Best Times to Visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2025

Hi there! Are you hoping to take a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park but are unsure of when to go?

My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. I have spent a ton of time in the Smokies, and I can’t wait to share my tips on the best time to visit this amazing national park!

You’ll want to consider things like the weather and the crowds when choosing the best time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains. Here are my suggestions if you’re hoping to:

• Beat the crowds: May
• Travel during the summer: June
• See wildlife: May or October
• Go backpacking: July or August
• Save money: November
• Have a unique adventure: June or December

Each season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park can be a fun and adventurous time to visit. Let’s talk more specifically through each one so you can make an informed decision on the best time of year for you!

Average Monthly Temperatures in Great Smoky Mountains NP

This information is for the low-elevation areas of the park (near Gatlinburg). If you’ll be in the higher elevations, expect cooler temperatures and more snow.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High (F)	51	54	61	71	79	86	88	87	83	73	61	52
Avg Low (F)	28	29	34	42	50	58	59	60	55	43	33	28
Avg Snow (“)	2.3	2.9	flurries	flurries	flurries	0	0	0	0	0	0.7	4.5
Avg Rain (“)	4.8	4.8	5.3	4.5	4.5	5.2	5.7	5.3	3	3.1	3.4	1

Winter in the Smokies (December-February)

During winter, park roads may close due to snow and ice, especially at high elevations, where wet roads can freeze as temperatures drop at night. The days can get as warm as 70 degrees, but nights usually drop below freezing.

That’s not to say that it’s not worth visiting during winter, though. The snow scares away most travelers, so winter is a fantastic time of year to visit the park if you don’t want to fight through the crowds! Many hikers enjoy exploring the snowy trails, and families love the holiday festivities in and around the park.

December in the Great Smoky Mountains

December in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a magical time to visit — many trails are either covered in snow or lightly frosted with powder and ice, and the park’s majestic views are beautiful and unobstructed.

Consider visiting during December if you’re looking to beat the crowds and enjoy some holiday festivities while at the park!

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• Most secondary roads are closed at this time, including the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily but are closed on Christmas Day.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is closed.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are closed.
• The LeConte Lodge is closed.
• The only campgrounds open this month are the Cades Cove and Smokemont Campgrounds.
• All hiking trails are available year-round (even in the winter!), but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park doesn’t offer any ranger programs this month.
• For some holiday fun, visit the nearby town of Pigeon Forge for its famous holiday lights.
• The crowd levels are low.

January in the Great Smoky Mountains

While it will still be cold in the Great Smoky Mountains during January, crowd levels are low, and some holiday festivities still linger in the nearby towns. Bundle up and enjoy the winter wonderland!

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• Most secondary roads are closed at this time, including the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is closed.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are closed.
• The LeConte Lodge is closed.
• The only campgrounds open this month are the Cades Cove and Smokemont Campgrounds.
• All hiking trails are available year-round (even in the winter!), but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park doesn’t offer any ranger programs this month.
• For some holiday fun, visit the nearby town of Pigeon Forge for its famous holiday lights.
• The crowd levels are low.

February in the Great Smoky Mountains

February in the Great Smoky Mountains is a great time to visit if you’re looking to beat the crowds and see the park in a unique way — after the trees lose all their leaves in the winter, you can have unobstructed views you won’t get at any other time of year. Some trails might be closed due to snow, but daytime temperatures usually hover around 50 degrees or so.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• Most secondary roads are closed at this time, including the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is closed.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are closed.
• The LeConte Lodge is closed.
• The only campgrounds open this month are the Cades Cove and Smokemont Campgrounds.
• All hiking trails are available year-round (even in the winter!), but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park doesn’t offer any ranger programs this month.
• The crowd levels are low.

Spring in the Smokies (March-May)

Spring in the Smokies is unpredictable — it can go from sunny to snow flurries within hours! Temperatures fluctuate greatly throughout the park’s highest and lowest elevations depending on the time of day, with temperatures reaching as high as the 70s and as low as freezing. Afternoon showers are common throughout April, but the park starts to enjoy warmer temperatures by early May.

Spring is a fantastic time to visit the park to see everything wake up from a long winter’s nap. The trees start to flower, and the wildlife begins to roam the forests. If you can be flexible with your plans and the weather, you can have a great spring trip!

