Christmas in Tennessee usually brings a mix of cool days, chilly nights, and sometimes rain or even a hint of snow, depending on where you find yourself. Most years, you’ll see daytime highs in the 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit, with nights dropping close to freezing. Rain happens more often than snow. The weather can turn quickly, so it’s smart to plan for both brisk outdoor walks and cozy time indoors.
Conditions really do vary across the state. If you’re in the eastern mountains, you might get colder air and the occasional snow, while places like Memphis or Nashville usually stay milder with more rain than snow. These regional differences make it important to check what’s typical for wherever you’re headed.
Knowing what Christmas weather looks like in Tennessee helps you pack right, plan your outings, and keep expectations realistic. Some folks wish for a white Christmas in the Smokies, while others just want a mild holiday in the west. Either way, checking the historic patterns gives you a better idea of what’s likely.
Typical Christmas Weather in Tennessee
You’ll get chilly days, cold nights, and a mix of rain with occasional snow around Christmas in Tennessee. The mountains tend to see more wintry weather than the valleys and western parts.
Average High and Low Temperatures
Late December temperatures in Tennessee usually land in the upper 40s °F for highs and the low to mid-30s °F for lows. In Nashville, the average high is about 49°F (9°C), while lows hover near 36°F (2°C).
Memphis and western Tennessee stay a bit milder, with highs sometimes in the low 50s °F. Head east, especially into the Smoky Mountains, and you’ll find colder air, with lows often below freezing.
You’ll want a warm coat for outdoor plans, and mornings and evenings feel colder than the afternoons. If you’re driving across the state, pack for all sorts of weather, since the mountains can surprise you with a real chill.
Precipitation Patterns
Rain shows up more often than snow in Tennessee during Christmas week. Most places get 2 to 3 inches of precipitation in December, and it rains on 10 to 12 days in cities like Nashville.
Moisture sticks around in the eastern mountains, where upslope winds can bring more frequent rain or snow. Western Tennessee is a little drier but still sees steady rainfall.
Since it’s cool but not truly freezing in most of the state, most of that precipitation falls as rain. If you’re driving, you’ll probably deal with wet roads more than icy ones, though freezing rain pops up now and then.
Snowfall Likelihood
Snow does fall in Tennessee during Christmas, but you can’t really count on it. In Nashville, December averages only 0.3 to 1 inch of snow spread over a few days. Memphis barely gets any, while Knoxville and the Smokies have a better shot at seeing measurable snow.
Higher elevations, like Gatlinburg or the mountain ridges, see more snow and sometimes a few inches can pile up. So if you’re hoping for a white Christmas, the mountains are your best bet.
Most cities just don’t see much snow, and when it does fall, it rarely sticks around. For snow lovers, heading east makes sense.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Daylight is pretty limited in Tennessee during Christmas since late December brings the shortest days of the year. You’ll get about 9 hours and 40 minutes of daylight, with sunrise at 7:00 am and sunset near 4:40 pm.
Sunshine is modest, averaging 4 to 5 hours per day in many spots. Cloudy skies roll in often, especially when storms pass through.
The lower sun angle keeps afternoons cool and evenings long and chilly. If you want to get outside, plan your activities from late morning through mid-afternoon for the most light and warmth.
Regional Variations Across Tennessee
Christmas weather in Tennessee really depends on where you are. Elevation, distance from the mountains, and how close you are to the Mississippi River all shape the weather.
Eastern Tennessee Conditions
Eastern Tennessee gets cooler air thanks to the Appalachian Mountains. Cities like Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities often wake up to colder mornings, sometimes with lows in the 20s °F. Snow isn’t common, but it does show up, especially higher up.
Historic data says Knoxville has had Christmas snow a few times, like 7 inches in 1969 and 2.5 inches in 2010. The Tri-Cities saw 8.7 inches in 1969. These are rare, though—most years bring little or none.
Rain is more likely than snow. Chattanooga, for example, once got over 4 inches of rain on Christmas Day. Expect wet weather more often than frozen, but mountain towns might still see flurries or a light dusting.
Middle Tennessee Weather
Middle Tennessee, including Nashville and its neighbors, usually has milder Christmas weather. Highs land in the mid-40s to low 50s °F, and lows settle in the upper 20s to mid-30s °F. Snow is rare and usually light.
