What's the best time to visit Nashville?
The optimal time to visit Nashville spans from April to October, characterized by warm weather, with temperatures between the low 70s and 90°F, but also marked by high humidity and occasional thunderstorms.
The city hosts numerous events during this period, including the Nashville Comedy Festival, CMA Fest, and the Music City Eats Festival, which contribute to higher hotel rates. July is the peak tourism season, offering visitors the chance to witness one of the largest fireworks displays in the country.
Planning a trip to Nashville? Doing some research before heading off can help you find the best prices and weather, the most entertaining events, or the least crowded streets!
There’s a lot to love about Music City, from its rich history and culture to its excellent food and tunes. When you know the best time to visit Nashville, you’ll bring home memories that will last a lifetime.
We’ll show you the best time to visit Nashville, no matter what your goals for your trip are. Learn when to visit Music City for the quietest streets, the most live events, or the best prices.
We’ll also show you the worst time to visit Nashville, if it exists, and provide some helpful travel tips to help your vacation go off without a hitch. Let us be your guide to Music City!
Overall Best Time to Visit Nashville
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The best time to visit Nashville is from April to October. Nashville’s weather in the late spring and early fall is warm and lively, with temperatures ranging from the low 70s to around 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the temperature in Nashville from April to October is warm, the weather can be fickle with high humidity and thunderstorms, so packing for rainy weather is usually a good idea.
If it does rain during your stay, there are activities ranging from museums and delicious dining to honky-tonks with live music and dancing to provide entertainment indoors.
Hotel rates can be a bit higher, especially during the summer months, as tourists flock to Music City for the number of events occurring in the summer.
Nashville hosts the Nashville Comedy Festival and the CMA Fest in June. The Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman are held in July, while September brings AmericanaFest and the Music City Eats Festival.
The tourism season in Nashville peaks during July, as visitors flock to see one of the largest fireworks displays in the country for Independence Day. Visiting Nashville in July, while busier, does provide the opportunity to witness this extravagant and stunning display.
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Cheapest Time to Visit Nashville
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The cheapest time to visit Nashville is from November through March. The tourism season slows in the late fall and doesn’t pick up again until early spring.
Hotels and airlines often offer deals during this time, except for the period around Christmas in December.
The weather in the winter can range from the mid-20s at night up to around 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, so packing weather-appropriate clothes is vital if you’ll be visiting Nashville in the winter months.
While snow is rare in Nashville, it can occur, and the city is not well-equipped to deal with snow or ice. Nashville holds several events between November and March, and this time of year still sees the energetic spirit, excellent food, and lively music that Nashville is famous for.
December can be a lovely time to visit Nashville, as the Opryland Hall and the Belle Meade Historic Site both feature stunning Christmas decorations throughout the month.
Nashville hosts the Country Music Association, or CMA Awards, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon in November. November through January brings A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland.
December includes the Music City Bowl and Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville, which runs through January.
Least Busy Time to Visit Nashville
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The least busy time to visit Nashville is during November when tourism is at its lowest. November in Nashville often brings deals on hotel rooms and airfare, meaning that visiting during this time can be budget-friendly and quieter than other times of the year.
The weather in November is fairly temperate, ranging from highs in the 60s during the day and falling to the high 30s and low 40s Fahrenheit in the evenings and overnight.
Bringing layers can help keep you comfortable during the chillier evenings when temperatures drop as the music and dancing heats up in the honky-tonks and festivals found around Nashville.
Hotel prices reflect the low amount of tourists, with many offering deals during this time. If you visit Nashville in November, it can be well worth checking out the CMA Awards or the Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon for live music and quality entertainment.
November is also an ideal time to visit Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, a world-famous honky-tonk featuring live music, drinks, and dancing. Tootsie’s is traditionally busy in the evenings with both tourists and locals alike.
But the reduced number of tourists in November can reduce the wait times and lines to enter this famous establishment that has operated nearly continuously since 1960.
Worst Time to Visit Nashville
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Theoretically, the ‘worst’ time to visit Nashville is in January when temperatures are coldest and the chance of snow or ice, while still low, is the highest for the year.
Temperatures in Nashville in January are chilly, with an average high temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit and an average low of 26 degrees.
