The best time to visit Nashville, Tennessee, is during the spring or fall. Although Music City is a happening town all year round, plan your visit for the “shoulder seasons,” perched on either side of Nashville’s peak summer tourism period, to enjoy a combination of great weather and smaller crowds.
It’s a tradeoff: If you visit Nashville between mid-May and early September, you’ll experience the city’s pulsing entertainment scene at full throttle. But it can be the worst time to visit Nashville if you’re not a fan of heat & humidity or big tourist crowds.
If you prefer to steer clear of muggy weather, large throngs, and sky-high prices, set your sites on spring (March to early May) or fall (September to early November). That’s when temperatures hover around the very comfortable 60s and 70s.
During the “off” season, you’ll be able to experience the best of everything Nashville has to offer without breaking a sweat – or your budget!
Ready to plan your expedition? Discover the best time to go to Music City with this complete month-by-month Nashville weather guide.
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Tennessee Travel Guide and Nashville Travel Guide for more recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Weather in Nashville
By season
Spring
Spring – one of Nashville’s two coveted shoulder seasons – arrives in early March and runs through to mid-May. You’ll enjoy cool morning temperatures that warm up throughout the day, then cool down again at night. That “cool” can dip into the chilly territory, so be sure to pack a light jacket or thick sweater. Temperatures range from lows in the 50s to highs above 70ºF.
Be prepared for precipitation! The highest monthly rainfall – about five inches – occurs from March through May. So if that’s when you decide to travel, pack rain gear that includes a rain jacket, umbrella, and puddle-proof footwear.
The good news? Nashville’s top attractions begin to blossom in spring. As the weather warms up, you’ll be able to catch more live events – without having to elbow to the front of the line.
Check out festivals and events like the East Nashville Beer Festival, the Tin Pan South songwriter festival, Nashville Fashion Week, and the family-friendly Cherry Blossom Festival.
Summer
The summer months bring the sizzle to Music City, both attraction-wise and weather-wise. Nashville summers are long, hot, and humid and generally span mid-May to early September, with temps hovering over 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day.
Despite the heat and humidity – and thanks to scheduled work breaks and school holidays – the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day remain the most popular time for tourists. The best hotels in Nashville tend to fill up fast, so book your reservation well in advance.
Pull out those elbow pads and expect to see long lineups for the most popular tourist attractions like Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage or the Parthenon. And if you plan to hit the hugely popular Honky Tonk Highway, prepare for some major traffic jams.
Whether you’re standing in line or just walking around town, make sure you’re supplied with plenty of water. Pack light, breathable clothing for maximum comfort.
And don’t skimp on the swimming gear: the Nashville area offers plenty of local pools, lakes, and rivers where you can chill out.
Fall
If you prefer your days to be tinged by a golden glow, fall is a beautiful time to swing into Nashville. Autumn glides in by late September and lasts into early December – and temperatures drop off to very comfortable levels in the 60s and 70s by November. In addition, October is Nashville’s driest month – so nothing will rain on your parade!
Craving some color? As the local foliage changes from green to vivid oranges and reds, fall in Nashville is a treat for the eyes. Featuring an autumnal glow, pleasant temperatures, smaller crowds, and lower prices, October is a perfect time to visit Nashville. And if you’re a festival or street fair fan, you can choose from a bounty of events, including the Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash and the Tennessee State Fair.
Pack layers to keep you cozy in the crisper temps. Take a deep breath of fresh air and tumble into fall!
Winter
If you’re keen to avoid the summer crowds, heat, and high prices of Nashville’s high tourist season, you may want to consider a winter jaunt.
The mercury drops dramatically in mid-November and stays on the frosty side through March, with temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to the high 50s F.
Nashville winters aren’t severe, but they do bring a “damp” cold – which means you’ll really feel it. So pack accordingly with warm, layered clothing.
Pro tip: The cold may limit access to some outdoor events during the winter months, so bear that in mind as you work out your Nashville itinerary.
The good news about a winter stay in Nashville: outside of the holiday season, tourist crowds are at low ebb, and it’s the cheapest time to book flights and hotel rooms. And during the Nashville Originals Restaurant Week and East Nashville Restaurant Week, you can sample delicious food from amazing local eateries at a fraction of the regular price.
By month
January
January in Nashville sees an average high temperature of 46º F, falling to an average low of 28ºF. Expect to see precipitation – sometimes snow, but usually rainfall – amounting to about 3.7 inches.
Nashville bustles during holiday celebrations and a dazzling downtown New Year’s Eve party. By the end of January, though, the tempo slows and crowds thin out.
That doesn’t mean there’s no action! Check out events like the Nashville Boat Show, one of the biggest in the area. Or give yourself an excuse to drop into the stunning, century-old Hermitage Hotel in Downtown Nashville to enjoy the Battle of New Orleans Festival.
February
February remains pretty low-key in Nashville. But fewer visitors means more room to move! Average temperatures range from lows in the low 30s to highs in the low 50s, though the humidity can make it feel cooler. Average precipitation is just below four inches, with occasional snow and ice – but not enough to make travel a problem.
If you’re an antique lover or garden enthusiast, you’ll want to check out Nashville’s Antique and Garden Show, featuring displays of over 150 vendors.
Foodies will want to mark their calendars for East Nashville’s yearly Restaurant Week, where they can indulge themselves at the neighborhood’s best eateries for special wallet-friendly prices.
March
Nashville gets on a roll in March as the temperature climbs. Highs hover in the low 60s, while lows are just under 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
March brings longer days, more hours of sunlight, and more than four inches of rain. You’ll see more tourists, but availability at restaurants and hotels remains high.
