January Weather in Gatlinburg, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

January in Gatlinburg, United States, showcases a dramatic winter landscape, with temperatures ranging from a chilly -17°C (1°F) at night to a milder 23°C (73°F) during the day. The month experiences an average temperature of 4°C (39°F), making it a prime time for cozy indoor activities or brisk outdoor adventures. With 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation falling over 13 days, visitors should be prepared for occasional winter showers. Additionally, the high humidity at 86% can enhance the brisk chill, creating a unique atmospheric experience that is characteristic of this beautiful region in January.

January Temperature in Gatlinburg

January in Gatlinburg presents a diverse range of temperatures, characterized by a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and an average hovering around a chilly 4°C (39°F). While the mercury can peak at a balmy 23°C (73°F), it's evident that this month is typically a blend of winter's chill and occasional warmth. Notably, as winter progresses toward February, you can see an upward trend in both minimum and average temperatures, hinting at the gradual approach of spring. This juxtaposition of cold and mild days not only highlights Gatlinburg's eclectic climate but also sets the stage for a landscape transformed by winter's beauty, enticing visitors to explore its serene, snow-covered scenery before the thaw arrives.

January Weather in Gatlinburg: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Gatlinburg, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec394549566571757370604642
Data source: Temperature data for Gatlinburg generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Gatlinburg

In January, Gatlinburg experiences a moderate precipitation of 97 mm (3.8 in) spread over 13 days. This sets the stage for a wet winter, although it’s relatively less rain compared to the subsequent months, with February seeing a significant increase to 153 mm (6.0 in) on 14 days. As the season progresses into March and April, rainfall remains substantial at 145 mm (5.7 in) and 138 mm (5.4 in) respectively, suggesting a trend towards higher moisture as spring approaches. Interestingly, May brings a slight dip to 131 mm (5.2 in) despite maintaining the average of 14 rainy days. Overall, Gatlinburg's January weather hints at a transitional phase, laying the groundwork for the wetter conditions that follow as the year unfolds.

January Precipitation Trends in Gatlinburg

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Gatlinburg, with values for each month alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9715314513813111111812910613282136
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Gatlinburg

January in Gatlinburg presents a notably humid atmosphere, with humidity levels consistently hovering around 86%—a trend that continues into February and March. This high humidity can be attributed to the region's overall climate, which tends to remain moist during the winter months. As spring approaches, there's a slight decrease to 82% in April, gradually fluctuating between the mid-80s and mid-70s through the summer. However, as autumn arrives, humidity levels rise again, peaking in November and December at 88%. Overall, Gatlinburg experiences a distinctive cycle of humidity that characterizes its seasons, making January a part of the consistently damp winter months that shape the area's lush landscapes.

January Average Humidity in Gatlinburg

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Gatlinburg, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec86%86%86%82%85%85%83%76%76%80%88%88%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Gatlinburg

In Gatlinburg, January brings a moderate UV Index of 4, indicating that sun exposure can lead to skin damage in about 30 minutes. As the year progresses into February, UV levels rise to a high index of 6, reducing the safe exposure time to 25 minutes. The trend continues with March and April experiencing very high ratings of 8 and 10, where burn times drop significantly to just 15 minutes. This pattern escalates further into the summer months, peaking at an extreme 11 in May, June, and July, with an urgent 10-minute limit for safe sun exposure. As summer transitions into fall, the UV Index begins to slightly decline, yet remains high, reading 10 in August and 9 in September. Overall, Gatlinburg showcases a significant rise in UV intensity throughout the year, necessitating precautions during peak months. For more details on the UV levels throughout the year, visit Gatlinburg UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Gatlinburg for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Gatlinburg in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46810111111109864
Data source: Gatlinburg January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Gatlinburg

In Gatlinburg, January ushers in a gentle start to the year with 149 hours of sunlight, marking the fewest sunlit hours of any month. However, the days gradually become brighter as February brings a slight increase to 160 hours, hinting at the promise of spring. The real transformation begins in March, where sunshine rises significantly to 227 hours. As the months progress, sunlight reaches its zenith in July with a splendid 327 hours, providing a vibrant backdrop for outdoor adventures. The trend continues throughout the summer, but as autumn approaches, the hours gradually taper off, culminating in December with 171 hours. This annual cycle not only highlights the uplift of long summer days but also underscores a comforting rhythm of seasonal change in this enchanting destination.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Gatlinburg: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Gatlinburg experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec149h160h227h262h298h310h327h310h285h260h226h171h
Data source: Gatlinburg January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Gatlinburg During January