While these temperatures are not the balmy summer weather Nashville sees during the warmer months, they can be manageable with layers, warm socks, and choosing the indoor activities Nashville offers during the colder parts of the day.
Hotel rates during this time tend to be slightly higher than other parts of the winter months, as the holiday season sees a slight uptick in tourism compared to other months of winter.
However, these rates are still lower than during the peak months of April, June, and October.
January in Nashville sees the later portion of A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland, as well s the Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight: New Year’s Eve in Nashville with fireworks, live music, and a warm atmosphere despite the chill.
Nashville by Month: Climate & Activities
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Still unsure about the best time to visit Nashville? Take a look at our summary of the weather and climate by month below:
January
Winter temperatures in Nashville range from 28-46°F. It’s a quieter month for tourism, providing a cozy atmosphere for exploring the city’s vibrant music scene, museums, and historic sites.
February
Similar to January, February maintains cool temperatures between 31-50°F. Visitors can enjoy indoor attractions, attend live music performances, and experience the city’s diverse culinary offerings.
March
As spring begins, temperatures range from 39-59°F. March is an excellent time for outdoor activities, including exploring parks, attending the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, and enjoying the emerging greenery.
April
Spring continues with temperatures between 47-68°F. April is ideal for attending the Nashville Film Festival, exploring outdoor events like the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, and enjoying the blooming flowers.
May
May sees temperatures ranging from 56-76°F. It’s a great month for exploring Nashville’s neighborhoods, attending the Nashville Comedy Festival, and enjoying outdoor concerts and festivals.
June
Summer arrives with temperatures between 64-84°F. June is a popular month for outdoor activities, including the CMA Music Festival, hiking, and experiencing the lively nightlife on Broadway.
July
July maintains warm temperatures from 69-89°F. It’s a peak month for tourism, with visitors enjoying the Music City Hot Chicken Festival, outdoor dining, and exploring Nashville’s cultural and historical attractions.
August
Temperatures in August range from 68-89°F. While it’s warm, August offers opportunities for water activities, visiting museums, and experiencing the local music scene during the Tomato Art Festival.
September
As fall begins, temperatures range from 61-81°F. September is a pleasant month for exploring outdoor markets, attending the African Street Festival, and enjoying the changing colors of the season.
October
Fall temperatures range from 48-70°F. October is perfect for admiring fall foliage, attending the Americana Music Festival, and experiencing the city’s rich musical heritage through tours and performances.
November
November sees temperatures between 37-58°F. It’s a cozy month for exploring indoor attractions, attending the Nashville Whiskey Festival, and savoring southern cuisine in Nashville’s diverse restaurants.
December
Winter returns with temperatures ranging from 30-48°F. December brings festive holiday lights, seasonal performances like the Nashville Christmas Parade, and the chance to experience the warmth of southern hospitality during the holiday season in Nashville.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Planning a trip to Nashville can leave you with questions. We have the answers to some of Nashville travelers’ most common questions:
What is the rainy season in Nashville?
While the chance of rain in Nashville varies over the year, the rainy season is considered to run from March 19th through August 20th, with an average higher than 32% of a given day being rainy. March, April, and May see an annual average of over 4 inches of rain, while June, July, and August tend to be slightly dryer, with averages between 3 and 4 inches of rain annually.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Nashville?
| 👍 Best Time to Visit | April-October |
| 💲 Cheapest Time to Visit | November-March |
| 🗓️ Least Busy Time to Visit | November |
| 👎 Worst Time to Visit | January |
Nashville is home to a rich culture, a diverse and delicious culinary scene, and lively music. When planning a trip to Nashville, choosing the right time of year to visit can help ensure that your vacation meets your goals.
If your goals for your vacation are the quietest streets, consider visiting Music City in November when tourism is at its lowest and wait times for popular attractions are shorter.
If your goals are the best deals on your vacation to Nashville, consider visiting between November and March when Nashville hotels and airlines offer deals and reduced rates.
If you’re looking for the perfect time to visit Nashville, consider visiting between April and October for nearly perfect weather and several entertaining festivals.
No matter what time of year you choose to visit Nashville, you’ll find great tunes, delicious food, interesting museums, and entertaining events and festivals that are sure to help you return from your vacation with life-long memories from the country music capital of the world!