When you’re planning for St. Patrick’s Day in Tennessee, unpredictable skies are almost a given. Most years, you’ll get mild to cool temperatures in mid-March, with highs in the 50s to 60s and lows in the 30s to 40s. Rain shows up more often than not, and while snow isn’t likely, it sometimes sneaks in just to keep things interesting.
Weather patterns really shift across the state. What you get in Memphis can feel worlds apart from Knoxville or Nashville. Some years, you’ll enjoy crisp, sunny afternoons that are just right for parades. Other years, you’ll need a jacket and umbrella for chilly, damp conditions.
If you know what’s typical, you can plan better—whether you’re hitting a festival, grabbing some outdoor food, or driving across the state. By checking out typical March weather, past events, and local climate trends, you’ll have a much better shot at staying comfortable on St. Patrick’s Day.
Typical March Weather in Tennessee
March in Tennessee usually signals the shift from winter’s chill to milder days of spring. You’ll get a mix of cool mornings, mild afternoons, and plenty of rain showers as the seasons trade places.
Conditions depend on where you are, but most of the state follows a humid subtropical climate. That’s pretty typical for the mid-South and eastern U.S.
Average Temperatures and Precipitation
Daytime highs in March tend to land in the low 60s°F (16–18°C) in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville. Nights usually fall into the 30s–40s°F (1–7°C).
Early March can hang onto winter’s chill, but by the end of the month, it’s definitely warmer.
Rain is a regular guest as weather fronts sweep through. Nashville averages about 4.1 inches, Memphis gets around 4.4 inches, and Knoxville sees close to 3.9 inches of rain for the month.
Showers are steady rather than drawn-out dry spells, so you’ll want to keep rain gear handy.
Snow? Not impossible, but pretty rare. Nashville and Knoxville might see less than 0.5 inches on average, and Memphis usually just gets a trace. Any snow that does fall melts off fast as the weather warms up.
Humidity and Wind Patterns
March humidity sits in a comfortable range, especially compared to the sticky summer months. Dew points stay below 60°F, so the air feels cool and fresh.
On rainy days, humidity bumps up a bit, but it almost never gets oppressive.
Winds pick up when high pressure systems and storm fronts roll through. In Memphis, average winds hit about 10 mph. Nashville gets closer to 9 mph, while Knoxville is a bit calmer at 6 mph.
These breezes change direction as the weather shifts, letting you know if rain or clearer skies are on the way.
Because March is a transitional month, the weather can feel unsettled. You might get a sunny, mild afternoon one day and a damp, breezy one the next. It’s smart to be ready for both.
Daylight Hours and Sunlight
March brings more daylight as spring gets closer. Across Tennessee, you’ll see about 11 hours of daylight at the month’s start, growing to nearly 12.5 hours by the end.
Evenings get brighter, which makes outdoor plans a bit easier.
Skies tend to be partly cloudy most days. Nashville and Knoxville average around 50% clear or partly clear skies, and Memphis sometimes does a little better.
Rainy days cut down on sunshine, but you’ll still get breaks in the clouds.
By late March, there’s a nice balance of light and warmth. Even if a shower rolls through, you still enjoy more daylight than in winter, which is great for travel or outdoor events.
Weather Conditions on St. Patrick’s Day
In Tennessee, mid-March weather can flip fast between spring-like warmth and leftover winter chill. Some years, you’ll get sunny skies. Other years, it’s damp and unsettled, and every now and then snow shows up to surprise everyone.
Historical Averages for March 17th
On March 17th, average high temperatures in Tennessee usually land in the upper 50s to mid-60s °F. In the mountains, highs are cooler, usually in the upper 40s.
Low temperatures often fall into the upper 30s to mid-40s, and you might still get frost in the valleys.
Records show St. Patrick’s Day can get wild. Sometimes, highs reach the low 80s when strong high pressure systems move in. Other years, cold snaps drop temps into the 20s. Tennessee’s March weather really keeps you guessing.