March in the Great Smoky Mountains

March in the Great Smoky Mountains is a time of transition from winter to spring — temperatures are still a little chilly, and there could be a bit of snow. Or, the sun might be shining, and the trees may be flowering! If you’re planning on visiting the park during March, be flexible and enjoy the unpredictable weather of early spring.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• Most secondary roads are closed at this time, including the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is closed.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill open on March 15th and are then open daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• The LeConte Lodge opens in mid-March.
• The Cades Cove and Smokemont campgrounds are open year-round, and the Elkmont and Cataloochee campgrounds open for the season in March.
• All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park offers ranger-led programs from spring through fall. These programs are seasonal and always changing, so stop by a visitor center for the most up-to-date information.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

April in the Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park starts to wake up in April! Most programs, campgrounds, and roads start to open as the trees start to flower and spring sets in on the park. Visiting in April is great if you are looking for cool temperatures and a good offering of activities before the summer crowds.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• Most secondary roads are open by the middle of the month, weather permitting. This includes the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. as long as the Kuwohi Road is open for the season.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are open and operating daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• The LeConte Lodge is open.
• All campgrounds are typically open by the end of this month.
• All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park offers ranger-led programs from spring through fall. These programs are seasonal and always changing, so stop by a visitor center for the most up-to-date information.
• The park’s partner organizations offer programs at this time. These programs include hiking excursions, workshops, and summer camps.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

May in the Great Smoky Mountains

May is a great time to sneak in a trip to the park before all those big summer crowds! You’ll enjoy great weather, open roads and amenities, and beautiful mountain views.

I suggest visiting the Smokies in May if you’re hoping to see some wildlife, beat the crowds, and access all of the can’t-miss spots in the park.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from May to September.
• The secondary roads are open, weather permitting. This includes the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are open and operating daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• The LeConte Lodge is open.
• All campgrounds are open.
• All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park offers ranger-led programs from spring through fall. These programs are seasonal and always changing, so stop by a visitor center for the most up-to-date information.
• The park’s partner organizations offer programs at this time. These programs include hiking excursions, workshops, and summer camps.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

Summer in the Smokies (June-August)

Summer in Great Smoky Mountains National Park brings spectacular mountain views with full trees and picturesque waterfalls, but it also brings in the heat, humidity, and afternoon showers. Temperatures can be in the 90s in the lower elevations with lows in the 60s or 70s, so you’ll want to focus your time up in the higher elevations where it’s cool!

Everything in the park is typically open during the summer months, but with that comes the crowds. Be prepared to share the roads and trails with park visitors from all over the world during these months!

June in the Great Smoky Mountains

June in Great Smoky Mountains National Park marks the start of the busy summer season. Crowd levels start to pick up, and the temperatures rise into the 80s on most days, although the nights can still be pretty chilly.

Hiking is popular in the park during June, and you can spend your time enjoying the many shade-covered trails and waterfalls as you hike through the forest. June is also when you can see all the fireflies!

I suggest visiting the Smokies in June if you need to travel during the summer or if you want a unique experience because of the firefly viewing.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from May to September.
• The secondary roads are open, weather permitting. This includes the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is open from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are open and operating daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• The LeConte Lodge is open.
• All campgrounds are open.
• All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park offers ranger-led programs from spring through fall. These programs are seasonal and always changing, so stop by a visitor center for the most up-to-date information.
• The park’s partner organizations offer programs at this time. These programs include hiking excursions, workshops, and summer camps.
• The synchronous fireflies are out in full force for several weeks in June. You’ll need a reservation to get into the area of the park where the display is the best!
• The crowd levels are high.

July in the Great Smoky Mountains

Temperatures will reach their hottest in July in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and crowd levels will reach some of the highest numbers, too! Visiting during July is a fantastic time if you want to have access to everything the park has to offer, including hikes, scenic drives, ranger programs, and camping.

July is a great time to go backpacking if you’re hoping to beat the heat by venturing into the higher elevations of the park.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from May to September.
• The secondary roads are open, weather permitting. This includes the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is open from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are open and operating daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• The LeConte Lodge is open.
• All campgrounds are open.
• All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park offers ranger-led programs from spring through fall. These programs are seasonal and always changing, so stop by a visitor center for the most up-to-date information.
• The park’s partner organizations offer programs at this time. These programs include hiking excursions, workshops, and summer camps.
• Gatlinburg (the town just outside of the Smokies) hosts a midnight parade and fireworks for the 4th of July. It’s one of the biggest celebrations in the country!
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

August in the Great Smoky Mountains

Summer is still in full swing during August in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so get ready for hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rainstorms. Crowd levels usually dip a little in August, so if you want to sneak in a trip before summer ends, this is a good time to do it!

