Nashville Tennessee, home to nearly 700,000 residents, is nestled in north-central Tennessee along the Cumberland River. You most likely know it for its world-class music scene and Southern hospitality, but what about the Nashville climate, and what climate zone is Nashville TN?
As a big allure to the city as a whole, the climate in Nashville TN is a humid subtropical (Köppen classification Cfa) climate – meaning summers can be quite hot and humid while winters stay relatively mild. (In the Köppen–Trewartha system, it’s also categorized as “Cf,” with “C” signifying temperate conditions and “f” indicating evenly distributed rainfall.)
If you’re planning on moving to Nashville or planning to visit Nashville, we’ll walk you through everything there is to know about the climate data and Nashville weather by month.
Table of Contents
Nashville Seasons
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The Nashville TN climate treats locals and visitors alike to all four seasons, though none of them often linger in an overwhelming way. Spring can leap to life with vibrant blooms and sporadic thunderstorms, while summer brings warm, sunny days perfect for live music festivals or riverside picnics. Fall, with its crisp air and bright foliage, might just be the city’s best-kept secret. And although the Nashville climate is far from a winter wonderland, you might still catch a light dusting of snow when the colder months roll in.
Unlike cities that split their year into a rainy and dry season, the Nashville weather by month experiences relatively consistent precipitation and doesn’t have a monsoon or hurricane season. It can, however, see remnants of tropical systems that drift inland, bringing short bouts of heavy rain. As for tornadoes, Middle Tennessee lies on the fringe of Tornado Alley, with the highest risk typically falling between early spring and late spring.
Nashville Summer Weather
No matter if you’re a local or a visitor, summer weather in Nashville means warm breezes carrying honky-tonk tunes across the city. June starts to warm with average temperatures in the 60s, while July and August bring equal average highs of 89.1°F. Humidity pushes to a typical peak of 68.7%, making it the muggiest and most sweltering season.
Hot, humid conditions can affect boxes, tape, and other materials, making professional Nashville packing services especially valuable during summer moves.
That said, you will experience lovely, cooler evenings and an average July low of 68°F.
It typically rains just over 3 inches a month during summer in Nashville, so there’s lots of sunshine, and July is the hottest month in Nashville.
Need to beat the heat as the Nashville weather by month gets warm? Head to a local swimming hole such as Percy Priest Lake or the Harpeth River to cool down, or sing along with your favorite country star at CMA Fest – remember sunscreen, water, and sweet tea!
Nashville Fall Weather
There’s a distinct crispness in the air when the Nashville fall weather arrives, spanning September, October, and November. Early autumn days can still feel warm, with an average high temperature of 82.7 in September, a contrast to average lows that drop to 37.7 in November.
That said, November boasts comfortable daytime temps around 60.6°F. Humidity subsides, bringing a much-needed break from summer’s muggy conditions. Plan on roughly 3 inches of rain each month, although sunny days still dominate, as October is the least rainy month.
Embrace the vibrant foliage at Centennial Park or Cheekwood Harvest, and enjoy evening bonfires in the Nashville fall weather that calls for cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice treats.
Nashville Winter Weather
How cold does it get in Nashville? December, January, and February bring out a quieter side of Music City, with crisp mornings and shorter days. December kicks off winter with an average high of around 49.5°F, to January’s 46.6°F. You can expect about 22 days that fall below 32 in January – making it the coldest month in Nashville – before slightly rebounding to an average high of 51.5°F in February.
Notable to the winter weather in Nashville is that rainfall typically exceeds 4 inches each month, so you’ll still want an umbrella on hand. This season is perfect for cozying up in a local coffee shop or catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry – bundled in a warm jacket, of course!
Does It Snow in Nashville?
Yes, though typically just enough to remind you winter’s here. Average snowfall in Nashville TN is roughly 3.6 inches per year, most likely to occur in January, and often arrives as light dustings. While rare, the occasional heavier flurry can briefly transform downtown into a picturesque wonderland.
Roads are usually clear within a day or two, so don’t fret if you’re planning a visit; a little snow only adds to Nashville’s winter charm.
Nashville Spring Weather
March, April, and May offer a refreshing change from winter’s chill, and Nashville spring weather brings average highs climbing from around 60.9°F in March to 78°F by May. Overnight lows can still dip into the 40s, so keep an extra layer handy. Rainfall during spring in Nashville averages about 4-5 inches monthly, fueling vibrant blooms in local parks and gardens. Occasional thunderstorms – especially during early spring – remind you this is tornado season. Embrace the energy at Cheekwood in Bloom or Nashville’s Cherry Blossom Festival downtown!
