Great Smoky Mountains · December · Tennessee & North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park in December
December is a fair month for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with some limitations. Expect busy. Highs average 40°F and lows 24°F, with about 5.15 inches of rain.
December is rated fair at Great Smoky Mountains. Consider Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct instead.
What to expect
Honest take: December is not the month for Great Smoky Mountains. Quiet, often snowy at high elevations. Some roads, including the road to Kuwohi (Clingmans Dome), close for winter.
Cades Cove is closed to cars on Wednesdays from May to September, which makes it perfect for bikes and walkers.
Good to know
- Best months overall: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Closest airport: Knoxville (TYS), about 1 hour.
- Before you go: No entrance fee, but a parking tag is required for parking longer than 15 minutes. The synchronous firefly event at Elkmont is by lottery. Check current conditions on nps.gov.
Questions
Is December a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
December is a fair month for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with some limitations. Expect busy. Highs average 40°F and lows 24°F, with about 5.15 inches of rain.
What is the weather like in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in December?
Highs average 40°F and lows 24°F, with about 5.15 inches of rain. Conditions are fair this month, so check the month-by-month ratings before you commit.
How crowded is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in December?
December brings busy to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Go early in the day and book lodging ahead.