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 »