Nashville’s event schedule really picks up. Looking for ideas for your latest home improvement project? Check out the Nashville Home and Garden Show for great ideas in outdoor furnishings and accessories.
If you’re a music fan, you’ll want to catch the action at Tin Pan South, the biggest gathering of songwriters in the country.
April
Warm but moderate temperatures make April an ideal time to visit Nashville. You’ll enjoy daytime temps in the low 70s and night-time lows in the upper 40s.
April brings an influx of travelers who want to beat the rush and enjoy all the city offers before the summer peak season ushers in hotter temperatures. But while restaurants and hotels begin to get a little busier, travelers will still find Nashville easy to navigate.
Music venues start to hum again, and the city stirs back to life with a range of events, including the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, Nashville Fashion Week, and Tennessee Flavors – a one-night sampling of the city’s best local eateries.
May
During May, Nashville really warms up, with temperatures ranging from lows in the mid-50s to highs in the upper 70s. It’s also the city’s rainy month, with precipitation reaching up to 5.5 inches.
Early May remains fairly quiet, but the city begins to get back into the groove towards the end of the month with an uptick in visitor numbers and hotel prices.
There’s also an uptick in the number of attractions to enjoy. Head to Centennial Park for the kickoff of the Musician Corner’s lively music concert series, put on your best racing duds for the annual Iroquois Steeplechase, or fill your face at the city’s awesome food trucks during Nashville Street Food Month.
June
Come June, Music City’s momentum begins to build towards one of its busiest times. Temperatures soar into the high 80s, and the lows seldom drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit overnight.
An average of four inches of rainfall adds to the city’s steam. Travel season is now officially “on,” so plan to book your hotel spot weeks in advance – and prepare to pay a steep price if you’re staying in city center neighborhoods like Lower Broad, or South of Broadway (SoBro).
June is host to some prime Nashville events. Country music fans will want to snag a seat at the CMA Fest or the CMT Awards, two of the year’s biggest country music events.
July
If you plan to visit Nashville in July, brace yourself for hot, muggy weather. Afternoon temperatures generally hover around an average of 90 degrees F, often climbing higher.
This may be Nashville’s hottest month, but its hotels, restaurants, and attractions are alive with visitors. Accommodations are in high demand, so make your reservations well in advance.
And if you plan to check out the Honky Tonk Highway, hit the road early if you want to snag a spot in one of Music City’s iconic bars.
There’s plenty to dive into during this sizzling month. Chow down on a classic Nashville dish at the Music City Hot Chicken Festival, wash it down with a sampling of local beer at the Music City Brewers Festival, and be awed by one of the country’s biggest July 4th fireworks celebrations.
August
The hot temperatures of July roll on into August, with average temperatures ranging around 89ºF and dropping to about 68ºF at night. The unrelenting humidity can make it seem even hotter.
On the plus side, precipitation in August is minimal, so you can look forward to clear skies and lots of sunshine. The crowds start to decrease towards the end of the month as families head back to work and school.
There’s still plenty to see & do in August. Hit the Tennessee State Fair and check out live music, jump on a ride, or test your arcade game skills. Cool off in the evening at an alfresco performance of Shakespeare in the Park.
September
September brings relief (finally!) from the oppressive summer humidity and searing temperatures. Average daytime temperatures settle at around 80 degrees F, and overnight temperatures become very comfortable at about 58 degrees F, dipping even lower to the high 40s towards the end of the month.
Nashville remains a tourist magnet through to the end of the Labor Day Weekend, after which the numbers drop off sharply. That means increased availability and lower prices if this is when you want to visit Nashville.
And there’s still plenty to check out. Tap your toe at Americanfest, a showcase for popular country, blues, and folk artists. Then quench your thirst with superb samples of the “water of life” at the Nashville Whiskey Festival.
October
October is a great time to visit Nashville. You’ll revel in mild temperatures ranging from 49ºF to 72ºF, with minimal precipitation. You can take in the gorgeous fall colors. And by this time, visitor numbers are light, so the city’s pace slows. Hotels and restaurants are more accessible – and more affordable!
Take advantage of thinning crowds to enjoy Nashville’s bounty of fall attractions. Hit the town’s historic Germantown as it revs up with Oktoberfest.
Drop into the Southern Festival of Books, hit the Jack Daniel’s Invitational Championship Barbecue, sup up at the Tennessee Beer and Wine Festival, or grab some cake at the Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash.
November
If you visit Nashville in November, you’ll be invigorated by the cooling weather. Temperatures during the day hover in the very comfortable low 60s F, while overnight, the mercury drops into the 30s.
The summertime hubbub has died down, so you can explore at your own pace. Hotel rates drop around this time of year, and it’s easier to visit the attractions that tend to be packed during peak months.
November is a great month to enjoy a bootful of Nashville highlights. Grab a seat at the Country Music Association Awards to see the brightest stars in country music, or hit the Nissan Stadium to watch the Tennessee Titans in NFL action.
December
Early December in Nashville is subdued – but the pace picks up dramatically during the holiday season. when swarms of visitors arrive to celebrate the New Year. If late December is your target visit date, reserve your hotel spot early and expect to pay a higher price.
And be prepared for some frosty temps, ranging from lows of about 3ºF to highs of just under 50ºF. If you’re planning a night on the town, dress for warmth and pack a rain jacket, as December brings over four inches of precipitation.
December in Nashville offers plenty to keep you hopping, including spectacular holiday light displays and the Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight – one of the country’s biggest New Year’s Eve Celebrations.
