Honestly, if you're looking at the weather for Pigeon Forge Tennessee tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2026, you've gotta be ready for a bit of a mood swing. People always think "Southern winter" means a light jacket and some crisp air, but that's basically a myth when the mountains get involved.
Tomorrow is looking like a classic January split-personality day.
The Daytime Vibe: Mostly Cloudy and Surprisingly Decent
The daytime high is hitting 49°F. It’s not exactly tropical, but it’s definitely manageable for hitting the Island or walking the Parkway. You’ll see mostly cloudy skies throughout the morning and afternoon.
There's a tiny 10% chance of snow during the day, which sounds wild since it's almost fifty degrees out, but in these parts, mountain flurries don't always care about the thermometer.
Wind's coming out of the southwest at 11 mph. It's enough to make it feel a bit nippy if you're standing in the shade, but it's not going to blow your hat off. Humidity is sitting at a dry 35%, and the UV index is a low 2. Basically, leave the sunscreen at home, but keep the moisturizer handy.
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The Nighttime Shift: Things Get Messy
The real story starts after the sun goes down.
Everything changes.
While the day is relatively dry, the nighttime precipitation chance jumps to 65%. We’re talking showers and rain. And here's the kicker—the temperature is going to crater. The low is forecasted at a freezing 19°F.
Wait, 19 degrees?
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Yeah. If that rain doesn't clear out before the mercury drops, the roads are gonna get kinda sketchy.
What This Actually Means for Your Friday Plans
If you're planning on doing the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, do it. It’s the perfect night for it. The lights are still up all through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg until mid-February, and since it’s going to be cloudy and then rainy, those five million bulbs are going to look incredibly bright against the dark sky.
Just stay in the car.
Indoor Escapes
If the rain starts early or the wind picks up, there’s no shortage of spots to duck into.
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- Pigeon Forge Snow: If you wanted that snow the forecast is teasing but not delivering, this place is indoor and literally always has it.
- The Museums: Titanic, Alcatraz East, or WonderWorks are solid bets for staying dry when that 65% rain chance kicks in.
- The Shows: Places like Country Tonite or the local dinner theaters are the go-to when the weather turns.
The Driving Situation
Stay alert. You've probably heard about the I-40 issues near the state line or the higher elevation closures like Kuwohi Road (formerly Clingmans Dome) and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Those are closed for the season anyway.
But for tomorrow night?
The "Spur" between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg can get slick fast when rain meets a 19-degree low. If you're staying in a cabin with a steep driveway, try to be tucked in before the temperature bottom-falls out. Mountain roads don't play nice with ice.
Real Talk on Packing
Don't be the person in shorts because you saw "49 degrees" on your phone.
- Layers: Heavy coat for the morning/night, lighter layers for that midday peak.
- Rain Gear: You need an umbrella or a waterproof shell for Friday night.
- Footwear: Wear something with grip. If that rain freezes late Friday night into Saturday morning, the sidewalks will be like glass.
The weather for Pigeon Forge Tennessee tomorrow isn't a total washout, but it's definitely a day of two halves. Enjoy the 40s while they last, because that 19-degree chill is coming for you by midnight.
Check the NWS Pigeon Forge updates if you’re heading deep into the National Park, as higher elevations will be significantly colder and windier than the Parkway.