Best Time To Visit Tennessee 2022 - Weather & 49 Things To Do

United StatesTennessee© Nickolay Khoroshkov / Adobe Stock Save Visited Rate Review Share

Best time to visit

5340458110061687487947158JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Even though you can visit the state at any time, the best time to visit Tennessee depends on what the goal of your vacation is. March through May and September through November are considered to be the most pleasant months with balmy days, cool nights, and a reasonable level of humidity. Nothing beats glancing at blooming flowers in spring and enjoying spectacular foliage in fall. Views from Clingman's Dome are amazing throughout both of these seasons. The time between June and August is considered to be the busiest. Escape the heat and choose Fall Creek Falls and Machine Falls to cool down a little and relax. Tourist flow subsides by the time winter approaches—high time to hit the Little River Road to explore the Smokies at their best.

See more

53 things to do in Tennessee

PopularJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberAllFestivalsMusicActivitiesAnimal LifeNatureAmusementEventsPlantsUrbanTraditionsGastronomyShoppingSportsCelebrationsMarine Fun

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

June 13-16, 2024 • Event

A "green" festival that stages both famous and yet to be established talents and draws fans from the entire globe to the area as big as 375 football fields—it is the unique Bonnaroo

Synchronous Fireflies

late May–mid-June • Nature

The symphony of light in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Wilson County Fair - Tennessee State Fair

August 15-24, 2024 • Event

Ice-cream-eating contests, corn hole, karaoke and fun for the whole family is guaranteed

Fall Creek Falls State Park

all year round • Activity

The most-visited state park in Tennessee offers 56 miles (90 km) of hiking trails

Machine Falls

all year round • Nature

Beautiful waterfall is just a one-hour drive from Nashville

Tail of the Dragon Road at Deals Gap

April–October • Activity

An extremely curvy drive between North Carolina and Tennessee, excellent for motorcycles and sport cars

Natchez Trace Parkway

April–May | September–October • Activity

One of the most scenic roads in the United States with an ancient history

National Cornbread Festival

April 27-28, 2024 • Event

The annual celebration of cornbread and Southern food traditions in South Pittsburg

National Storytelling Festival

October 4–6, 2024 • Event

Celebrate an ancient tradition of storytelling

Nashville Greek Festival

September 27-29, 2024 • Event

Three days of delicious food and lively music and dancing

Clingmans Dome

April–November • Activity

Drive up to the highest point in the Smokies

Elvis Week

August 9–17, 2024 • Event

An annual celebration of the music and legacy of Elvis Presley

Wilson County Fair

August 15-24, 2024 • Event

The largest fair in Tennessee offers plenty of entertainment

Kingsport Fun Fest

July 19-27, 2024 • Event

The most popular music, art, and hot air balloon event in Tennessee

4th of July Events & Fireworks Show in Nashville

July 4 • Event

The whole city enjoys Independence Day festivities, music, and sports

Tennessee Fall Colors

late September–early November • Nature

Turn on "Rocky Top" and head to the Smoky Mountains to get your fill of fall color

Dancing Lights of Christmas

November 8, 2024–January 4, 2025 • Event

Middle Tennessee’s only synchronized light and music show for the holiday mood

Smoky Mountains Winterfest

November 7, 2024–February 17, 2025 • Event

Visit cozy mountain towns nestled near the Smokies to explore the twinkling winter wonderland

Winter Carnival of Magic

March 6–8, 2025 • Event

Immerse yourself into the world of illusion in the heart of the Smoky Mountains

Nashville Christmas Lights

early November–early January • Event

Get into the Christmas spirit when festive holiday decorations illuminate Nashville

Christmas Lights in and near Memphis, TN

mid November–early January • Event

Discover iconic Memphis attractions alight with holiday cheer

Christmas Lights and Events in Chattanooga

late November–early January • Event

Immerse yourself in a wonderland of dazzling lights in Southeastern Tennessee

New Year's Eve in Nashville

December 31 • Event

A fantastic place to party and ring in the New Year

New Year's Eve in Chattanooga

December 31 • Event

Ring in the New Year in style at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains

New Year's Eve

December 31 • Event

The biggest party of the year in the Great Smoky Mountains

New Year's Eve in Memphis

December 31 • Event

Celebrate New Year's arrival with some serious Rock'n'Roll

Chinese New Year in Nashville

January 31–February 8, 2025 • Event

Lion dances and traditional food—Nashville knows how to celebrate the New Lunar Year in style!

