Summary of Tennessee Weather
Tennessee weather ranges from hot and humid in the summer to cool, and even cold, in winter. Conditions vary in different parts of the state. Get the lowdown on average high and low temperatures and rainfall before you plan a visit to the state. Tennessee’s highest average temperatures generally occur in July, with the lowest average temperatures in January.
January
January is Memphis’ coldest month, with an average high of 48.6 degrees F and an average low of 31.3 F. The average monthly precipitation is 4.24 inches. Nashville’s average overnight temperature is 27.9 F, and daily highs average 45.6 F. In the mountain areas in the eastern part of the state, January temperatures can be even lower. For example, Oak Ridge sees an average low of 28 F. Winter snow and ice storms are not unusual. Notably, in January 2017, Gatlinburg received nearly 6 inches of snow.
February
Memphis has an average February high of 54.4 F and a low of 35.5 F, with 4.31 inches of precipitation. The city may occasionally see a winter snowfall. For instance, in 2015, Memphis experienced a total of 5.9 inches of snow over a period of two days. Nashville sees an average high of 52 F and low of 32 F in February, with 3.9 inches of precipitation, some of which often falls as snow.
March
By March, the days start warming up in Memphis, featuring an average high of 63.3 F and a low of 43.7 F. Rainfall begins to increase too, with average totals of 5.58 inches. Chattanooga, located in the eastern part of the state, remains cool in March, with an average high of 55 F and low of 34 F.
April
April in Memphis experiences mild weather, with average daily highs of 72.4 F and lows of 51.9 F. Typically, April is the wettest month of the year, receiving about 5.79 inches of rain. Nashville also sees similar averages with a high of 71 F and a low of 48 F, along with 4 inches of rain and an average of 16 days of total sunshine. Unsettled weather during April can bring hailstorms and occasional tornado warnings.
May
The average high in Memphis in May is a warm 80.4 F, and the low is 60.8 F. Average rainfall during this month is approximately 5.15 inches. Nashville records similar averages with highs around 78 F and lows of 57 F. Notably, Lookout Mountain in the eastern part of the state remains cooler, averaging a high of 73 F and a low of 57 F.
June
Memphis in June sees temperatures start to soar, reaching an average high of 89 F and a low of 67 F. Rainfall averages about 4.30 inches. Conversely, Nashville reaches a warm average of 86 F and a low of 63 F. It’s also noteworthy that June marks the beginning of hurricane season; although Tennessee is landlocked, remnants of tropical storms can impact the area throughout the summer and fall, causing significant rainfall.
July
Most of the state experiences quite warm conditions in July. Memphis records sizzling highs of 92.1 F and lows of 72.9 F. High humidity levels contribute to the discomfort. Rainfall during July averages 4.22 inches. Nashville, along with Murfreesboro and Chattanooga, also sees warm temperatures averaging 89 F, 90 F, and 90 F, respectively. Thunderstorms are common during this month.
August
Warm, humid weather continues in August, with an average daily high in Memphis at 91.2 F and an average low of 71.2 F. It is noteworthy that highs can sometimes reach into the triple digits. August is also recognized as the driest month of the year, with rainfall averaging approximately 3 inches.
September
Things start to cool down somewhat in September as the arrival of the fall season brings lower humidity levels and pleasant warmth. Memphis sees average highs of 85.3 F and lows of 64.3 F, alongside 3.31 inches of rain. Nashville maintains similar climatic conditions with average highs around 82 F, while Chattanooga’s averages are slightly higher at 83 F.
October
October is a comfortable month in Tennessee. Memphis sees its average highs cool down to 75.1 F, while Nashville averages highs of around 72 F. Both cities experience an average of 21 days of total sunshine. In Gatlinburg, the weather remains relatively cool, with an average high of 71 F and a low of 43 F.
November
November ushers in considerably cooler and wetter weather to the state. Memphis observes average highs of just 62.1 F and lows of 42.6 F, with approximately 5.76 inches of rainfall and the potential for snowfall in colder mountain areas. In Gatlinburg, located in the Smoky Mountains, average highs dip to 61 F and lows to 33 F.
December
December brings cool weather, with Memphis average highs at 52.2 F and lows at 34.5 F. Rainfall in the city averages 5.68 inches. The eastern mountain area, such as Lookout Mountain, is even cooler, averaging a high of 48 F and a low of 31 F.
