Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Knoxville boasts a diverse subtropical climate that draws visitors throughout the year.
In Knoxville, the hottest month is July, with highs averaging 87°F and lows around 69°F.
Winters are mild but can get quite chilly, especially in January when temperatures average between 31°F and 48°F.
Rainfall in Knoxville averages 50 inches per year, higher than the national average of 38 inches.
Snowfall, on the other hand, is relatively light, with the city averaging just 6 inches annually.
This makes Knoxville a distinctive place in the United States, offering a mix of weather conditions that cater to different preferences.
For those looking to experience Knoxville’s weather, the diverse climate is evident throughout the seasons.
Summer days can be hot and humid, while winter months, particularly from November to February, bring cooler temperatures.
Whether you’re planning a visit or considering a move, knowing what to expect from Knoxville’s weather can ensure you’re prepared for all seasons in this vibrant city in Knox County.
Average Temperature In Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
The hottest month of the year is July with an average high of 87°F and a low of 69°F.
On the other hand, January is the coldest month, where temperatures can drop to an average low of 31°F and reach an average high of 48°F.
Monthly Average Temperatures:
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 48 | 31 |
| February | 52 | 34 |
| March | 60 | 40 |
| April | 70 | 48 |
| May | 78 | 57 |
| June | 85 | 65 |
| July | 87 | 69 |
| August | 86 | 68 |
| September | 80 | 62 |
| October | 70 | 50 |
| November | 59 | 41 |
| December | 50 | 34 |
Key Temperature Highlights:
- Hottest Month: July with an average high of 87°F.
- Coldest Month: January with an average low of 31°F.
- Knoxville’s temperature variations are significant, with daily highs below 55°F from late November to late February.
Average Precipitation In Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee experiences a varied climate with distinct seasonal changes. Rain and snow both contribute significantly to the city’s annual precipitation levels.
Average Rainfall In Knoxville, Tennessee
The city of Knoxville sees consistent rainfall throughout the year, contributing to its lush landscapes.
The wettest month is typically July, with an average of around 5 inches of rain.
Monthly rainfall usually ranges from 2 inches to 5 inches.
Knoxville does not have a truly driest month, as rainfall is fairly evenly distributed.
This consistent rain pattern keeps the area green and supports the diverse flora.
Rainfall makes outdoor planning for events important.
Be prepared for occasional downpours, especially during summer months.
A drizzle in the morning can quickly turn into sunny skies by afternoon, showing the city’s varied weather patterns.
Average Snow In Knoxville, Tennessee
Snowfall in Knoxville is less prevalent compared to rain, but winter months can still bring a decent amount of snow.
The coldest month is January, and it often sees the highest snowfall.
On average, Knoxville experiences about 4 inches of snow annually, which can vary year to year.
Significant snow events are rare, but they do happen, contributing to the yearly total.
Any major snowfall often results in school closures and road disruptions.
Knowing this helps in preparing for winter travel and activities, ensuring that safety measures are in place when snow does fall.
Average Sun In Knoxville, Tennessee
The sunshine in Knoxville varies throughout the year. It is important to understand how daylight and cloud cover influence the daily solar energy.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Knoxville, Tennessee
In Knoxville, the daily shortwave solar energy changes with the seasons.
During summer, the city receives about 6.5 kWh per square meter per day. This high amount of solar energy is due to long daylight hours and fewer clouds.
Winter brings about 2.8 kWh per square meter per day.
This decrease is caused by shorter days and more frequent cloud cover.
Knoxville experiences a mix of sunny and cloudy days throughout the year, impacting solar energy availability.
On clear days, solar energy increases while cloudy days see a drop. A balance of sunny and cloudy periods is typical.
For more detailed data, you can visit Weather-atlas.
Average Humidity In Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year.
August is the most humid month, with an average relative humidity of 76.0%.
April is the least humid, averaging 63.0%.
The average annual relative humidity in Knoxville is 72%.
| Month | Average Relative Humidity (%) |
|—————|——————————-|
| January | 75.0 |
| February | 73.0 |
| March | 68.0 |
| April | 63.0 |
| May | 68.0 |
| June | 71.0 |
| July | 75.0 |
| August | 76.0 |
| September | 74.0 |
| October | 69.0 |
| November | 74.0 |
| December | 75.0 |
Humidity can influence how hot or cold it feels. A higher dew point can make summer days feel muggier.
In Knoxville, summers are long and muggy, as the dew point often rises throughout the season.
During the winter months, relative humidity is higher due to colder air holding less moisture, though it feels less sticky than in summer.
This can make cold days seem more biting despite the presence of moisture. For more details, check out weather patterns in Knoxville.
Average Wind In Knoxville, Tennessee
The average wind speed in Knoxville varies by season and time of day.
Daytime winds are usually gentle, averaging around 5-7 mph. At night, wind speeds can slow down but generally remain consistent.
Knoxville’s windiest month is March, with average speeds reaching up to 8 mph.
Monthly Average Wind Speeds:
| Month | Average Wind Speed (mph) |
|---|---|
| January | 5.8 |
| February | 6.1 |
| March | 8 |
| April | 7.5 |
| May | 6.5 |
| June | 5.3 |
| July | 5 |
| August | 5.1 |
| September | 5.4 |
| October | 5.9 |
| November | 6.2 |
| December | 6.7 |
Understanding Knoxville’s wind can help you plan outdoor activities more effectively.