When Is Rainy Season in Nashville?
Spring is the rainy season in Nashville, with precipitation typically peaking in May. Expect around 5.7 inches of rainfall that month – making it the rainiest time of year and wettest month in Music City. This surge in spring showers feeds vibrant blooms and lush greenery, so don’t forget an umbrella if you’re visiting between March and May!
Nashville Monthly Weather | Average Temperature Nashville by Month
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Ready to explore the weather in Nashville by month and the Nashville average temperature by month?
Here’s the breakdown of the Nashville weather year-round you’ve been looking for:
Nashville Weather in January
January weather in Nashville brings crisp winter mornings and the year’s lowest temperatures, with average highs around 46.6°F and lows near 26.8°F. Light snow is possible, at 1.5 average inches, adding a dusting to Music City, and the average rainfall in Nashville during January is 4 inches, starting out the Nashville weather by month on a chilly note!
Nashville Weather in February
Weather in February in Nashville hints at spring, with average highs inching near 51.5°F and lows around 29.9°F. A dusting of snow may still appear, with 1.3 average inches, but rainfall usually takes center stage at 4.1 inches.
Nashville Weather in March
The weather in Nashville in March signals the earliest hints of spring, with average highs hovering near 60.9°F and lows around 37.1°F. March rainfall at roughly 4.3 inches nurtures blooming flowers and occasional thunderstorms – showcasing how the weather in Nashville by month transitions from winter’s chill.
Nashville Weather in April
The weather in Nashville in April sees a noticeable warm-up, with average highs around 70.3°F and lows dipping to 45.7°F. So strip off the jackets, as only 2-3 days drop below the 32°F threshold! Its Rainfall typically measures nearly 4.1 inches, fueling lush greenery and bright blossoms – a perfect sampling of blissful Nashville weather by month.
Nashville Weather in May
Nashville TN weather in May welcomes warmer days, with none of them dropping below 32°F and average highs near 78°F and lows around 78°F. It’s often the rainiest month in Nashville at about 5.7 inches, fueling lush landscapes and exemplifying the Nashville Tennessee weather by month progression into early summer.
Nashville Weather in June
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Weather in Nashville Tennessee in June transitions into the beginning of true summer, with average highs near 85.8°F, lows around 63.9°F, and rainfall about 4.1 inches. As late June arrives, heat intensifies, energizing the city’s outdoor music scene, just another lively highlight of the varied Nashville weather by month and the southeastern United States as a whole!
Nashville Weather in July
July weather in Nashville is often the hottest, bringing the highest Nashville TN average monthly temperatures of any month, with average highs peaking at 89.1°F, lows near 68°F, and about 4 inches of rain. With 13+ days that exceed the 90s, the intense heat and humidity highlight the height of warm weather in Nashville by month and the highest Nashville temperature by month.
Nashville Weather in August
Weather in August in Nashville brings the final stretch of summer, with average highs near 89.1°F, lows around 66.7°F, and about 3.4 inches of rainfall. The lingering heat is a reminder of the beautiful, warm Nashville climate as you head toward cooler days.
Nashville Weather in September
Weather in Nashville in September hints at autumn’s arrival, with average highs around 82.7°F, lows near 58.8°F, and rainfall of roughly 3.6 inches. Mornings turn crisp as summer’s heat recedes, spotlighting the evolving Nashville weather by month toward cooler, more comfortable days.
Nashville Weather in October
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Weather in Nashville in October ushers in mild afternoons, with average highs around 71.9°F, lows near 46.9°, and roughly 3.2 inches of rainfall, making October the driest month in Nashville. Vibrant foliage, brisk evenings, and fewer rainy days showcase the picture-perfect side of the Nashville climate.
Nashville Weather in November
November weather in Nashville marks a cozy transition from autumn’s brilliance to winter’s whisper, featuring average highs near 60.6°F, lows around 37.7°F, and about 4.3 inches of rainfall. Crisp mornings invite scarves and warm drinks as the city readies for the colder charm of the Nashville climate.
Nashville Weather in December
Weather in December in Nashville Tennessee closes out the year with cooler temperatures, featuring average highs near 49.5°F, lows around 29.7°F, and about 4.6 inches of rainfall. Holiday lights shimmer downtown, offering a warm, festive contrast to the brisk winter air and a magical part of the climate in Nashville.
Annual Nashville Climate Statistics
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What is the climate in Nashville Tennessee? These Nashville climate statistics offer a bit more insight!
- Average number of sunny days in Nashville: There are an average of 205 sunny days every year to enjoy in Nashville!
