Each season brings different and exciting things to see and experience in the Smokies. Before you plan your trip, it’s good to know about the Cades Cove weather and what to expect when you’re traveling. Knowing what the weather will be like during your vacation will help you know what you need to pack as well as what you want to do while you’re here!
Spring is Colorful and Very Comfortable
The Cades Cove weather during the spring months of March, April and May is warm but not yet hot, meaning you’ll want to wear a light shirt but bring a jacket or sweater incase it gets a little chilly in the early morning or evening. Spring is the best time of year to see the bright, colorful wildflowers that cover the landscape. You’re likely to see hundreds of types of flowers including violets, lilies, geraniums, irises and azaleas! For ideas on what to do during your spring visit to the Smokies, read our blog 4 Tips to Help You Enjoy Cades Cove Activities in the Spring.
Summer is Warm and Not Much Rain
The summer months of June, July and August are when you may experience a little rain Cades Cove, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most popular times to visit! The showers typically occur in the later part of the day, and they never last more than a few minutes. During the summer you’ll also experience the highest temperatures, but because the mountains are cooler by nature, it doesn’t usually get above the mid-80s. This is a great time of year to take a hike or maybe even stay the night! If you like the idea of camping, read Know Before You Go: Cades Cove Campground.
Fall is Cool and Perfect for Photos
The Cades Cove weather during the autumn months of September, October and November are cool but not cold, making it the perfect time to hike the trails, explore the old historical buildings throughout the park and brush up on your photography skills! The leaves start to change colors by the beginning of October, turning the mountain into a bright, burnt orange color that is breathtakingly beautiful. As the leaves fall from the trees, the visibility improves which means you’re more likely to spot wild animals! Read our blog 6 Tips for Becoming a Cades Cove Photography Master before your trip to learn about the best ways to get some amazing photographs!
Winter is Chilly and a Little Snowy
While the temperature doesn’t usually drop below the mid-20s, you’ll still definitely want to wear a warm jacket and gloves for your winter trip to Cades Cove. Winter is a beautiful time to visit the Smokies because the mountaintops are capped with snow, creating a shimmering white horizon. If you don’t like the idea of hiking or exploring in the colder temperatures, winter is a perfect time to enjoy a drive around the Cades Cove Scenic Loop. The 11 mile drive usually takes a few hours, so plan to spend a whole morning or afternoon relaxing and taking in the views!
Now that you know what to expect in terms of Cades Cove weather in each season, start planning your next Smoky Mountain adventure today!