Be prepared for varying conditions year-round.
Average Air Quality In Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee, experiences varying air quality throughout the year.
The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) often ranges between “Good” and “Moderate.” During good days, the AQI is below 50, indicating clean air.
In summer, warmer temperatures can increase ozone levels. July temperatures can reach 93.2°F.
In June, data from 2019 reported a “Good” AQI of 31 with temperatures around 91.4°F. This suggests low pollution levels.
Weather Conditions and Air Quality:
- Temperature: Higher temperatures can lead to increased ozone. During 2010, 2020, and 1991, temperature variations affected air quality.
- Visibility: High pollutant levels can reduce visibility.
Annual Trends:
| Year | AQI | Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Good, 31 | 91.4 |
| 2010 | Moderate, 55 | 93.2 |
| 2020 | Moderate, 55 | Not specified |
Important Locations:
- McGhee Tyson Airport: Important for tracking weather and air pressure, which influence air quality.
Monitoring agencies like IQAir and AccuWeather provide real-time updates. Air quality can change due to weather patterns and pollutant levels.
Topography Of Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville is located in East Tennessee within Knox County. The city’s geographical coordinates are approximately 35.9606°N latitude and 83.9207°W longitude.
The average elevation in Knoxville is 997 feet, while it ranges from a minimum elevation of 761 feet to a maximum elevation of 2,890 feet.
This range of elevations contributes to the diverse terrain of the city.
Knoxville covers a total area of 104.2 square miles (269.8 km²), with most of the land being urbanized.
The variation in elevation means the terrain includes rolling hills and flat plains.
Elevation Summary:
| Description | Feet |
|---|---|
| Average Elevation | 997 ft |
| Minimum Elevation | 761 ft |
| Maximum Elevation | 2,890 ft |
This varied topography affects the local climate, creating microclimates within the city.
The area includes several natural features: lakes, rivers, and hills.
The prominent rivers such as the Tennessee River flow through Knoxville, shaping the landscape and contributing to the elevation changes.
To explore the maps and specific topographic features of Knoxville in more detail, you can visit websites like Knoxville topographic map and Knoxville Topo Map TN.
These resources provide detailed views and data about the city’s terrain.
Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville experiences various extreme weather events throughout the year.
In the summer, temperatures often rise above 90°F, bringing hot and humid conditions.
Thunderstorms are common and can sometimes be severe, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and even hail.
Residents should stay alert during these storms, as they can cause flash flooding and wind damage.
During the winter, temperatures can drop below freezing.
Although rare, Knoxville can experience snow and ice.
When temperatures fall below 32°F, roads can become hazardous due to ice accumulation. This is particularly dangerous when freezing rain occurs, making travel difficult.
Spring and fall are milder but still have their share of extreme weather.
Electrical storms are frequent in these seasons, with intense lightning and thunder.
These storms can lead to power outages and pose a threat to safety.
Tornadoes, though uncommon, do happen.
For instance, a rare EF-2 tornado occurred in August in western Knox County, highlighting the need for preparedness even during times when tornadoes are less expected.
The region also deals with occasional flooding due to heavy rainfall. This can cause road closures and property damage.
Residents should heed warnings and avoid driving on flooded roads.
Best Time Of The Year To Visit Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville offers distinct experiences through each season. The best time to visit will depend on your preferences for weather and activities.
What Is Knoxville, Tennessee Like In Spring
Spring in Knoxville brings mild and pleasant weather.
From March to May, temperatures range between the low 40s°F to high 70s°F. The city experiences blooming flowers, making outdoor activities enjoyable.
April and May are particularly beautiful.
Rainfall is common, averaging about 3-4 inches per month. This period is less crowded compared to summer, which makes it a good time for a quieter visit.
Enjoy festivals and events that highlight the season’s natural beauty.
What Is Knoxville, Tennessee Like In Summer
Summers in Knoxville are hot and humid.
From June to August, temperatures often reach the high 80s°F to low 90s°F. July is the hottest month, with averages reaching up to 87°F.
With the heat comes increased tourism.
Hotel rates can be higher during this time. Despite the heat, summer is a popular time for travel due to school vacations.
Expect lively events and activities that cater to tourists.
What Is Knoxville, Tennessee Like In Fall
Fall is arguably the best time to visit Knoxville.
From September to November, temperatures cool down, ranging from the mid-50s°F to mid-70s°F. The foliage turns vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, offering a picturesque setting.
October is especially notable for its pleasant weather.
Rainfall decreases slightly, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring local parks. This season also features various festivals celebrating the harvest.
What Is Knoxville, Tennessee Like In Winter
Winters in Knoxville are mild compared to other parts of the country.
From December to February, temperatures typically range from the low 30s°F to high 40s°F.
January is the coldest month, with averages dropping to 31°F.
Snowfall is rare and usually light when it does occur.
Winter is less busy, making it a quieter time to visit.
Indoor attractions, like museums and theaters, are more popular during this season.
Enjoying winter in Knoxville means fewer tourists and a relaxed atmosphere.