Does it snow in Nashville? My friends have been asking the same question as they plan to visit this great city during the winter period.
The answer is YES, it does snow in Nashville Tennessee.
Nashville, Tennessee‘s capital city, is named after Francis Nash, a Continental Army general during the American Revolutionary War.
With a population of 700,000, it is the 23rd most populated city in the United States.
Nashville has a land area of 504 square miles (1,362 square kilometers) and is 597 feet (182 meters) above sea level. Does it, however, snow in Nashville?
In this article, I will answer in detail the question “does it snow in Nashville, TN?”
Let’s dive straight into it.
Does it Snow in Nashville?
As previously stated, the answer is YES.
Snow is common in Tennessee between January and February.
Although snow is not always guaranteed, I believe you have a decent chance of witnessing flurries during this time frame if you book a flight soon.
Overview of the Climate of Nashville
Nashville has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cold, rainy winters.
Snowfall is a possibility in Nashville from November through April.
Significant storms generating massive snowfall, on the other hand, are rare.
Nashville averages about 7 inches of snow each year, with an estimated 14.6 snowfall days.
The hot season persists for over three and a half months, from the end of May to late September, with daily mean temperatures of more than 81°F.
July is the hottest month in Nashville, with average highs of 89°F and lows of 71°F.
From the end of November to the end of February, the cold season lasts three months, with a mean daily temperature of less than 56°F.
January is the coldest month in Nashville, with a mean low of 32°F and high of 48°F.
When Does it Snow in Nashville?
Nashville has a normal four-month winter that lasts from December through March.
The city receives the biggest amount of snowfall in January and February, with flurries possible in December and March.
Nashville is a chilly place in the winter, with temperatures frequently falling below freezing.
Temperatures typically range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, with brief periods of significantly colder weather due to blasts of Canadian arctic air.
December
The arrival of winter in Nashville is marked by a decline in the daily average temperature in December.
The average temperatures in the city range from 52.2 degrees Fahrenheit (11.2 degrees Celsius) to 33.3 degrees Fahrenheit (0.7 degrees Celsius).
Snowfall is uncommon during the month and only occurs in tiny flurries. Nashville accumulates 0.5 inches (12.7 millimeters) of snow after a total of one snowfall day throughout the month.
January
In Nashville, January is the coldest and snowiest month, with temperatures frequently falling below freezing point.
In the city, temperatures frequently fluctuate from 48 degrees Fahrenheit (8.8 degrees Celsius) to 27 degrees Fahrenheit (-2.7 degrees Celsius).
Throughout the month, Nashville receives 4.7 snowfall days, with snow accumulations reaching 2.9 inches (73.6 millimeters).
February
February, while not as chilly as January, still has freezing temperatures.
Temperatures have risen somewhat from those reported in January, with average highs of 53.8 degrees Fahrenheit (12.1 degrees Celsius) and lows of 33 degrees Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius).
Another month of high snowfall in Nashville, with the city receiving 2.3 inches (58.4 millimeters) of snow after 2.3 snowfall days.
March
In Nashville, March signifies the end of winter.
As the city prepares for spring, average temperatures rise to 62.7 degrees Fahrenheit (17.1 degrees Celsius) and 40.2 degrees Fahrenheit (4.6 degrees Celsius).
The snowfall is mild and mostly in the form of flurries.
Nashville experiences 0.7 snowfall days on average in March, with an amount of 0.9 inches (22.8 millimeters).
Has Nashville Ever Had a Blizzard?
The answer is YES. The “Great Blizzard,” the worst ice storm in Nashville, Tennessee history, began on Monday, 29 January 1951 and ended on 1 February 1951, prompting a two-day transportation closure.
Nashville was covered in 8 inches of ice and snow before midday on February 1st.
Significant repercussions from the storm were felt for several days after the rain stopped.
Power outages affected the entire region.
Over 16,000 homes and 80,000 people were without power, and over 2,000 telephones were out of service.
The cost of repairing transportation and communication systems alone easily topped $2 million.
Miles of power and phone lines have to be reconnected.
