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Great Smoky Mountains National Park Weather in October

October in Great Smoky Mountains National Park brings moderate temperatures around 17°C (63°F) during the day, dropping to 4°C (39°F) at night, with quite a bit of rainfall expected, averaging around 145 mm (5.7 in) for the month.

Rainfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October

Typically, you can expect about 12 days of rain this month, with 145 mm (5.7 in) on average. Rainfall intensity is on the higher side this month. Expect more substantial showers rather than light, passing rain.

Temperature in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October

In October, Great Smoky Mountains National Park gets moderate temperatures, with highs of 17°C (63°F). Nights cool to around 4°C (39°F). A light jacket or extra layer can be useful, especially outside the warmest hours of the day. Nights drop to 4°C (39°F). Cold nights like these are actually great for sleeping well, as long as you have a warm enough duvet.

Sunshine in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October

The days are predominantly sunny, with an estimated total of around 215 hours of sunshine. These sun-filled days are perfect for playing sports, visiting parks, or going for a bike ride.

For Great Smoky Mountains National Park itself, May, June, August and September generally stand out with the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

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Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Great Smoky Mountains National Park's climate page.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Temperature in October

Min TemperatureMin Temperature 4°C (39°F)  
Max TemperatureMax Temperature 17°C (63°F)  
Chance of RainChance of Rain 40%  
PrecipitationPrecipitation 145 mm (5.7 in)  
Rainy daysRainy days 12 days  
HumidityHumidity 73% *  
SunshineSunshine 215 hours *  
Percentage SunshinePercentage Sunshine 62% *  
* Data from: Knoxville, the United States of America (54 KM, 34 Miles).

Daily Historical Temperatures

50-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park typically drop from around 24°C (75°F) at the start of October to approximately 19°C (66°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 13°C (55°F).

Average temperatures in October

Daily Historical Precipitation

50-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in October

Historical weather for Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October

Browse day-by-day weather records for Great Smoky Mountains National Park spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park historical weather extremes in October

The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Great Smoky Mountains National Park from 1976 through 2025.

  • On October 3, 2019, temperatures climbed to 34°C (93°F), marking the warmest October day on record.
  • The coldest October day was on October 31, 1993, with a maximum of 4°C (39°F).
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park registered its coldest October night on October 26, 2013, with temperatures dropping to -4°C (25°F).
  • Peak precipitation in October occurred on October 23, 1984, when 48 mm (1.9 in) of precipitation was measured.

Best Places in the United States of America in October

Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in October →

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Legend perfect weather pleasant tolerable unpleasant poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October

Pleasant temperatures in October mean you can pack light but flexibel pieces. Think cotton t-shirts, comfortable walking shorts, and one warmer layer for evenings. A light sweater or denim jacket works well. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.

What To Do in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in October

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Cycling
5/10
Walking
5/10
Camping
3/10
Outdoor sports
9/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Great Smoky Mountains National Park's climate page.

More climate data for Great Smoky Mountains National Park