In Gatlinburg, January brings a 36% chance of sunny weather, marking it as one of the cooler months with a modest likelihood of sunshine. As winter transitions towards spring, the odds of sunny skies gradually improve; February dips slightly to 34%, but by March, the trend begins to rise with a 39% chance. This upward trajectory continues into April when the sun shines more often, hitting 53%, before peaking again in September with 52%. While January’s cloudy days might tempt you to stay indoors, anticipation builds for sunnier spells just around the corner, especially as the days stretch longer with the approach of spring.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Gatlinburg

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Gatlinburg throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Gatlinburg experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec36%34%39%53%29%35%41%39%52%41%51%42%
Data source: Gatlinburg January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Gatlinburg in January

In Gatlinburg, the daylight duration begins its slow ascent in January, offering about 10 hours of light each day, a trend that continues into February. As spring approaches, the days noticeably extend, reaching 11 hours by March and blossoming to 13 hours in April. The height of summer in June brings the most daylight, peaking at 14 hours, a level sustained throughout July and August. However, with the arrival of autumn, a gentle decline begins, easing down to 12 hours in September and further retreating to 10 hours by November. By December, the cycle completes as daylight dips to a wintry 9 hours, illustrating the natural rhythm of Gatlinburg’s seasons and the dance of light throughout the year.

Average Daylight Hours in Gatlinburg for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Gatlinburg throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h 2m10h 53m11h 59m13h 6m14h 3m14h 31m14h 16m13h 25m12h 21m11h 13m10h 15m9h 46m
Data source: Gatlinburg daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Gatlinburg

In Gatlinburg during January, the average wind speed hovers at a gentle 2.2 m/s (5 mph), setting a calm tone for the start of the year. This tranquil breeze remains steady through February, maintaining the same pace before slightly increasing to 2.3 m/s (5 mph) in March and April. As spring blossoms, the winds begin to taper off, reaching their annual low in the warmer months, with July's gentle whisper at 1.6 m/s (4 mph). The transition into autumn sees a mild resurgence with November recording a slight uptick back to 2.0 m/s (4 mph). As the year draws to a close, December surprises with a brisk 2.4 m/s (5 mph), hinting at winter's return. This noticeable fluctuation throughout the year reveals a pattern of calmness giving way to refreshing breezes, perfect for appreciating the stunning mountain vistas that Gatlinburg offers.

Average January Wind Speed in Gatlinburg

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Gatlinburg, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.2 m/s2.22.32.32.01.71.61.31.51.82.02.4
Data source: Gatlinburg January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Gatlinburg Compares to Other Months

The weather in Gatlinburg changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Gatlinburg and find detailed weather information for every month.

January and February present notable differences in weather patterns. January typically experiences colder temperatures, with a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and an average high of 23°C (73°F), while February sees milder conditions, with lows around -9°C (16°F) and highs reaching 25°C (77°F). Precipitation increases from January's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days to 153 mm (6.0 in) in February, occurring on 14 days. Interestingly, both months share the same humidity level of 86%, contributing to a consistent feel in the air. For more insights, check out Gatlinburg weather in February.

In January, the weather features a significant chill with minimum temperatures dropping to -17°C (1°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F), while the maximum can reach up to 23°C (73°F). The month experiences about 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 13 days, coupled with high humidity at 86%. In contrast, March brings a slight warming trend, with average temperatures rising to 10°C (50°F) and highs reaching as much as 28°C (82°F). However, precipitation increases to 145 mm (5.7 in) over 15 days, maintaining the same humidity levels at 86%. For more detailed insights into the weather patterns during this transition month, you can explore Gatlinburg weather in March.

In January, the weather in Gatlinburg is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -17°C (1°F) and an average of only 4°C (39°F), making it the coldest month of the year. The region experiences around 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 13 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, April brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (26°F) to a pleasant average of 13°C (57°F) and reaching up to 30°C (85°F) at times. Although April sees slightly higher precipitation at 138 mm (5.4 in) over 12 days, the humidity drops to 82%, resulting in a more comfortable atmosphere. For a more detailed look at this transition in climate, check out Gatlinburg weather in April.

