Great Smoky Mountains · July · Tennessee & North Carolina

Great Smoky Mountains National Park in July

July is a good month to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Expect peak crowds. Highs average 70°F and lows 55°F, with about 6.09 inches of rain.

July gets a good rating at Great Smoky Mountains. The very best months are Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct.

Full park guideAll parks in July
RatingGood
CrowdsPeak crowds
Avg high / low70°F / 55°F
Rain6.09 in

What to expect

July is good at Great Smoky Mountains. Hot and crowded at lower elevations. Escape to the high ridges.

Local tip

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.

2-day Great Smoky Mountains itinerary · Packing list

Questions

Is July a good time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

July is a good month to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Expect peak crowds. Highs average 70°F and lows 55°F, with about 6.09 inches of rain.

What is the weather like in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in July?

Highs average 70°F and lows 55°F, with about 6.09 inches of rain. July is rated good for visiting.

How crowded is Great Smoky Mountains National Park in July?

July brings peak crowds to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Go early in the day and book lodging ahead.