Weather Overview

Afternoon thunderstorms are not rare during the summer so it is a good idea to be mindful of the potential for storms as the day heats up. The summer heat lasts until late September, when cooler weather begins to settle in, bringing with it the color spectacular of changing leaves in the Smokies, which peak in mid to late October, depending on weather conditions such as the amount of rain as well as duration and frequency of cool nights. Snow is possible in the Pigeon Forge Area from late November through late March, but accumulation is not always guaranteed when snow begins to fall.

For current Pigeon Forge weather information, visit the National Weather Service page for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Seasonal Temperatures

Weather and Climate Information:

The weather is comfortable in Pigeon Forge. You will find that it is neither too hot nor too cold, as these average temperatures show. The hottest days of summer reach the upper nineties, usually in the month of August, but temperatures in the eighties are the most common in summertime.

Mountain Climate and Weather

Great Smoky Mountains Weather Information

Remember that higher elevations in the mountains will have different weather. The Smoky Mountains are a temperate rainforest because when warm moist air from the valley ascends into the cooler air of the mountains, the water vapor in the air condenses and rain falls. The highest elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains are comparable to Canada in terms of weather and even wildlife.

A detailed weather forecast for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is available by dialing 865-436-1200. Below are charts showing average conditions in Gatlinburg versus the higher altitudes in the park. Take note of a trail's elevation before departing and always be prepared for rain or snow. This park is a temperate rainforest; it rains quite often!

Wear layers of clothing to best prepare for weather conditions in the mountains. Always take rain protection when hiking in the mountains. Even during the summer, hypothermia can take hold when a summer downpour soaks through clothing. For more information, visit the PigeonForge.com Great Smoky Mountains National Park page.

Fall Color Viewing

When do the leaves change color? Usually the last two weeks of October offer the most vibrant views of the leaves, though the color transformation varies according to the year's temperature. Cooler temperatures and higher elevation will cause the leaves to change sooner. Before you visit, you can get a Fall Foliage Report from the U.S. Forest Service by visiting www.fs.fed.us/news/fallcolors/.

Live View of the Great Smoky Mountains

You can see the foliage yourself through one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Web cams as well:

The view from Look Rock can be seen by Clicking Here.
The view from Purchase Knob can be seen by Clicking Here.

If you don't have the Internet handy, then call Tennessee's "Fall Color Hotline" at 1-800-697-4200.