Humidity stays moderate, and winds run from light to breezy. Southerly winds can make things warmer and a bit more humid. If winds swing from the north, mornings can feel sharply cold.
Probability of Rain and Clear Skies
Rain is pretty common in Tennessee during March, and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. You’re looking at about a 40–50% chance of measurable precipitation, depending on where you are.
Light rain showers happen most often, but thunderstorms can pop up if warm, moist Gulf air clashes with cooler northern air.
Clear skies aren’t the norm, but they’re not rare either. When a strong high pressure system settles in, you’ll get mostly sunny weather and pleasant afternoon temps. Those are the days you want for parades or festivals.
Clouds often build up later in the day if spring storms are moving in. Evenings can turn damp or breezy, even if the morning was nice. A light jacket and umbrella are usually good bets.
Chance of Snowfall and Notable Events
Snow on March 17th in Tennessee is rare, especially at lower elevations. Still, historical data shows you can get trace amounts of snow in the higher spots of the Cumberland Plateau and Smoky Mountains.
Valleys might see a flurry or two if a late cold front sweeps through.
Severe weather is actually more of a concern. Some years bring severe thunderstorms—hail, heavy rain, and even the occasional tornado have all shown up near this date. These aren’t the norm, but they do happen and keep folks on their toes.
Every so often, a cold snap drops morning lows below freezing, leaving icy patches on bridges and roads. Not common, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the forecast.
Regional Weather Variations Across Tennessee
Weather in Tennessee really depends on where you are. Elevation, how close you are to the Mississippi River, and the Appalachian Mountains all change up the temperatures, rain, and even snow chances in mid-March.
Nashville and Middle Tennessee
In Nashville, or Music City, daytime highs around St. Patrick’s Day usually sit in the low 60s °F. Lows hang near the low 40s °F.
Nights can still feel chilly, but afternoons often warm up enough for just a light jacket.
Rain is pretty common this time of year. Nashville gets 9–10 days with measurable precipitation in March, so you’ll want to be ready for wet weather.
Showers are usually light to moderate, but thunderstorms can show up when warm Gulf air bumps into cooler fronts.
Skies stay partly to mostly cloudy a lot of the time. Clear spells do happen, but they rarely stick around.
If you’re out downtown, maybe hitting the honky-tonks, an umbrella is smart.
Wind speeds average 8–9 mph, which can make cool mornings feel brisk. By late March, you’ll feel more spring warmth, but early mornings still remind you it’s not quite summer.
Memphis and Western Tennessee
Memphis, right by the Mississippi River, is warmer than most of the state. Highs in mid-March average in the mid-60s °F, and lows stick to the mid-40s °F.
The river keeps extreme cold at bay, so it’s not as chilly as the east.
Rain falls often, with 10–11 wet days in March. Thunderstorms show up more here than elsewhere, and you can get some heavy downpours.
If you’re headed to Beale Street, expect damp sidewalks and maybe a muggy afternoon or two by late March.
Humidity starts to climb as spring rolls in, but it’s nowhere near summer levels yet.
Winds are a bit stronger in Memphis, averaging 10–11 mph, which can make stormy days feel unsettled.
Snow is almost unheard of in March—usually less than half an inch if any falls at all. Rain is the main story, so waterproof shoes are a smart choice for walking the city.
Chattanooga and Southeast Tennessee
Chattanooga, near Rock City, feels like a blend of Middle and East Tennessee. Highs average near 62 °F, while lows dip into the lower 40s °F.
The Tennessee River valley traps a little warmth, giving you milder weather than the higher elevations around.
March brings 10–11 rainy days, mostly light to moderate showers. Thunderstorms can happen, especially later in the month, but they’re less common than in Memphis.
Humidity stays moderate, and you won’t get muggy conditions this early in the year.
Skies are often partly cloudy, so you’ll get a mix of sun and clouds for outdoor plans.
Snow is rare, but a quick dusting can show up in early March if a cold front blows through. By mid-month, snow chances drop to almost nothing.
