Climate and monthly weather forecast
Knoxville, TN

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The scenic scape of the little town of Knoxville in Tennessee
The scenic scape of the little town of Knoxville in Tennessee

The climate of Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee, located in the United States, bears the classification of a Cfa climate zone under the Köppen Climate Classification - this signifies a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. With steady patterns of rainfall throughout the year, periods of snow, and diverse temperature fluctuations, Knoxville presents a rich and varying weather scene.

Temperature variations unlock a treasure trove of climatological experiences. Annually, temperature ranges fluctuate between a low of 29.3°F (-1.5°C) in January to a high of 88.9°F (31.6°C) in July. While Knoxville experiences frosty temperatures in winter, it also luxuriates in warm and humid summers. Meanwhile, Knoxville witnesses a steady relative humidity pattern, with monthly averages oscillating from 70% to 78%.

Rainfall patterns paint an equally diverse tableau, with consistent showers sprinkled throughout the year. The city receives the highest rainfall measuring 3.66" (93mm) in February, tapering down to 1.5" (38mm) in September. Despite a minor fluctuation in rainfall volumes, the number of rainfall days remains consistently distributed, ranging from 8.4 days in November to 16.2 days in July.

Though Knoxville does curl up under a blanket of snow, it does so only in the cooler months. Snowfall totals are highest in February at 1.57" (40mm), dwindling down to zero from May to October.

The best time to visit Knoxville

With quite a varied climate, the best time to plan a visit to Knoxville hinges on personal preference. For sun-seekers and adventure enthusiasts who prefer warmer temperatures, the months from May to September offer an ideal period with highs hovering between 78.4°F (25.8°C) and 88.9°F (31.6°C). During these months, daylight hours stretch between 13.1 hours and 14.6 hours, offering plenty of time to explore the city and its surroundings.

The worst time to visit Knoxville

For visitors averse to colder climates, the winter months of January and February might prove less appealing. During this period, temperatures edge down to lows of 29.3°F (-1.5°C) and 33.4°F (0.8°C) respectively. Snowfall makes an appearance as well, with an average of 0.87" (22mm) in January and a slightly higher average of 1.57" (40mm) in February.

Spring weather in Knoxville

In Knoxville, Spring blossoms from March to May, as temperatures gently rise from 58.1°F (14.5°C) to 78.4°F (25.8°C). As flowers bloom, rainfall makes its presence felt as well with 2.8" (71mm) in April and 2.13" (54mm) in May. March sets the stage with a slightly lower amount, at 2.52" (64mm).

Summer weather in Knoxville

Summers in Knoxville, extending from June to August, are characterized by hot and humid conditions. Temperatures peak to their highest at 88.9°F (31.6°C) in July. Rainfall takes a small dip during this season, with August receiving the lowest amount, at 2.01" (51mm).

Autumn weather in Knoxville

Autumn in Knoxville, spreading its hues from September to November, is marked by a decrease in temperatures, from 82.2°F (27.9°C) in September to 57.2°F (14°C) in November. Rainfall sees a similar trend with the lowest amount experienced in September at 1.5" (38mm).

Winter weather in Knoxville

Winters in Knoxville, spanning from December to February, extend the cool embrace with the coldest temperatures witnessed in January, dropping down to 29.3°F (-1.5°C). February sees the highest snowfall, measuring 1.57" (40mm). The decrease in daylight hours to just under 10 hours in December is another distinctive characteristic of winter in Knoxville.

Weather in January

Ever-climbing pressure trends distinguish Knoxville weather for January. Temperatures can be quite chilly in comparison to December, and locals feel the bite of winter with the lowest average temperatures of the year being 29.3°F (-1.5°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Knoxville's transition from January to February is marked by rising temperature trends. February experiences an increased average temperature of 49.6°F (9.8°C), with superficial snowfall of only 1.57" (40mm), offering indications of an imminent spring. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Knoxville weather in March sees a significant move towards spring. Compared to February, temperatures continue their upward trajectory, and snowfall becomes a rare occurrence, making way for rainfall instead. March signals the retreat of winter and the onset of spring, with increased daylight hours. Weather in March »

Weather in April

By the time April rolls around, winter is a distant memory in Knoxville. The month exhibits considerably warmer temperatures than March, with average high temperatures surpassing the 69.3°F (20.7°C) mark, indicating definite springtime warmth. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May's arrival in Knoxville signifies the unofficial start of summer in the city. A shift is noticeable from April, with the mercury often climbing to an average high of 78.4°F (25.8°C). None of the months prior experience such a jump in maximum temperature, confirming May as the year's first genuinely hot month. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Knoxville embraces early summer with open arms in June. An upward trend from May, summer heat averages 86°F (30°C) high and signals beach season. The city's rainfall remains constant and manageable, ensuring summer plans remain intact. Weather in June »

