A white Christmas is rare in Sevier County, but it can happen. The county may even occasionally see a snowstorm on Christmas Day. That said, snowstorms can create serious problems for tourists and residents alike. In years past after winter storms, power outages have affected tens of thousands of people, leading to car accidents and stranded motorists on icy roads.
Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town that is especially popular to visit during the holiday season. But winter weather events can complicate plans for tourists and locals alike. So, even though you won’t be likely to see much snow when you visit the Smokies, we thought it might be helpful to talk about something that doesn’t always happen often around these parts and what to do when it does.
What months does it snow in Gatlinburg TN?
Generally, you have a chance of seeing snow between November and early April. But the most likely months you will see snow is January and February. Overall, snow is not that common in the Smoky Mountains, but it does happen. The weather usually doesn’t stay cold long enough for wildlife like black bears to fully hibernate in the Smoky Mountains.
So when heavy snow does fall, it can usually derail plans and create treacherous road conditions. You see, the weather can be unpredictable, especially in East Tennessee. While you can expect temperatures in higher elevations to be much cooler compared to lower elevations, a deceivingly warm day in December can still turn into a very cold winter night.
What is the coldest month in Gatlinburg?
The coldest months in Gatlinburg tend to be January and February. The weather forecast will start to reach the 40s around October. But in November, the lows will often reach the 30s. In January and February, the average lows are in the 20s. On average, November and December have less snowfall than January and February.
| Gatlinburg, TN | High | Low | Monthly precipitation | Monthly snowfall |
| November (low elevations) | 61°F | 33°F | 3.4 inches | 0.7 inches |
| December (low elevations) | 52°F | 28°F | 4.5 inches | 1 inch |
| January (low elevations) | 51°F | 28°F | 4.8 inches | 2.3 inches |
| February (low elevations) | 54°F | 29°F | 4.8 inches | 2.9 inches |
What if I want to see snow in Gatlinburg?
If you want to see a real-life winter wonderland, you have some options. First of all, you have a better chance of seeing snow if you travel to higher elevations, where temperatures are cooler. If all else fails, you can always visit an attraction with snow, like Ober Mountain (formerly known as Ober Gatlinburg), which has slopes of man-made snow where guest can try their hand at skiing or snowboarding. Also, the lift offers a great view of the Smokies. So what do you do if you get caught in an unexpected snowstorm in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg? Here are 8 tips for avoiding a bad outcome in the snow:
8. Have a backup light and heat source
If weather conditions do get rough in the Smoky Mountains, it’s possible that you could lose power, as many folks found out on Christmas some years ago. It’s a good idea to pack a backup light source, such as a flashlight or battery-operated lantern. Better yet, bring a backup heat source, just in case. Find out if your cabin has a gas or wood-burning fireplace. You may also want to consider a battery-powered portable heater, extra blankets or a portable power station.
7. Print your directions
I know, you’re probably scoffing at this. Printing out directions feels so … 1990s. But, GPS service, even on a good day, is spotty up in the mountains. You don’t want to be lost on a mountain with a car full of screaming kids in the backseat with an impending snowstorm in the forecast. Get good directions before you start your journey, and have them on hand before you start your drive. Whether you print them out, take screenshots, or make hand-written notes, don’t rely on the internet to make it to your destination. You can thank me later.
6. Stock up on groceries early, before your arrival
Anytime we rent a cabin way up in the mountains, we always pack the car with non-perishables before we start the journey. Try to hit up a grocery store on your way up the mountain (before you arrive) and consider bringing an ice chest. Our pre-cabin shopping list usually includes:
- Bottled water
- Travel soaps, shampoos and lotions
- Toilet paper
- Dish detergent (if you plan on cooking)
- Laundry detergent
- Food and snacks
As you pack and prep for meals, consider the possibility that you could lose power.
5. Keep a list of delivery services
Delivery service is hit or miss up in the mountains. If you can’t make it down the mountain, a delivery person may not be able to either. But that being said, sometimes delivery folks are better equipped and more familiar with the roads. Consider making a list of places that will deliver to your location. Even if road conditions aren’t an issue, it can still come in handy.
4. Know your cancellation policy
Whether you’re renting a cabin or getting a hotel, always be familiar with the cancellation policy when you book your trip. If your trip is approaching and the weather seems questionable, consider postponing for another time if you will be driving during bad conditions. Either way, knowing that you have options can make you feel better about booking your trip.
3. Keep an eye on road closures
If you see conditions worsen, keep an eye out for road closures and current conditions.
“Some motorists chose to ignore warnings from local authorities and later had to be rescued,” said Walt Cross, chief of the Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department to the The Citizen Tribune after a Smokies winter storm.
“We set up cones to divert motorists but they chose to believe their GPS over us, and they drove around the cones. We are having to pull them out. If you are not from around here, don’t follow your GPS. Talk to local folks and follow their directions.”
Check with The National Park Service (NPS) for live updates. A good X (Twitter) follow is Smokies Road Info. Also, be aware that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will have seasonal closures during this time of year.
2. Prepare your car with tire chains or bring a 4WD
It’s not always necessary to have a four-wheel drive when you but it can help. And if you think there’s a chance it will snow during your visit, yes, you might want to consider bringing snow chains for your tires. I will also note here that some of these roads are scary even in dry conditions. These roads have steep inclines with very little room for error (and often no guard rails). Even if you do have chains, remember that snow chains will not make you invincible when it comes to driving on mountainous ice, which brings us to our final tip …
1. When in doubt, go without
At the end of the day, no vacation or amount of money is worth compromising your safety. Please use the utmost caution if you’re thinking about being out and about on icy roads.
Have you seen a Smoky Mountain snow? Let us know in the comments!
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