East Tennessee and the Appalachian Mountains
East Tennessee, including places like Gatlinburg, is cooler and wetter than much of the state. Highs in the valleys average near 60 °F, with lows in the upper 30s °F.
Higher elevations in the Appalachian Mountains get much colder, and freezing nights are still common in March.
Snow is most likely here when compared to the rest of Tennessee. Valleys might see just a trace, but mountain spots like Mount Le Conte can pick up several inches in March, and some years even more.
Rain is frequent too, with 12–13 wet days in March for Knoxville and the surrounding area.
All that rain and snow means you’ll want waterproof gear, especially if you’re planning to hike or tour the Smokies.
Clouds hang around more in the mountains, and skies often stay gray. Sunshine breaks through sometimes, but not for long.
If you’re traveling through higher passes, expect sudden weather changes—fog, strong winds, and quick temperature drops are all possible.
Extreme and Notable St. Patrick’s Day Weather Events
Tennessee has seen just about every kind of weather on March 17, from historic snowstorms to damaging floods and severe spring thunderstorms.
These events stand out for how much they’ve disrupted daily life, travel, and safety across the state.
1892 St. Patrick’s Day Snowstorm
Back in 1892, a huge snowstorm hit Middle and West Tennessee right on St. Patrick’s Day. Nashville got 17 inches of snow, still the city’s record for a single day.
Memphis saw 18 inches, which is its record for both a single storm and a 24-hour stretch.
The snow started late on March 16 and picked up overnight. By the morning of March 17, travel basically stopped.
Streetcars in Nashville shut down, and a lot of people had to walk long distances just to get into the city. In Memphis, the snow’s weight caused roofs to collapse and damaged buildings all over.
This storm canceled parades and left its mark on Tennessee’s weather history. It’s still the benchmark for extreme March snowfall in both cities.
1973 Chattanooga Flooding
March 1973 brought heavy rain that led to one of Chattanooga’s worst floods.
After several days of rain, the Tennessee River and its tributaries rose well above flood stage. On St. Patrick’s Day, the river crested and flooded parts of downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
Floodwaters covered roads, damaged homes, and forced evacuations. Businesses near the riverfront took major losses, and transportation slowed way down as bridges and highways closed.
This event showed how persistent heavy rain in the Mid-South can be just as disruptive as snow or ice. For Chattanooga, the 1973 flood is still one of the most memorable weather disasters tied to St. Patrick’s Day.
Recent Severe Thunderstorms
In the past few decades, severe thunderstorms have become the most common extreme weather threat around March 17 in Tennessee. Warm, unstable air in early spring often fuels damaging winds, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.
Several years have brought fast-moving storm lines across the Mid-South. These storms knocked out power, toppled trees, and caused flash flooding in some neighborhoods.
Sometimes, hail has damaged cars and roofs in places like Nashville and Memphis. That’s never fun to deal with, especially when you’re not expecting it.
These storms might not be as memorable as the 1892 snowstorm or the 1973 flooding, but they remind us how quickly weather can turn dangerous. If you’re planning to be outside for St. Patrick’s Day, keep an eye on the forecast and pay attention to any local warnings.
Impact of Weather on St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
March weather in Tennessee can shift fast. You might start the day with a chilly morning, then enjoy a mild afternoon, and by evening, a spring shower could roll in.
These swings really shape how you celebrate, whether you’re heading to a parade, making travel plans, or just picking a spot to enjoy the vibe.
Outdoor Events and Parades
St. Patrick’s Day parades in Tennessee, like the ones in Nashville and Memphis, really depend on the weather. Afternoon highs often hit the 60s, but March brings its fair share of rain.
A light jacket and an umbrella can mean the difference between enjoying the music or scrambling for cover. Crowds gather along Beale Street in Memphis, where Irish festivities mix with live blues for a pretty unique scene.
At Silky O’Sullivan’s, outdoor tables fill up fast if the weather’s dry. In Nashville’s Music City, parades and street performances go smoother when the wind is calm and the sky’s clear.
If you’re planning to go, check the forecast for rain. Wet pavement gets slippery, and a cold morning might call for a few extra layers.