Weather in July

The potency of Knoxville’s summer peaks in July. With the month’s average high temperatures topping at 88.9°F (31.6°C), it distinguishes itself as the hottest month of the year. A consistent UV index of 6 is expected, as is typical of this season, necessitating sun protection always. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Heatwaves start to subside, as Knoxville's August weather sees a slight dip in temperature compared to July. The transition month from peak summer to early fall is marked by hot but bearable climates. Though rainfall is at annual low, the decreased humidity ensures an enjoyable outdoor setting. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September in Knoxville welcomes fall with open arms, marking a significant drop in temperatures compared to August. Though there is an increase in rainfall, it is the month with the least rainfall overall, averaging just 1.5" (38mm). Weather in September »

Weather in October

Knoxville in October epitomises the full swing of fall. October weather sees cooler temperatures, a noticeable change from the warmth of September. It reveals gradual signs of winter with a significant decrease in daylight hours. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Knoxville is the stepping stone to winter, with the cold taking hold of the city. With a notable decline in temperatures from October, high averages settle at 57.2°F (14°C). Winter's icy grip begins its introduction, yet without any significant snowfall. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Knoxville embraces winter in its full form by December. Following November, the temperature continues its downward trend to solidify December as a distinctively frigid month. With an average high of 49.1°F (9.5°C), it announces winter's arrival definitively. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 19, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months?

January, noted for its average high-temperature of 44.8°F (7.1°C) and an average low-temperature of 29.3°F (-1.5°C), is considered the coldest month.

How much does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 148.9 rainfall days, and 29.57" (751mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through April, November and December.

How many days does it snow?

In Knoxville, during the entire year, snow falls for 11.5 days and aggregates up to 3.94" (100mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Knoxville?

With an average of 4.9h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year in Knoxville.

When is the lowest UV index?

January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.

What are the most humid months in Knoxville?

February and December, with an average relative humidity of 78%, are most humid months.

What is the rainiest month?

The month with the most rainfall is February, when the rain falls for 11.2 days and typically aggregates up to 3.66" (93mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow the most?

February is the month with the most snowfall in Knoxville. Snow falls for 3.3 days and accumulates 1.57" (40mm) of snow.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

When it does not snow?

May through October are months without snowfall in Knoxville.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.

When are the longest days?

June has the longest days of the year in Knoxville, with an average of 14h and 36min of daylight.

What month has the most sunshine?

With an average of 10.6h of sunshine, June has the most sunshine of the year.

What month is the hottest?

July brings the highest temperatures, with an average high of 88.9°F (31.6°C) and an average low of 66.7°F (19.3°C).

What is the least humid month in Knoxville?

August is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 70%.

What is the driest month?

September is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 11.3 days and accumulates 1.5" (38mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 48min of daylight.

Average temperature
Knoxville, TN

Average temperature - Knoxville, TN

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (88.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (44.8°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (66.7°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (29.3°F).

Average pressure
Knoxville, TN

Average pressure - Knoxville, TN

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and November (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.98"Hg).

Average wind speed
Knoxville, TN

Average wind speed - Knoxville, TN

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (3.8mph).

Average humidity
Knoxville, TN

Average humidity - Knoxville, TN

The months with the highest relative humidity are February and December (78%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is August (70%).

Average rainfall
Knoxville, TN

Average rainfall - Knoxville, TN

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (3.66").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.5").

Average rainfall days
Knoxville, TN

Average rainfall days - Knoxville, TN

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (16.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (8.4 days).

Average snowfall
Knoxville, TN

Average snowfall - Knoxville, TN

The month with the highest snowfall is February (1.57").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August, September and October (0").

Average snowfall days
Knoxville, TN

Average snowfall days - Knoxville, TN

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (3.8 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August, September and October (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Knoxville, TN

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Knoxville, TN

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 48min).

The month with the most sunshine is June (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 54min).

Average sunshine days
Knoxville, TN

Average sunshine days - Knoxville, TN

The month with the most sunshine days is October (20.5 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is July (12.9 days).

Average UV index
Knoxville, TN

Average UV index - Knoxville, TN

The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Knoxville, TN

Average visibility - Knoxville, TN

The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (5mi).

Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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