All You Need to Know About Gatlinburg Weather in the Fall
When the leaves start to change from green to different shades of red, yellow, and orange, you know it’s fall in the Smoky Mountains! The fall season is the perfect time for visitors to enjoy cooler temperatures and gorgeous scenery. Whether you’re in town to attend Halloween events or to view the fall foliage, spend some time enjoying the fall weather! To help you plan for your visit, we’ve put together a guide of all you need to know about Gatlinburg weather in the fall:
Weather Averages
The weather in Gatlinburg varies during the fall season. In the early weeks of fall you can still expect warmer temperatures, whereas you’ll want to be sure to bring a coat if you visit in the later months! Last year, the average low in Gatlinburg during the fall was 47 degrees, and the average high was 59 degrees. Take a look at the monthly Gatlinburg weather averages in the fall below:
September 2018:
Average High: 84 degrees
Average Low: 68 degrees
October 2018:
Average High: 71 degrees
Average Low: 53 degrees
November 2018:
Average High: 53 degrees
Average Low: 38 degrees
December 2018:
Average High: 50 degrees
Average Low: 38 degrees
What to Do in Gatlinburg in the Fall
When you visit Gatlinburg to enjoy the beautiful fall weather, there are plenty of things for you to do! You can attend a popular fall festival, spend some time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and so much more. Here are some of the top things to do in Gatlinburg in the fall:
Go for a hike: When the leaves change, one of the best ways to see the fall foliage up close is to go for a hike! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 850 miles of hiking trails, and some of the best are near Gatlinburg. With the beautiful fall weather, it’s easy to explore everything the park has to offer. The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most popular, offering panoramic views of the Smokies from Inspiration Point and a concaved bluff that’s about 80 feet tall. If you visit in mid to late October, try Porters Creek Trail! You’ll be right among the trees, meaning the fall foliage is all around you.
Attend Ripley’s 20 Years of Terror: Ripley’s 20 Years of Terror is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit! On weekends in October, visit Ripley’s Haunted Adventure to experience horror that’s been 20 years in the making.
Visit Anakeesta: Not only is Anakeesta a great place to take in the fall foliage, but you can attend the attraction’s new Halloween event, Hallow Mountain! On select dates in September, October, and early November, visitors can enjoy crafts, games, movies, sweet treats, spooky activities, and scare zones that are sure to test your fears.
Ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift: If you visit Gatlinburg in early fall, one of the best things to do is ride the Gatlinburg SkyLift. Leaves start to change at higher elevations first, so the view from the top of Crockett Mountain is one of the best opportunities to see some fall colors. You can take in the scenery on your journey on the SkyLift, then relax on the SkyDeck as you admire the fall foliage, or walk across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the country!
Visit the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair: The Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is one of the most popular area events! Two-hundred booths are set up in downtown Gatlinburg with unique products as craftsmen demonstrate their talents. You’ll find everything from pottery to molded leather!
Go to Ober Gatlinburg: Ober Gatlinburg is another great place to see the fall foliage. Board the Aerial Tramway in downtown Gatlinburg to enjoy a scenic ride to the mountain, then try a variety of fun activities, from a mountain coaster, to an alpine slide, to ice bumper cars. The attraction even has a colorblind-less viewer installed at its scenic chairlift so that everyone is able to experience the fall foliage!
What to Pack for Your Fall Vacation
When you’re packing for your fall vacation, it’s important to pay attention to the Gatlinburg weather! Know that it can be warm during the day and cooler at night, so it’s always a good idea to pack sweaters or a light jacket. You can always look at our weekly Gatlinburg weather forecasts to see what the temperatures are supposed to be so you know what to pack. Even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain, it’s smart to pack a rain jacket and umbrella just in case! It also helps if you have an idea of what you want to do on your vacation so you know whether to pack more comfortable clothes for outdoor activities, or nicer outfits for dinners out at popular restaurants.
Where to Stay in Gatlinburg in the Fall
For the perfect place to stay in the fall, choose a Gatlinburg cabin rental. Gatlinburg cabins come in all sizes to accommodate everyone from couples to large groups of families and friends. They also allow you to take in the fall foliage from the comfort of your cabin! You can admire the views as you’re relaxing on the deck or soaking in the hot tub, or you can curl up in front of the fire inside and take in the fall colors through the floor-to-ceiling windows in your cabin! You’ll also be able to choose from a variety of amenities, like game rooms, home theaters, and indoor pools. Some cabins even have outdoor fire pits that are great for making s’mores on fall evenings. For the best deals on a cabin rental, check out our Gatlinburg cabin specials.
The weather in Gatlinburg during the fall makes it one of the best places to vacation! Keep up to date with the weather by watching our Gatlinburg weather forecast videos from our meteorologist, Paul Poteet, and get ready for an amazing fall vacation in the Smoky Mountains.