August is a great time to go backpacking if you’re hoping to beat the heat by venturing into the higher elevations of the park.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from May to September.
• The secondary roads are open, weather permitting. This includes the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is open from 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are open and operating daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• The LeConte Lodge is open.
• All campgrounds are open.
• All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park offers ranger-led programs from spring through fall. These programs are seasonal and always changing, so stop by a visitor center for the most up-to-date information.
• The park’s partner organizations offer programs at this time. These programs include hiking excursions, workshops, and summer camps.
• The Smoky Mountain Film Fest shows independent films in August in the park.
• The crowd levels are high.

Autumn in the Smokies (September-November)

Autumn is a spectacular time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park — you’ll usually get clear skies with warm days and cool nights. Temperatures start to drop in late September, with average highs in the 60s and lows in the 30s. This is the driest time of year, although a few snow flurries aren’t unheard of in the higher elevations starting around late October or early November.

October is the park’s busiest month because it’s the peak season for leaf-peeping! Most campgrounds, roads, and activities won’t start closing down for the winter until early November, so an autumn visit can give you some of the best views and weather you can get in the Smokies.

September in the Great Smoky Mountains

September in the Smokies is a time of transition as the seasons change from summer to fall. Temperatures drop, there are fewer crowds, and there’s a chance that the leaves will start changing color towards the end of the month.

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• The Cades Cove Loop Road is closed to vehicles on Wednesdays from May to September.
• The secondary roads are open, weather permitting. This includes the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are open and operating daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• The LeConte Lodge is open.
• All campgrounds are open.
• All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park offers ranger-led programs from spring through fall. These programs are seasonal and always changing, so stop by a visitor center for the most up-to-date information.
• The park’s partner organizations offer programs at this time. These programs include hiking excursions, workshops, and summer camps.
• You may start seeing some leaves changing color as you’re out exploring at the end of this month!
• The crowd levels are high.

October in the Great Smoky Mountains

October is the busiest time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park because of all the beautiful fall foliage! Temperatures are cool and comfortable, which makes it a great time to be out hiking and camping.

Some roads start to close at the end of the month, so October is the perfect time to take advantage of all the park has to offer while being surrounded by vivid autumn colors.

I suggest a visit to the Smokies in October if you want to see some wildlife. This is the perfect time to be in the park if you want to see lots of elk!

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• The secondary roads are open, weather permitting. This includes the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are open and operating daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• The LeConte Lodge is open.
• Many campgrounds close down for the season by the end of October, but the Smokemont, Elkmont, and Cades Cove campgrounds are open.
• All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park offers ranger-led programs from spring through fall. These programs are seasonal and always changing, so stop by a visitor center for the most up-to-date information.
• The park’s partner organizations offer programs at this time. These programs include hiking excursions, workshops, and summer camps.
• Enjoy the gorgeous fall colors on display as you explore the park this month!
• The crowd levels are extremely high.

November in the Great Smoky Mountains

November marks the transition from fall to winter in the Smokies. Temperatures start to drop near freezing at night, and snow can start falling at any time.

Most of the secondary park roads close in November, and weather-related trail closures are possible as well. Expect some unpredictability in your plans, and come prepared to be flexible.

I suggest a visit in November if you want to save some money by visiting closer to the off-season (just don’t expect a good deal over Thanksgiving)!

What You Need to Know

• The main roads through the park (US-441 Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, and the Cades Cove Loop Road) are open year-round, weather permitting.
• Most secondary roads stay open until the end of the month, weather permitting. This includes the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome).
• The three park visitor centers (Cades Coves, Oconaluftee, and Sugarlands) are typically open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• The Kuwohi Visitor Contact Station is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Mingus Mill and Cable Mill are open and operating daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. until they close down for the season in mid-November.
• The LeConte Lodge closes for the season in mid-November.
• The only campgrounds open this month are the Cades Cove and Smokemont Campgrounds.
• All hiking trails are available year-round, but some may close temporarily due to inclement weather, wildlife activity, or maintenance.
• The park doesn’t offer any ranger programs this month.
• For some holiday fun, visit the nearby town of Pigeon Forge for its famous holiday lights.
• The crowd levels are moderate.

Now that you’ve learned about the best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you’re ready to start solidifying your plans. You can find everything you need in the links below!

More Great Smoky Mountains Trip Planning Information

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Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to the Smokies — the best airports and roads in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in the Great Smokies? — itinerary ideas.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
12 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Great Smoky Mountains — the top 12 spots.
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners.
The Ultimate Smokies Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know.
Best Things to Do — activities for every type of adventurer.

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