Tennessee weather in December
The state broadly agrees with itself in December: afternoons run 53° in Memphis and 50° in Gatlinburg, with everywhere else in between.
Based on 3 weather stations. Three stations from the Mississippi to the Smokies — and the high ridges above Gatlinburg run colder still than the valley numbers here.
West Tennessee
Highs near 53°, nights around 36°, and 5.5 in of rain in a typical December.
| Place | Highs / lows | Wet days | The short version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | 53° / 36° | 7 | A wet cold that argues for barbecue and indoors. |
Middle Tennessee
Highs near 52°, nights around 33°, and 4.4 in of rain in a typical December.
| Place | Highs / lows | Wet days | The short version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | 52° / 33° | 8 | More rain than snow, and more lights than either. |
The Smokies
Highs near 50°, nights around 29°, and 4.9 in of rain in a typical December.
| Place | Highs / lows | Wet days | Snow | The short version |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gatlinburg | 50° / 29° | 10 | 1.4 in | Snow up on the ridge, cold rain down in town. |
Each place above has its own page for the full story — what the month feels like, what to pack, and whether the timing is right.