Yosemite National Park is definitely worth a visit
Vast forests, blue lakes, towering sequoias, and majestic waterfalls hint at the beauty of Yosemite National Park—a true natural masterpiece.
Gatlinburg Weather in December
Gatlinburg in December sees low temperatures, with highs around 11°C (52°F) and overnight lows of -1°C (30°F). Snow/rainfall is fairly high at around 135 mm (5.3 in) on average, so pack waterproofs just in case.
Rainfall in Gatlinburg in December
Typically around 16 days of snow/rainfall are expected, averaging 135 mm (5.3 in) for the month. This is a wet month with frequent and often heavy showers. Both the number of rain days and the total rainfall are high.
Temperature in Gatlinburg in December
December in Gatlinburg brings typical temperatures with highs around 11°C (52°F) and lows of -1°C (30°F). During December, the winter season is in full swing. Temperatures remain on the cold side all day. A proper warm jacket is worth having, not just for evenings. Nights are well below freezing at -1°C (30°F). An extra blanket is a good idea if you feel the cold, especially in older or less well-heated accommodation.
Sunshine in Gatlinburg in December
The area enjoys a balanced 125 hours of sunlight, ensuring it's neither too overcast nor too sunny.December in Gatlinburg has its charm. However, if you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather, our weather planner can help you explore other destinations in the world.
Gatlinburg Temperature in December
Min Temperature
-1°C (30°F)
Max Temperature
11°C (52°F)
Chance of Rain
53%
Precipitation
135 mm (5.3 in)
Rainy days
16 days
Humidity
73% *
Sunshine
125 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
40% *
* Data from: Knoxville, the United States of America (46 KM, 28 Miles).
Gatlinburg Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Gatlinburg - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Gatlinburg typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 11°C (52°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from -1°C (30°F) to 2°C (36°F).
Average temperatures in December
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 December
Historical weather records for Gatlinburg in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Gatlinburg spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Gatlinburg historical weather extremes in December
The extremes listed below come from historical weather data collected in Gatlinburg from 1976 through 2025.
- The warmest day in December was on December 4, 1982, with a maximum of 27°C (81°F).
Best Places in the United States of America in December
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 December →
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 Gatlinburg in December
Pack for changing conditions in Gatlinburg in December. Bring a mix of short and long sleeves, a warm layer like a hoodie or light jacket, and comfortable pants. The key is being able to add or remove layers as the days goes by. Prepare for significant rainfall with proper waterproof clothing and shoes. Sunglasses could come in handy during the sunnier parts of your trip.
What To Do in Gatlinburg in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming5/10 -
Cycling5/10 -
Walking5/10 -
Camping1/10 -
Outdoor sports5/10
Gatlinburg 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Gatlinburg
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Gatlinburg climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
Popular in December
Where to go in December - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Miami Beach
25°C (77°F) Kissimmee24°C (75°F) Orlando
24°C (75°F) Destin
18°C (64°F) Los Angeles18°C (64°F) Big Bear Lake9°C (48°F) New York City8°C (46°F) Bucket list
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
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