Roofs caved in due to the weight of snow and ice.
Two persons were killed in weather-related traffic accidents, while many more were injured.
Hundreds of cars were abandoned throughout the city, and hundreds of trees had to be removed from roads.
For three days, no businesses were open.
Ski Resorts in Nashville
Having answered the question “does it snow in Nashville”, let’s look at the ski resorts in Nashville.
Nashville does not have any notable ski resorts, however there are a few highly ranked skiing destinations within a fair distance from the city.
It only takes a few hours to cross the border, either to Georgia or North Carolina, while enjoying the scenic countryside along the way.
Here are a few good resorts to consider visiting when in Nashville.
Sugar Mountain Ski Resort
Sugar Mountain Resort is located approximately a five-hour drive from Nashville near Banner Elk, North Carolina.
With a base height of 4,100 feet (1,249.6 meters) and a vertical drop of 1,200 feet (366 meters), the resort has 21 trails and eight ski lifts.
The resort caters to all levels of skiing ability, with trails separated into 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, 16% advanced, and 4% expert skiing.
The resort offers a range of activities and amenities including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow tubing and more.
There are several lodging options available at Sugar Mountain, including condos, hotels, and vacation rentals.
The resort offers dining options that include a cafeteria, bar and grill, and a fine dining restaurant.
For those who want to learn how to ski, the resort offers a ski school with experienced instructors.
Physical Address: 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr, Sugar Mountain, NC 28604, United States
Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort
Ober Gatlinburg Resort is located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, just a few miles away from the popular tourist town of Gatlinburg and approximately 224 miles from Nashville.
The ski and snowboard resort has a base elevation of 2,700 feet (823 meters), a vertical drop of 500 feet (152.4 meters), and 10 tracks.
The Ober Gatlinburg ski resort has four ski lifts to transport guests.
The resort offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, tubing, and a mountain coaster.
During the summer months, visitors can also enjoy an alpine slide, scenic chairlift, wildlife encounters, and water rafting.
Physical Address: 1339 Ski Mountain Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort
Wolf Ridge Resort is located 292 miles from Nashville in the Big Bald Mountains.
It is a popular winter sports resort in Nashville, since it is alive with winter activities throughout the snowy months.
Wolf Ridge also rents skis and snowboards and provides group and private lessons for people of all ages and experience levels.
The resort is open from December to March, with daily hours altering depending on the season.
Physical Address: 578 Valley View Cir, Mars Hill, NC 28754, United States
Final Thoughts on the Question: “Does it Snow in Nashville?”
Does Nashville get snow? The answer is definitely YES.
The metropolitan area experiences snow during the winter months of January and February, although small flurries can be experienced during the month of December.
If you love skiing, there are ski resorts a few hours drive away from Nashville.
Ensure you pass by for a unique wintry experience.
Snow in Nashville
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nashville fun in winter?
YES, Winter is an enjoyable and festive time in Nashville while the city celebrates the holiday season. Music City doesn't stop when the thermometer drops, it just takes the fun indoors. If you enjoy indoor activities like live music, museums, and cozy cafes, Nashville can provide a fun winter experience.
Does Nashville have bad winters?
YES, but on rare occasions. Winter in Nashville can be unpredictable, but on average it is mild compared to other cities in the United States. On average, temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 1 to 10 degrees Celsius), but there are occasional snaps of even colder weather due to blasts of arctic Canadian air.
Is Nashville in Tornado Alley?
NO, it is instead part of the Dixie Alley, a name coined to describe the southeastern parts of the United States that have a higher risk of developing tornados.
Does Nashville get snow for Christmas?
Snow falls in Nashville occasionally on Christmas, but it is not assured every Christmas. In comparison to other cities in the United States, the likelihood of snow on Christmas Day in Nashville is rather low. On any given Christmas day in Nashville, there is a 19% probability of snow (trace or more) and an 8% chance of measurable snow (0.1 inch or more).
Is Nashville fun during Christmas?
YES. Nashville is especially beautiful around Christmas time. The city displays its greatest decorations, some of its best performances, and an abundance of Christmas lights.