In January, temperatures can drop as low as -17°C (1°F), with an average resting around 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73°F). The month typically experiences 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over about 13 days and a high humidity of 86%. In contrast, May brings significantly warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a chilly minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a comfortable average of 18°C (66°F) and highs reaching 30°C (87°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 131 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 85%. For more detailed information on what to expect, check out Gatlinburg weather in May.

January and June present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a mild maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average of 4°C (39°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) over about 13 days, and high humidity levels at 86%. In stark contrast, June boasts milder nights with a minimum of 8°C (46°F) and much warmer daytime temperatures, averaging 22°C (71°F) and peaking at 31°C (88°F). The month sees slightly higher precipitation at 111 mm (4.4 in) over 15 days, while maintaining a humidity level of 85%. For more details on weather specifics, check out Gatlinburg weather in June.

January and July in Gatlinburg present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can dip as low as -17°C (1°F) with an average of 4°C (39°F), while July boasts much milder temperatures with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and an average of 24°C (75°F), peaking at 32°C (90°F). Precipitation is also notable, with January receiving 97 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days compared to July's 118 mm (4.6 in) across 16 days. Additionally, January's humidity level is slightly higher at 86%, compared to 83% in July. For more detailed information, check out Gatlinburg weather in July.

When comparing the weather in January and August, it's clear that these months present vastly different climates. January experiences much colder temperatures, with an average of 4°C (39°F) and a minimum dipping to -17°C (1°F). In contrast, August boasts a much warmer average of 23°C (74°F), with daytime highs reaching up to 32°C (89°F). While January has 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over about 13 days, August sees a slight increase to 129 mm (5.1 in) across 15 days. Additionally, January maintains a high humidity level of 86%, while August's humidity is relatively lower at 76%. For more information, check out Gatlinburg weather in August.

In January, the weather can be quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from a frigid minimum of -17°C (1°F) to an average of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 23°C (73°F). The month sees significant precipitation of 97 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 13 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 86%. In contrast, September offers a much more temperate climate, with minimum temperatures around 6°C (43°F), an average of 21°C (70°F), and highs reaching 33°C (91°F). While September has a slightly higher precipitation total of 106 mm (4.2 in) over 12 days, the humidity is notably lower at 76%. For more detailed insights, check out Gatlinburg weather in September.

In January, the weather is much colder, with temperatures ranging from a frigid -17°C (1°F) to a mild max of 23°C (73°F), alongside high humidity at 86%. This month typically sees 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 13 days. In contrast, October offers a more moderate climate, featuring a minimum of -3°C (28°F) and a max of 33°C (91°F). It experiences slightly more precipitation at 132 mm (5.2 in) across fewer days, with humidity at a lower 80%. For a closer look at the conditions during this time, check out Gatlinburg weather in October.

When comparing January and November weather, January tends to be colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -17°C (1°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F) and an average of 4°C (39°F). In contrast, November experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -11°C (13°F), an average of 8°C (47°F), and a maximum of 25°C (77°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in January at 97 mm (3.8 in) over 13 days, compared to November's 82 mm (3.2 in) over 10 days. Both months have high humidity, with January at 86% and November slightly higher at 88%. For a more detailed insight into the weather patterns, you can check Gatlinburg weather in November.

In January, the weather experiences a slight dip in temperatures compared to December, with average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows dropping to a chilly -17°C (1°F). December sees a marginally warmer average of 6°C (43°F) with the temperature ranging from -16°C (4°F) to a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation is also higher in December, totaling 136 mm (5.4 in) compared to January's 97 mm (3.8 in), though both months have rainfall on approximately 13 days. Humidity levels remain similar, with January at 86% and December slightly higher at 88%. For more details on December's weather, check out this link: Gatlinburg weather in December.

Compare Gatlinburg's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Gatlinburg

January in Gatlinburg presents a unique contrast to other months, with temperatures that can swing dramatically, creating a chilly atmosphere that lingers throughout the days. The average chill settles around 4°C, but visitors can expect the occasional maximum warmth of 23°C, juxtaposed against the frigid lows that can drop to -17°C. This month is also marked by relatively high humidity levels and frequent precipitation, with about half the month experiencing rain or snow. These weather conditions make January a distinct, yet captivating, time for those seeking a wintry wonderland. For a deeper understanding of how Gatlinburg's climate evolves throughout the year, visit Gatlinburg Climate.