Great Smoky Mountains National Park in January
In January, Great Smoky Mountains National Park averages a high of 47°F and a low of 27°F, with 4.8 inches of precipitation (rain plus melted snow) and 2.4 inches of snowfall. About 381,000 people visit, the quietest month. Days are 9 hours 59 minutes long.
- Quiet
- Moderate
- Busy
- Very busy
- Few or no visits (may be closed)
- Best months
- High / low
- 47° / 27°F
- Precipitation
- 4.8in
- Snow
- 2.4in
- Daylight
- 9h 59m
- Visitors
- 381,000
- Crowds
- Quiet
Best months for weather and crowds instead: September (busy), October (very busy) and November (busy).
Higher or lower in the park, expect a different picture: Mt Leconte, TN at 6,493 ft averages a January high of 34°F and a low of 18°F.
Weather 1991–2020 averages at Gatlinburg 2 SW, TN, 5 miles from the park's center, 1,454 ft. Second station higher up: Mt Leconte, TN, 6,493 ft, 3.9 miles. Visitors National Park Service recreation visits, average of 2023–2025. Updated .
Other parks in January
| Park | High / low °F | Crowds | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area | 52° / 33° | Moderate | Cool |
| Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park | 53° / 32° | Moderate | Cool |
| Blue Ridge Parkway | 45° / 22° | Quiet | Cool |
| Mammoth Cave National Park | 48° / 29° | Quiet | Cool |
| Congaree National Park | 58° / 35° | Moderate | Mild, wet |
Closures, reservations and alerts: Great Smoky Mountains National Park on nps.gov
All twelve months at Great Smoky Mountains · National parks to visit in January