Honestly, Nashville winters are a bit of a mood ring. You wake up thinking it’s a parka kind of day, and by noon, you’re wondering why you didn’t just wear a light sweater. Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, isn't breaking that tradition of unpredictability.
If you’re stepping out in Music City right now, you’re feeling a crisp 25°F. But the temperature in Nashville Tennessee today is a bit of a liar because that west wind—even at a gentle 4 mph—is making it feel more like 20°F. Basically, it’s cold. Really cold.
The high for today is expected to top out at 42°F, which is actually pretty standard for January in Middle Tennessee. We aren't hitting the record lows of 1978 where we stayed below freezing for a week straight, but you’ll definitely want those layers if you’re heading down to Broadway or walking around the Gulch.
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The Reality of Nashville’s January Climate
People often think the South stays "warm-ish" all year. They’re usually wrong. January is statistically our coldest month. While our average high sits around 46°F, today’s peak of 42°F is just a bit under that curve.
It’s been a partly sunny day, which helps the psychological aspect of the cold, but don't let the sun fool you. The humidity is hovering around 68% tonight, which gives the air that damp, bone-chilling quality that Nashvillians know all too well.
What to Expect Tonight
Tonight is going to be clear and chilly. We are looking at a low of 20°F. If you’re heading to the Nashville Predators game or catching a show at the Ryman, the walk from the parking garage is going to be a "breath-visible" kind of experience.
- Wind: Northwest at 10 mph.
- Precipitation: Almost zero. There was a tiny 10% chance of a snow flurry earlier during the day, but for the rest of tonight, the chance of snow drops to a negligible 5%. You won't need the shovel, but you might need the ice scraper for your windshield in the morning.
Why This Temperature Matters for Your Plans
When it’s in the 20s and 30s, Nashville’s indoor scene really shines. Since it’s dry, you don't have to worry about the dreaded "wintry mix" that usually shuts the city down (we aren't great with ice, let's be real).
Kinda weirdly, the UV index is at 0 right now because it's nighttime, but even during the peak of the day, it didn't get high. You don't need sunscreen, but you definitely need moisturizer. This Tennessee air is dry and will wreck your skin if you're out too long.
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Expert Tips for Navigating the Cold
I've spent enough winters here to know that the "feels like" temperature is the only one that actually matters. With the wind chill, your body loses heat much faster than the thermometer suggests.
- Layer like a pro: A base layer of moisture-wicking fabric, a fleece, and then a wind-resistant outer shell.
- Watch the bridges: Even if it hasn't rained, moisture can condense and freeze on the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge or the various overpasses on I-40.
- Check your tires: Drastic drops from the 40s to the 20s can trigger your tire pressure light. It’s just physics, not necessarily a puncture.
Nashville’s Winter Nuances
What most people get wrong about the temperature in Nashville Tennessee today is assuming it’s a "dry cold." Because we are in a basin (the Central Basin, specifically), the cold air tends to settle and stay. We don't get the sweeping winds of the Great Plains, but we get a stagnant chill that feels heavy.
If you’re looking for things to do that don't involve freezing your extremities off, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a solid bet. Or, if you want something a bit more active, places like Pinewood Social offer bowling where you can keep the blood moving without dealing with the 20-degree wind chill.
Actionable Next Steps for Tonight
If you are currently in Nashville or planning to be here for the rest of the weekend:
- Prepare for Sunday: The trend is staying cold. Expect tomorrow to stay in the 30s, potentially even colder than today.
- Drip your pipes: If you live in an older house in East Nashville or 12 South, and your pipes are on an exterior wall, a low of 20°F is right on the edge of "better safe than sorry."
- Protect pets: Bring them inside. If it’s too cold for you in a light jacket, it’s too cold for them.
- Check the battery: Cold weather is the number one killer of car batteries in Tennessee. If your car struggled to start this morning at 34°F, it definitely won't like the 20°F low tonight.