Knoxville (TN) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Knoxville.
Climate overview of Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 31°C (88°F) in August, while winters cool to 8°C (46°F) in January.
Rain/snowfall is high, totalling around 1312 mm (52 in) per year. December is the wettest month and October the driest. The city also experiences very warm summers and cold winters. The sunniest month is June, with 9.7 hours of sunshine per day on average.
Knoxville Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Knoxville - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Knoxville
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from very warm to chilly in Knoxville. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very warm 31°C (88°F) in August, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 8°C (46°F) during cooler months like January.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) in August to around -2°C (28°F) during January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Knoxville
Knoxville has a relatively rain/snowy climate with high precipitation levels, averaging 1312 mm (52 in) of rain/snowfall annually. While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. December brings wetter days averaging 147 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation, spread over 13 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month October experiences a drier climate, with about 79 mm (3.1 in) of rainfall spread across 9 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Knoxville Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Knoxville
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Knoxville. While June receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 9.7 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 4.2 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Knoxville by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Knoxville.
The city experiences its highest humidity in July, reaching 76%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 63%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit Knoxville
Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.
- Best overall: May and October
- Warmest weather: June, July and August
- Most sunshine: May, June, July and August
- Fewest rainy days: September, October and November
- Seasonal pattern: Very warm summers and cold winters
- Coldest conditions: January, with freezing nights around -2°C (28°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Knoxville
What is the best time to visit Knoxville?
May and October typically offer the most optimal weather in Knoxville. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Knoxville has very warm summers and cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Knoxville?
Daytime highs range from 8°C (46°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from -2°C (28°F) to 20°C (68°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Knoxville get?
Annual rainfall is around 1312 mm (52 in). December is the wettest month with 147 mm (5.8 in), while October is the driest with 79 mm (3.1 in).
How sunny is Knoxville?
Knoxville receives around 2,618 hours of sunshine per year. June is the sunniest month with 290 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 125 hours. Overall, Knoxville enjoys abundant sunshine.
Knoxville 3-Day Forecast
Knoxville (TN) 3-Day Forecast
Knoxville on the map
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