Great Smoky Mountains · month by month

Great Smoky Mountains in August

Verdict: Good — August ranks 9 of 12 here

January: Good February: Good March: Good April: Good May: Good June: Good July: Good August: Good September: Good October: Good November: Good December: Good August — this page
Excellent Good Tough Sunburst marks the sweet spot

August is a good month at Great Smoky Mountains — it ranks 9th of the twelve here. Expect about 24% fewer visitors than October, the park's peak — 1,220,408 visits on average. Days run around 82°F by afternoon and 62°F at night, with 13.5 hours of daylight.

August against the park's best

Month Verdict Avg. visits vs. peak High Low Snow Daylight
August (this page) Good 1,220,408 −24% 82°F 62°F 0" 13.5 h
February (best) Good 485,531 −70% 51°F 29°F 2.4" 10.8 h
October (peak crowds) Good 1,607,149 peak 69°F 44°F 0" 11.2 h

Weather figures are for the Gatlinburg / Sugarlands area (the high crest runs 10–20°F cooler) — the Gatlinburg 2 Sw station. Visits are 2021–2025 averages; climate normals cover 1991–2020. Conditions vary across the park; check current status before you go.

Common questions

Is August a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains?

It is a reasonable month — the park has stronger ones, but the records don't argue against it. August ranks 9 of 12 at Great Smoky Mountains on crowds, weather, daylight, and access together.

How crowded is Great Smoky Mountains in August?

About 1,220,408 recreation visits on average — 24% below October, the park's peak.

How warm is Great Smoky Mountains in August?

Average highs around 82°F and lows around 62°F at the Gatlinburg 2 Sw station.

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