Knoxville, TN Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Knoxville
Knoxville has a humid subtropical climate, marked by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Average daytime highs range from about 47°F (9°C) in January to around 88°F (31°C) in July, and the city records roughly 134 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 88°F (31°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 47°F (9°C)
- Record high: 100°F (38°C) · Record low: -1°F (-18°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: February (12 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (11.9 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 4 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 88°F (31°C) and overnight lows stay near 70°F (21°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 47°F (9°C) and lows around 31°F (0°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 100°F (38°C) and dropped as low as -1°F (-18°C).
Rain, sun and snow
February is usually the wettest month. It brings about 6.0 inches (152 mm) of rain over 12 days, while October is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.9 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 4 days in a typical year, mostly from December through February.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47° | 31° | 12 | 4.4 in | 6.2 h/day | 73% |
| February | 54° | 35° | 12 | 6.0 in | 6.4 h/day | 73% |
| March | 61° | 41° | 12 | 5.1 in | 8.1 h/day | 70% |
| April | 69° | 48° | 11 | 4.4 in | 9.8 h/day | 69% |
| May | 78° | 58° | 12 | 3.8 in | 10.8 h/day | 72% |
| June | 85° | 66° | 12 | 3.3 in | 11.9 h/day | 69% |
| July | 88° | 70° | 15 | 4.0 in | 11.7 h/day | 73% |
| August | 86° | 69° | 13 | 4.3 in | 11.1 h/day | 74% |
| September | 83° | 64° | 9 | 3.4 in | 10.1 h/day | 70% |
| October | 72° | 53° | 7 | 3.2 in | 9.0 h/day | 71% |
| November | 60° | 41° | 8 | 3.5 in | 7.5 h/day | 72% |
| December | 53° | 36° | 11 | 5.1 in | 5.8 h/day | 77% |
Knoxville month by month
Knoxville weather in January
January brings highs around 47°F (9°C), lows near 31°F (0°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Knoxville.
Knoxville weather in February
February brings highs around 54°F (12°C), lows near 35°F (2°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days - typically the wettest month of the year in Knoxville.
Knoxville weather in March
March brings highs around 61°F (16°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 12 wet days.
Knoxville weather in April
April brings highs around 69°F (20°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 11 wet days.
Knoxville weather in May
May brings highs around 78°F (25°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 12 wet days.
Knoxville weather in June
June brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 12 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Knoxville.
Knoxville weather in July
July brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 15 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Knoxville.
Knoxville weather in August
August brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 69°F (20°C), about 13 wet days.
Knoxville weather in September
September brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 9 wet days.
Knoxville weather in October
October brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 53°F (11°C), about 7 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Knoxville.
Knoxville weather in November
November brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 41°F (5°C), about 8 wet days.
Knoxville weather in December
December brings highs around 53°F (11°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 11 wet days.
Seasons in Knoxville
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Knoxville is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 69°F (21°C) and nights around 49°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 35 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Knoxville runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (30°C) and nights around 68°F (20°C); expect showers on roughly 40 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Knoxville brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 72°F (22°C) and nights around 53°F (11°C); expect showers on roughly 24 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Knoxville runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 51°F (11°C) and nights around 34°F (1°C); expect showers on roughly 35 days across the season, plus around 4 snowy days.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Knoxville?
Is Knoxville hot in summer?
Is Knoxville cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Knoxville get in a year?
Best time to visit Knoxville
The best time to visit Knoxville is generally September to November and April, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).
Pack for Knoxville with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 70°F (21°C).
Knoxville temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.