Travel and Safety Considerations
Weather can really change how you get to and from events. March brings quick cold fronts through Tennessee, and those can mean sudden downpours, gusty winds, or even a little hail.
If you’re driving to Gatlinburg or Rock City, watch out for fog in the mountains. That’s a common headache this time of year.
Traffic always picks up near parade routes, especially in downtown Memphis and Nashville. Add slick roads to the mix, and you’ll want to leave a little early.
If storms are possible, avoid parking under big trees or near power lines. Public transit and rideshares help you dodge some weather-related hassles.
Heavy rain sometimes causes minor flooding in low spots, so planning an alternate route isn’t a bad idea. Nobody likes getting stuck in a puddle.
Popular Destinations and Local Festivities
Weather often decides where you’ll celebrate. In Memphis, Graceland sometimes hosts themed events, and a mild day makes walking the grounds a lot nicer.
If it’s rainy or chilly, you might head inside to check out the Elvis Presley exhibits instead. In Nashville, Irish pubs and music venues offer a cozy spot to wait out the rain and still catch some live bands.
Outdoor beer gardens, with a little Oktoberfest inspiration, draw bigger crowds when the weather’s good. In East Tennessee, Gatlinburg puts on family-friendly parades with mountain views as a bonus.
A sunny day shows off the Smokies, but if it’s damp or cold, you’ll probably end up at one of the indoor attractions. Whether you’re into street festivals or quieter gatherings, the weather often decides how long you’ll want to stay outside.
Comparison to Surrounding Regions
Tennessee’s mid-March weather usually sits somewhere between the colder Midwest and the much warmer southern states. You’ll notice cooler nights than the Deep South, but afternoons feel milder than farther north.
Rainfall patterns change a bit depending on the local geography, so it’s helpful to compare Tennessee to nearby regions.
Weather in the Southern Plains and Mid-South
If you look west toward the Southern Plains, like Oklahoma and Arkansas, those places tend to be a little drier around St. Patrick’s Day. Highs there can reach the mid-60s to low 70s °F, which is just a bit warmer than Tennessee.
The Mid-South, including northern Mississippi and western Kentucky, looks more like Tennessee in both temperature and rainfall. Memphis often matches northern Mississippi with highs near 65 °F and lows in the upper 40s.
You’ll see rain on about 9–11 days in March. Snow is rare in the Southern Plains and Mid-South by mid-March, while Tennessee’s eastern valleys and higher elevations might still catch a little light snow.
This makes Tennessee’s climate a bit more unpredictable than its neighbors to the southwest.
Differences from IA and IL
Up north in Iowa (IA) and Illinois (IL), you’ll find a colder, less settled climate in mid-March. Average highs in Des Moines or Chicago hover in the 40s °F, while lows dip into the 20s.
That’s about 15–20 degrees colder than most of Tennessee. Snow is still possible in IA and IL, with average March snowfall between 2–5 inches depending on where you are.
By this point, Tennessee usually only sees trace amounts of snow, especially outside the mountains. Rainfall’s different too.
Tennessee averages around 4 inches in March, while parts of IA and IL get closer to 2–3 inches. So you’re more likely to deal with wet, chilly days in the Midwest, while Tennessee leans toward milder but wetter weather.
Influence of Regional Climate Patterns
Regional climate patterns really shape the differences you see across the area. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico often sweeps into Tennessee and the Mid-South, bumping up rain chances and keeping things a bit milder.
As you head north into IA and IL, this Gulf influence fades, and Canadian air masses start to take over.
The Southern Plains sit in a tricky spot. Dry air from the west fights with Gulf moisture, so the weather can flip in a hurry.
You might notice quick swings from warm, windy days to those sharp cold fronts in Oklahoma and northern Texas during March.
In Tennessee, the Appalachian Mountains throw in even more variety. Eastern areas usually stay cooler and wetter than the western side, and states without those mountains just don’t get the same mix.
Honestly, you’ll probably see more local differences in Tennessee than in most of the nearby regions.