- Nashville annual rainfall: Nashville sees an average of 49.3 inches of rain each year, higher than the national average rainfall of 38.1 inches.
- Average snow in Nashville TN: Nashville receives a typical 3.6 inches of snowfall every year, the occasional and well-adored surprise and exciting allure of the Nashville climate.
- Coldest month in Nashville: January is the coldest month in Nashville, with an average low of 26.8°F and around 22 days of the month that drop 32 degrees below.
- Hottest month in Nashville: July is the hottest month in Nashville, with an average high temperature of 89.1°F and 13+ days that rise into the 90s.
- Driest month in Nashville: October is the driest month in Nashville, with just 3.2 inches of rainfall.
- Wettest month in Nashville by rainfall: May is the wettest month in Nashville, where the 5.7 average inches of rain contributes to the lush and green environment.
- Rainiest month in Nashville by rainy days: May also has the rainiest number of days in Nashville, with almost 12 that call for an umbrella.
- Most humid month in Nashville: July is the most humid month in Nashville, where humidity levels reach as high as 68.7%
- Snowiest month in Nashville: January is the snowiest month in Nashville, and you might see up to 1.5 inches on average!
- Sunniest month in Nashville: September and October share the title for the two sunniest months in Nashville.
- Nashville record cold temperature: The Nashville record cold temperature is an impressively cold -17°F, recorded on January 2nd, 1985.
- Nashville record high temperature: The Nashville record high temperature is a sweltering 109 degrees, recorded on June 29th of 2012.
Nashville Natural Disasters & Extreme Weather in Nashville
Nashville’s location near the fringe of Tornado Alley brings occasional severe storms, hail, and tornadoes. The city endured widespread flooding in May 2010, causing billions in damage, and a devastating tornado outbreak in March 2020 – so yes, Nashville tornadoes do happen!
Summertime thunderstorms often trigger flash floods, while winter weather can bring icy road conditions that lead to accidents. But overall, the Nashville climate is pretty tame.
Best Time to Visit Nashville TN
With the Nashville climate in mind, what are the best times to visit?
September, May, and October are often considered the best times to visit Nashville, offering mild weather and moderate crowds that highlight its vibrant music scene. The Nashville climate remains comfortably warm and less humid, making outdoor concerts and festivals a delight. Peak tourist season typically runs from May through August, drawing major events like CMA Fest and honky-tonk bars. If you prefer cooler temperatures and festive charm, winter months deliver cozy holiday gatherings and occasional snowfall.
Or, go back and review the Nashville weather by month to make a choice personal to your liking!
And while visiting Nashville is one thing, living here to experience the climate of Nashville, both in terms of weather and vibe, is a whole other.
Nashville Climate FAQs
What Is the Overall Climate Like in Nashville?
The Nashville climate features four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Spring and fall are especially popular because of the comfortable temperatures and colorful scenery throughout Nashville Tennessee. Residents enjoy a balance of sunny days, seasonal weather changes, and outdoor-friendly conditions for much of the year.
What Is the Average Temperature in Nashville Throughout the Year?
The Nashville average temperature varies by season, with summer highs often reaching the upper 80s and winter lows dipping into the upper 20s. The Nashville climate offers moderate seasonal changes without the extreme cold found farther north, making the city appealing for people who enjoy year-round variety.
How Much Rain and Snow Does Nashville Usually Get?
According to regional climate data, Nashville average rainfall totals about 49 inches annually, which is higher than the national average. Snowfall remains relatively light, with Nashville average snowfall typically reaching only a few inches per year. Total Nashville annual snowfall is usually low enough that long-term travel disruptions are uncommon.
What Is the Weather Like in Nashville During Winter?
Anyone asking what is the weather like in Nashville during winter can expect cool temperatures, occasional snow showers, and chilly mornings. The average winter temperature in Nashville stays milder than that of many Midwestern cities, making seasonal festivals, holiday events, and popular Nashville winter activities enjoyable throughout the colder months.
Where Can I Find Monthly Nashville Weather Information?
A local weather map and updated forecasts are helpful for following Nashville weather monthly patterns throughout the year. Reviewing Nashville weather averages for each week can help travelers prepare for humidity shifts, changing dew point levels, and temperatures that may differ slightly from estimated forecasts.
Moving to Nashville to Enjoy the Climate?
Now that you know all about the Nashville climate, are you ready to make your move to the area? If you have plans on buying a house in Tennessee and are eyeing any of the Nashville neighborhoods, the team at 6th Man Movers is always just a phone call away. As the top-rated Nashville movers, we offer an unrivaled moving process.
Call us anytime at (615) 434-8272 for your free moving quote and enjoy the Nashville climate firsthand!
