The climate of Nashville
Situated in the American Southeast,
Nashville,
Tennessee, holds a Köppen climate classification of Cfa. Predominantly, it experiences a humid subtropical climate with no dry season. Consequently, Nashville sees fluctuations in weather throughout the year, ranging between extremes of both hot and cold, rain and dry periods, cloudiness and clear skies.
The annual trend in temperatures is noteworthy, with the coldest temperatures typically occurring in
January with an average low of 30.6°F (-0.8°C) and the warmest in
July with an average high of 88.3°F (31.3°C). Intrinsically tied to this seasonal variation in temperature, humidity levels also fluctuate marginally from the yearly average of around 75%, with peaks in the colder months of January and
February.
Rainfall in Nashville distributes unevenly across the year, with July recording the highest precipitation of 4.02" (102mm) and
November witnessing the least at 1.77" (45mm). Alongside rainfall, the data further shows some snowfall, though only in nominal amounts, primarily between November to February.
The cloud cover shifts throughout the year, reaching the highest percentage in January and February, and the lowest in
June. Correspondingly changes are observed in daylight and sunshine hours, with the shortest daylight in
December and the most extended sunshine hours in June.
The best time to visit Nashville
Assessing the climatic data, the latter part of spring and early fall emerge as the most pleasant periods to plan a visit to
Nashville.
May boasts an average high temperature of 78.1°F (25.6°C), while
October's mean high temperature stands at 69.8°F (21°C). Alongside these agreeable temperatures, both months receive less rain than most other months, with respective averages of 2.68" (68mm) and 2.2" (56mm). Albeit, the daylight and sunshine hours during these periods are still substantial enough to enjoy outdoor activities, with May averaging 14.1 daylight hours and October providing an average of 6.9 sunshine hours.
The worst time to visit Nashville
The peak summer months from
June to
August present less desirable conditions for visiting
Nashville. Notably,
July emerges as a challenging month due to its high average temperatures, which can reach 88.3°F (31.3°C). This weather is further accompanied by high humidity levels - typically around 74% - and the highest average rainfall of the year at 4.02" (102mm), leading to discomfort.
Similarly, the coldest winter months, specifically
January and
February, record the lowest average daylight hours at 10 and 10.9, respectively. Furthermore, these months also experience the highest cloud cover percentages, leading to reduced visibility and fewer sunshine hours.
Spring weather in Nashville
Spring in
Nashville, stretching from
March to
May, brings increasing temperatures from an average high of 58.6°F (14.8°C) in March to 78.1°F (25.6°C) in May. Correspondingly, the lowest average temperatures rise from 41.5°F (5.3°C) to 59.5°F (15.3°C). Precipitation levels fluctuate between 1.97" (50mm) in March, peaking at 3.07" (78mm) in
April, before descending to 2.68" (68mm) in May. This period also marks the transition from shorter to longer daylight hours, progressing from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours in May.
Summer weather in Nashville
Summer months in
Nashville,
June to
August, are characterized by high temperatures, with averages peaking at 88.3°F (31.3°C) in
July. Nonetheless, rainfall averages remain consistently high, at around 3" (76mm) per month, with the highest rainfall of 4.02" (102mm) occurring in July. Despite the increased rainfall, summer brings the maximum average daylight hours, ranging from 14.1 to 14.6 hours per day.
Autumn weather in Nashville
Autumn in
Nashville, from
September to
November, witnesses a steady decline in temperatures, from an average high of 81.5°F (27.5°C) in September to 57.4°F (14.1°C) in November. The average low temperatures drop from 62.8°F (17.1°C) to 40.3°F (4.6°C) respectively. Rainfall levels decrease during this period, ranging from 2.01" (51mm) in September to 1.77" (45mm) in November. Correspondingly, daylight hours begin to dwindle, decreasing from 12.4 hours in September to 10.3 hours in November.
Winter weather in Nashville
During winter -
December through
February -
Nashville experiences its coldest temperatures. Average high temperatures hover around the mid-to-high 40s°F, while average low temperatures range from 30.6°F (-0.8°C) to 35.6°F (2°C). Although these months see little precipitation compared to other periods, they surprisingly record the second-highest average rainfall levels after summer, from 2.24" (57mm) in December to 2.76" (70mm) in February. Daylight hours are also their shortest, ranging from 9.7 hours in December to 10.9 hours in February.
Weather in January
The weather in
Nashville,
Tennessee starts the year with relatively cold conditions, distinct with the almost palpable humidity of 75%. Notable is the consistent high wind speed of 7.9mph (12.7km/h), which adds to the chill factor.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transitioning from
January's cold grasp, weather conditions in
Nashville evolve subtly, slowly hinting at an approaching spring. Despite the slight increase in temperature, the city continues to receive episodes of snow, albeit less frequent and intense than those in January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As the city welcomes spring in
March, a noticeable shift in climate characterizes
Nashville's weather. Compared to
February's snow-filled days, March swaps white for green as the city begins to embrace the blooming charm of spring.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April,
Nashville,
Tennessee, progresses further into springtime, becoming a tableau rich with vibrant colors and temperate conditions. Unlimited visibility of 6 miles ensures clear blue skies, invigorating locals and tourists to explore the city's outdoor venues.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Nashville in
May fully embraces its transformation to warmer temperatures as it enters meteorological summer. Echoing the spirit of the season, the city basks under the sun for an average of 14.1 hours per day. Occasional spring showers may grace the city, accentuating the annual revival of flora and fauna.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the summer solstice in
Nashville, enhancing the city's warm weather further. With an impressive 14.6 hours of daylight per day, residents find ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The wind speed reduces to a leisurely 5.3mph (8.5km/h), mirroring the slow, languid pace of a typical Nashville summer.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Receiving the highest average temperatures,
July stands as the pinnacle of
Nashville's summer with a high of 88.3°F (31.3°C). The extended sunny spells make it ideal for various outdoor pursuits. Despite the prevalence of summer warmth, occasional rain showers provide a cooling respite from the heat.
Weather in July »Weather in August
As the summer season reaches
August, the weather in
Nashville remains consistently warm, with only a minor reduction in average temperatures compared to
July. Holiday-goers continue to enjoy the prolonged daylight and reduced wind speeds.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September invites the onset of autumn to
Nashville,
Tennessee. The temperature gently begins to decline from the summer peak, indicating a gradual return to cooler climates. The decreased daylight hours and calming wind speeds signify a shift in the weather pattern.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees
Nashville enveloped in full autumn splendor. The relative calmness of the weather, under the city's radiant fall colors, offers a peaceful retreat from the previous summer hustle. The reducing daylight hours and moderating temperatures mark a clear transition towards the year's end.
Weather in October » Weather in November
By
November,
Nashville's weather begins to lean towards wintry conditions as temperatures decrease noticeably from
October. The first shivers of winter can be felt in the air, but the sting of frost yet remains at bay. As nature begins to retreat into hibernation, the city prepares itself for the coming winter holidays. November shows a mild decline in the average high-temperature, falling from October's pleasant 69.8°F (21°C) to a mild 57.4°F (14.1°C).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the official beginning of winter in
Nashville with temperatures dropping to an average low of 35.6°F (2°C). Despite the frosty conditions, the holiday lights and festivities lend a warm glow to the city. The crisp, cool air coupled with the high relative humidity of 78% gives a typical winter feel.
Weather in December »