Rain is the main story here in December. Nashville averages 4 to 5 inches for the month, and cloudy skies or showers are common on Christmas. The lower elevation compared to the east means snow rarely sticks.
Sometimes, cold snaps hit and push temperatures down quickly. Every so often, Arctic air drops Christmas highs into the teens. These don’t last, but it’s wise to prepare for sudden changes if you’re passing through.
Western Tennessee Overview
Western Tennessee, with cities like Memphis, sees the mildest Christmas weather in the state. Highs run in the low to mid-50s °F, with lows around the mid-30s. Snow almost never happens here, and measurable amounts are rare.
Rainfall is the bigger issue. Memphis often gets steady rain at Christmas, and December totals average close to 5 inches. Since the area sits far from the mountains, precipitation falls almost entirely as rain.
You’ll also notice bigger weather swings here. Warm Gulf air can push temperatures into the 60s, then cold fronts can drop them fast. Planning outdoor holiday fun can be a bit of a gamble in this part of Tennessee.
Historic Christmas Day Weather Records
Tennessee’s Christmas Day weather has run the gamut, from warm afternoons to freezing mornings. Snow is rare but memorable, while rain is much more common. Extremes in both temperature and precipitation have shaped the holiday’s weather history across the state.
Coldest and Warmest Christmases
Tennessee has seen some wild temperature swings on December 25. Memphis hit 76°F in 1889 for its warmest Christmas, while the coldest dropped to 0°F in 1983. Nashville and Knoxville show similar records, with highs in the 70s some years and single-digit lows during Arctic blasts.
Most years, things are more moderate. Highs usually land in the mid to upper 40s, and lows hover near freezing. Still, the records remind you that both warm and bitterly cold Christmas days do happen, depending on the year.
Notable Snow Events
A white Christmas in Tennessee is pretty rare, but it has happened. Memphis only measured snow on Christmas Day once—3.5 inches in 1913. Some years, snow stuck around from earlier storms, like 10 inches in 1963 and 2 inches in 1962 and 2004.
Nashville and Knoxville have slightly better chances, but snow on December 25 is still unusual. Trace amounts turn up now and then, but real snowfall is the exception. So, if you’re traveling, expect cold rain more than snowflakes during the holiday.
Precipitation Extremes
Rain has played a much bigger role in Tennessee’s Christmas weather. Memphis saw its wettest Christmas in 1987 with 4.24 inches of rain, and it has rained on more than 40 Christmas Days since the late 1800s. Freezing rain and sleet have happened too, but only a handful of times.
Across Tennessee, rain is the most common holiday precipitation. While snow gets the attention, wet conditions are just way more likely. If you’re hitting the road, you’ll probably deal with rain-soaked highways rather than snow-covered ones most Christmases.
How December Weather Compares to the Rest of the Year
December brings colder air, shorter days, and more frequent precipitation than most other months in Tennessee. You’ll notice the shift from fall’s mildness to winter’s damp chill, with temperatures dropping and a slightly better chance of snow in some places.
Temperature Trends Through the Seasons
Tennessee’s climate changes a lot from season to season. Summer highs often reach the upper 80s to low 90s °F, especially in the west. Spring and fall bring more comfortable highs in the 60s and 70s °F, which feels great for outdoor plans.
In December, highs usually sit in the upper 40s to lower 60s °F, and lows dip into the upper 20s to upper 30s °F. It’s colder than November but not quite as frigid as January, which tends to be the coldest month.
Eastern Tennessee, especially higher up near the Smoky Mountains, stays colder than the middle or western parts. If you head to Knoxville or Johnson City, you’ll probably feel sharper chills than in Nashville or Memphis.
Rainfall and Snowfall Comparison
Rain falls pretty steadily all year in Tennessee, but December is among the wetter months. Chattanooga averages over 4 inches, while Nashville and Memphis usually see 1–1.5 inches in December.
Snow is less common statewide, but December brings a slightly higher chance than earlier months. Eastern and northern spots, especially the mountains, sometimes get a few inches, while Memphis or Jackson might only see a dusting once or twice.
Spring brings thunderstorms, but December’s precipitation is more often cold rain, sleet, or the occasional snow. It’s definitely a sign that winter has arrived across Tennessee.
Travel Tips for Visiting Tennessee at Christmas
Temperatures in Tennessee during December can change fast, and conditions swing between the eastern mountains and western lowlands. You’ll want to prep for cool to cold weather, possible mountain snow, and busy crowds in popular towns.
