the summer, providing up to 335 hours in July, which contrasts with the shorter, cooler days of winter. For more detailed information, you can visit the Nashville climate page.
Pigeon Forge, located in the United States, experiences a varied climate with distinct seasons, characterized by relatively mild winters and warm, humid summers. Throughout the year, temperatures can range from chilly lows in January of around -17°C (1°F) to highs in July and August reaching up to 32°C (90°F). Spring and fall transition with comfortable averages and occasional brisk days. Precipitation is fairly consistent year-round, peaking in February at 153 mm (6.0 in), and sunshine is ample, particularly during summer months when June and July boast over 300 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information on the climate of Pigeon Forge, you can visit the Pigeon Forge climate page.
Roan Mountain, located in the United States, experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters are quite cold with January's temperatures ranging from -18°C (1°F) to 22°C (72°F), while summers are warmer, with July temperatures between 10°C (51°F) and 30°C (87°F). Precipitation is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, peaking in February and April with 145 mm (5.7 in) and lessening in November with 84 mm (3.3 in). Sunshine hours gradually increase from 155 in January to a peak of 357 in July, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities in the warmer months. For more detailed climate information, visit the Roan Mountain climate page.
Sevierville, Tennessee experiences a diverse climate characterized by significant seasonal variations. Winters are chilly with average temperatures ranging from -17°C (1°F) to 23°C (73°F) in January, while summers are warm, reaching up to 33°C (91°F) in September and October. The region receives consistent precipitation throughout the year, peaking at 153 mm (6.0 in) in February, and enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from April to August where hours peak at 327 in July. This combination of climatic factors makes Sevierville an attractive destination year-round for those who enjoy distinct seasons. For more details, visit Sevierville climate.
Signal Mountain, located in the United States, experiences a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year. Winters are chilly with January temperatures reaching as low as -13°C (9°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), while summers become quite warm, with July seeing averages of 26°C (80°F) and highs up to 37°C (98°F). Precipitation varies, peaking in February and March at 171 mm (6.7 in) each, but tapering off in the fall months. Sunshine hours increase significantly from winter to summer, peaking in July with 317 hours. For more details, visit Signal Mountain climate.
In conclusion, Tennessee's climate and daylight patterns reveal a dynamic interplay between temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, and UV exposure throughout the year. The state experiences significant seasonal changes, from the cold, shorter days of winter to the warm, sun-drenched summers that invite outdoor activities. With a notable increase in daylight hours and peak sunshine in the summer months, residents and visitors alike have ample opportunity to enjoy the state's natural beauty and recreational offerings. However, as UV indexes rise during peak seasons, awareness and protection against sun exposure become essential. Recognizing and adapting to these seasonal trends not only enhances the enjoyment of Tennessee’s diverse environment but also promotes health and well-being throughout the year.