Hummingbird Migration

late March–mid-May | early July–October • Nature

Behold the world's most adorable wee birds throughout Tennessee

Sandhill Crane Migration

mid-October–February | best: January • Nature

Thousands of sandhill cranes spend winter in Tennessee

Burgess Falls

year round (best time: March–November) • Nature

Enjoy the leisurely hike near one of the most beautiful state's waterfall

Waterfalls

March–November • Nature

Plan yourself a beautiful weekend getaway at one of Tennessee's most beguiling waterfalls

Cumberland Falls

all year round (during full moon phases) • Nature

One of the few sites in the Western Hemisphere where one can witness a moonbow

Chattanooga Fall Colors

late October–early November • Nature

While every season is great in its own way, there's something quite magical about fall near Tennessee River

Gatlinburg Christmas Lights

mid-November–mid-February • Event

From light displays to Christmas trees and shows – Tennessee Smokies is a must-see in the winter

Christmas Lights in Tennessee

early November–early February • Event

Immerse in Christmas magic of the American South

GSM Hot Air Balloon Festival

August 17, 2024 • Event

Ballooning and fun activities in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Franklin Hot Air Balloon Classic

June 12, 2021 • Event

Take a look at the colorful giants from an eye level

Lakeside of the Smokies Balloon Fest

October 26–27, 2024 • Event

Bird's-eye views of fall foliage in the Smokies

Smoky Mountain Air Show

September 10–11, 2022 • Event

Blue Angels and others headline the top aviation event in Knoxville

Midsouth Air Show (Millington)

mid-June 2023 (will not be held in 2024) • Event

Aviation fun for the whole family near Memphis

Nashville Comic Con

June 1-2, 2024 • Event

Join a popular culture celebration in Music City

East Nashville Beer Festival

April 13, 2025 • Event

Come to East Park and drink as much beer as you like

Crossville Oktoberfest

October 18-19, 2024 • Event

The best-in-class Oktoberfest event in the Upper Cumberlands

Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival

June 22, 2024 • Event

This festival is a real celebration of beer

Memphis 4th of July Fireworks, Shows and Events

July 4 • Event

Celebrate American Independence Memphis style!

Strawberry Festival in Dayton

May 9–13, 2024 • Event

Rejoice in the most delicious festival in Dayton. Plenty of strawberries are waiting for you!

Appalachian Fair at Fairgrounds

August 19-24, 2024 • Event

The Appalachian Fair is a must-visit festival in Gray

Collierville Balloon Festival

September 20–21, 2025 • Event

A popular balloooning event in a suburb of Memphis

Tennessee Medieval Faire

October 5–20, 2024 (weekends only) • Event

Jousting tournaments, warriors' chess matches, and other entertainment

Dollywood Harvest Festival

September 9–October 28, 2024 • Event

Fall-themed entertainment at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains

Tennessee Renaissance Festival

May 4–27, 2024 (weekends only) • Event

Medieval entertainment, special events, and showcases provide a unique, immersive experience for all ages

Nashville Memorial Day Weekend Events & Fireworks

last Monday of May • Event

Enjoy Music City party vibes, the beautiful outdoors, and flavorsome Southern cuisine

Franklin Memorial Day Weekend Events

late May • Event

Occasions that create never-to-be-forgotten emotions on Memorial Day Weekend

Last updated: Nov 15, 2024

Nearby destinations

United StatesGeorgia, USAAdd to wishlistUnited StatesKentuckyAdd to wishlistUnited StatesAlabamaAdd to wishlistUnited StatesAtlantaAdd to wishlistUnited StatesNashville, TNAdd to wishlistUnited StatesMemphis, TNAdd to wishlistUnited StatesGatlinburg, TNAdd to wishlistUnited StatesCincinnati, OHAdd to wishlistUnited StatesLouisville, KYAdd to wishlistUnited StatesIndianaAdd to wishlistPreviousNext