What to Pack for December Weather
Pack clothes that let you adjust as temperatures shift. In the lowlands, daytime highs often hit the 40s or 50s °F, but nights can drop into the 20s or 30s. In the Smokies, you’ll need heavier layers for the colder air and occasional snow.
Bring a warm coat, gloves, scarf, and hat. Waterproof boots are great if you run into slush or icy sidewalks. For hikes or outdoor time, dress in layers so you can add or shed clothing as needed.
Keep a small umbrella or rain jacket handy. December brings light rain, especially in Middle and West Tennessee. Packing both cold-weather and rain gear keeps you comfortable wherever you end up in the state.
Planning Holiday Activities
Tennessee towns and cities roll out all sorts of Christmas events, from Dollywood’s light displays to parades and holiday markets in smaller communities. Popular spots like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attract big crowds, so you’ll want to book your lodging and tickets as early as possible.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, check out smaller towns like Franklin or Jonesborough. These places still have festive decorations and local events, but you can actually breathe and move around.
Mix up your plans with both indoor and outdoor things to do. For example:
- Indoor: Museums, holiday concerts, or maybe a tour of a historic home.
- Outdoor: Scenic drives, Christmas markets, or catching an evening light show.
Weather sometimes gets in the way of outdoor fun, so keep a few backup ideas handy.
Weather-Related Travel Considerations
Driving conditions change a lot across Tennessee. In West and Middle Tennessee, icy roads don’t happen often, but they can show up after a cold rain. East Tennessee, especially around the Smokies, gets snow and ice that can shut down mountain roads with almost no warning.
If you’re planning to drive through the Smokies, check the National Park Service road updates before you go. Toss an emergency kit in your car with blankets, water, and a flashlight—just in case you get stuck for a bit.
Airports in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville usually keep things running smoothly in December. Still, winter weather can cause some short-term delays. Arrive early and keep an eye on flight updates.
December weather doesn’t always play nice, and crowds can be unpredictable. But if you plan ahead, you can still have a pretty great holiday trip without too many headaches.
Is Christmas the Best Time to Visit Tennessee?
Traveling to Tennessee in December brings plenty of festive events, sparkling lights, and sometimes even smaller crowds. On the flip side, you’ll get colder temperatures and a bigger chance of rain or snow. The best time to visit Tennessee really depends on whether you’re chasing holiday charm or just want comfortable weather.
Advantages and Drawbacks of December Travel
A holiday visit to Tennessee means you’ll find unique seasonal experiences everywhere. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville go all out for Winterfest, lighting up the streets with millions of bulbs. Memphis and Nashville put on concerts, parades, and special museum events that you just won’t find in the warmer months.
But let’s be honest, the weather’s a bit of a wild card. Daytime highs usually land somewhere between the upper 30s and mid-50s °F (3–12°C), and mountain nights can get downright freezing. Rain is common, and the Smoky Mountains might surprise you with snow. So, you’ll want to pack warm layers, waterproof shoes, and have some indoor plans ready.
Travel costs jump around, too. Some cities offer cheaper hotel rates, but the popular mountain towns tend to hike prices for the holidays. Roads near big attractions can get crowded, but rural spots usually stay pretty chill compared to peak tourist season.
Quick Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holiday festivals & lights | Cold, wet weather |
| Smaller crowds in cities | Higher rates in mountain towns |
| Chance of snow in Smokies | Unpredictable travel delays |
Alternative Seasons to Consider
If you care most about comfortable weather, spring and fall usually make the best times to visit Tennessee. From March to May, temperatures hover between 60°F and 80°F (16–27°C).
Wildflowers pop up in the Smokies, and city calendars get packed with outdoor festivals. You’ll notice mild weather and fewer travel headaches compared to winter.
September through November feels just as inviting. Fall foliage in the mountains pulls in plenty of visitors, and temperatures stay pleasant, often between 55°F and 75°F (13–24°C).
Crowds hit their peak in October. Still, early fall and late November tend to be less busy and lighter on the wallet.
Summer brings those long days and a ton of music festivals, but you’ll run into heat and humidity, especially around Memphis and Nashville. Afternoon thunderstorms show up a lot, and the most popular spots can get pretty crowded.
So, which season fits you better? Do you want that holiday charm and winter scenery, or are you after comfortable outdoor weather and more things to do?