So, you're looking at the 5 day forecast for Gatlinburg Tennessee and wondering if you should pack those heavy-duty snow boots or just a decent fleece. Honestly, the Smokies in mid-January are a total wildcard. One minute it’s crisp and clear, and the next, you’re staring at a "Highway 441 Closed" sign because the mountains decided to throw a tantrum.
Right now, Gatlinburg is sitting at 31°F as of early Sunday morning, January 18, 2026. It feels like 27°F because of a 5 mph wind coming out of the northwest. If you’re outside, it’s cloudy and there’s a tiny 10% chance of some stray snow flurries floating around. It's basically that quintessential winter vibe—cold, gray, and quiet.
The 5 Day Forecast for Gatlinburg Tennessee: A Daily Breakdown
If you're planning your week, here is the exact data for the next few days. It's looking like a mix of "perfect for photos" and "stay by the fireplace."
Sunday, January 18: The Bright Spot
Today is actually going to be pretty nice. We’re looking at a high of 32°F and a low of 21°F. It’ll be sunny during the day and clear at night. There is a 20% chance of snow during the daylight hours, but don’t expect a blizzard. It’s mostly just enough to make the mountains look pretty.
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Monday, January 19: The Deep Freeze
Monday stays sunny, but man, it gets cold. The high is 34°F, but the low plummets to 13°F. That’s the kind of cold that bites. If you're out for MLK Day, definitely layer up. The wind is picking up a bit too, hitting about 9 mph from the west.
Tuesday, January 20: Crisp and Dry
Tuesday is basically a repeat of Monday but even drier. High of 35°F, low of 12°F. The humidity is dropping to 27%, which is super low for this area. It’ll be bright and sunny, but you’ll feel that dry mountain air for sure.
Wednesday, January 21: The Mid-Week Shift
This is where things get interesting. The temperature jumps up to a high of 49°F! That’s a huge swing from the previous days. However, it’s going to be cloudy, and by nightfall, we’re looking at a mix of rain and snow. The low will be 19°F, and there’s a 25% chance of precipitation overnight.
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Thursday, January 22: Back to Reality
After Wednesday’s weird warm-up, Thursday settles back down. High of 41°F and a low of 23°F. It should be mostly sunny during the day with some periodic clouds at night. There’s a lingering 15% chance of some snow showers, but nothing major.
Why the Mountains Lie to You
What most people get wrong about the 5 day forecast for Gatlinburg Tennessee is assuming the weather in town is the same as the weather at Ober Mountain or Mt. LeConte.
It’s not. Not even close.
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While town might be a comfortable 35°F, it can be 10 or 15 degrees colder at the higher elevations. Mt. LeConte recently recorded temperatures below zero, and they’ve already got about 6 or 7 inches of snow on the ground. If you’re planning to hike or hit the slopes, check the mountain-specific reports. The town forecast is just the starting point.
Survival Tips for a Gatlinburg Winter Trip
- Layering is life. Since we’re seeing swings from 12°F to nearly 50°F in just 48 hours, you need stuff you can peel off.
- Watch the roads. When that Wednesday rain/snow mix hits and the temperature drops to 19°F, the roads will turn into ice rinks. Black ice is real here.
- Humidity matters. Tuesday’s 27% humidity is going to make it feel colder than it is. Bring some heavy-duty lotion and lip balm. Seriously.
Basically, the next five days are going to be cold, mostly sunny, and very "mountain-y." It's a great time to be here if you like the quiet season, just don't forget your heaviest coat for those Monday and Tuesday nights.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the National Park Service website for road closures (specifically Newfound Gap Road) before heading out Tuesday morning.
- Pack a high-quality insulated water bottle; plastic ones might freeze if you leave them in the car Monday night.