The BEST Time to Visit Nashville! [December 2024]

So, you’ve decided to make a trip to Nashville and see what all the fuss is about! You’re either a huge country music fan and are dying to go to a tried-and-true honky-tonk, or you’re just a big fan of amazing nightlife, hip bars, awesome restaurants and having fun! 

No matter what your reason is for taking a trip to Music City, you certainly want to go when it’s the best time to visit Nashville. For you, this could be when the weather is the most bearable and mild, or when a major music festival is happening. Or perhaps your priorities are finding travel deals and dealing with fewer tourists.

Because there’s so much to consider when narrowing down for the best time to visit Nashville for you – weather, cost, tourist seasons and events – we’ve put together this handy guide that contains all of this valuable information. 

So without further ado, let’s get to it!

When is the best time of year to visit Nashville?

The best time of year to visit Nashville, generally, is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. These times are when all the major trip-planning factors are the most moderate – the weather, the tourist crowds, and travel and accommodation prices. And with over 180 music venues, there’s no need to worry about finding amazing live music experiences all year long!

Some of Nashville’s biggest events take place in the summer – but you’ll want to consider that their summer weather is hot and often uncomfortably humid. If attending one of these events tops your travel wishlist, just be prepared for the outdoor conditions and the peak of tourist season and prices. If the peak of low tourist is your priority, then winter is your best bet. It’s cold, but if you’re prepared, is totally doable! 

What months are the best time to visit Nashville?

Given that the most-balanced conditions between the weather, travel costs and tourists is spring and fall – the best months to visit Nashville are in April and May and later in the year in September and October. The average temperatures in these months are in the comfortable 70s℉ (20s℃) range and don’t dip to very cold levels. Keep in mind that April and May can be rainier than September and October, although some rain is still possible in those months too.

As we’ve mentioned, there’s never not a music event happening in Music City, but it’s also worth being aware of other events happening throughout the year in Nashville. Let’s take a closer look by month.

Nashville Weather in January

January is Nashville’s coldest month with an average low of 28℉ (-2℃) and an average high of 47℉ (8℃). There’s an average of 2.6 inches of snow in January, so there is a chance to experience snowfall in Nashville. You should expect short, wintery days with 10 hours of daylight.

Nashville Events in January

• Opry at the Ryman (throughout the month)
  • Every Friday and Saturday night, visitors have the privilege of seeing an Opry at the Ryman concert which features 8 or more artists that range from up-and-coming stars to country’s best. January is a great month to get tickets, as it provides a perfect night out to escape the cold and get world-class entertainment!
• Nashville Auto Fest (late January)
  • For a family-friendly event – and for you car enthusiasts – head to the Fairgrounds Nashville for a weekend of cars and a variety of attractions. It’s a combo car and swap meet event, so there’s a little something for everyone.

Is your trip getting close? Jump over to our hotels in Nashville guide so you’re sure to get great accommodation!

Nashville Weather in February

The cold weather from January continues through February, making it a slower time in Nashville in regards to tourists. You can expect an average low of 32℉ (0℃) and an average high of 52℉ (11℃). Snowstorms aren’t common, but some snowfall is known to happen from time to time.

Nashville Events in February

• Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville (early February)
  • Downtown Nashville’s Music City Center hosts an annual event that highlights the inspiration of leading experts in the garden and design. There are over 150 exhibitors, magnificent gardens and speakers that include industry giants as well as other world-class celebrities.
• East Nashville Restaurant Week (early February)
  • While you’re in the Music City, you’d be smart to take advantage of every culinary offering available. East Nashville invites you to have a taste at their top eateries by hosting their own restaurant week and offering special multi-course menus at amazing prices! Whether you’re a foodie or not, don’t miss out on this opportunity to have some incredible meals.

Need more specifics? Find out where to stay in Nashville based on what you want to do there!

Nashville Weather in March

With the start of the spring season, Nashville begins enjoying some warmer temperatures and longer days, while the evenings and early mornings remain chilly. You’ll find an average low of 39℉ (4℃) and an average high of 61℉ (16℃) with an average of 4 inches of rainfall.

Nashville Events in March

• Tennessee Food Flavors (early March)
  • Every year Nashville State Community College hosts a popular event that offers samples from top local chefs and restaurants. A ticket gets you an entry into the one-night only event and is a perfect way to get a sampling of popular, traditional dishes and get a taste of local flavors! 
• The Bloody Mary Festival (early March)
  • If you’re a brunch enthusiast and are no stranger to the Bloody Mary, this event is for you! Spend an afternoon filled with Bloody Mary tastings and vote for your favorite locally made concoction! There is also food, music and entertainment that make for a fun way to spend the day.
• St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (mid-March)
  • If pub crawling is your idea of a perfect St. Patrick’s Day, then you’re in luck! Thousands join this annual event as Lower Broadway is closed off to traffic to allow crawlers to freely hop between all the bars and honky-tonks that line the strip.

Excited to visit Nashville? Get excited to take an amazing day trip too!

Nashville Weather in April

Nashville really starts livening up in April as temperatures warm up to a pleasant average high of 71℉ (22℃) with a low of 48℉ (9℃). The city sees more visitors – before the tourist rush – as daylight hours extend to 13 hours with almost 8 hours of sunshine and is considered by many to be the best time to visit Nashville. The average rainfall is like March with an average of 4 inches.

Nashville Events in April

• Nashville Fashion Week (early April)
  • Fashionistas, unite! This 4-day event highlights the work of regional designers with local roots. See the latest fashion trends and the latest collections from over 20 designers with nightly runway shows and events. For a truly elegant evening, reserve your ticket for the grand final event, the Fashion Forward Gala.
• Nashville Comedy Festival (mid-April)
  • Who doesn’t love to have a good laugh? Nashville welcomes some of comedy’s top talent at this popular week-long event that takes place throughout various clubs and venues throughout Music City. The comedy festival has seen the likes of Jay Leno, Jeff Foxworthy, Bob Newhart and more.

Planning a trip? See our list of the best things to see in Nashville!

Nashville Weather in May

The first part of May is another period that can be considered the best time to visit Nashville. Tourist crowds haven’t yet hit their peak, and the weather reaches ideal levels with average lows of 57℉ (14℃) and pleasant highs of 78℉ (26℃). Keep in mind that things get busier as it gets closer to summer and that May is also Nashville’s rainiest months with an average of 5 ½ inches of rainfall.

Nashville Events in May

• Iroquois Steeplechase (early May)
  • Arguably Nashville’s most cherished spring event, this annual horse race brings the best horses and jockeys from around the world to the turf tracks at Percy Werner Parks. Over 25,000 visitors come to experience the races and don their biggest and most colorful hats. Dress nicely and plan your hat accordingly – you may just win the hat contest!
• NightLight 615’s Nashville 21+ Outdoor Movies (all month)
  • What better way to spend a warm Nashville evening than watching a classic movie with a cold local brew – or glass of wine – under the night sky? The Bicentennial Capitol Mall Park offers an incredible lineup of movie screenings one night per week and offers a complete experience with food trucks, beer from a featured craft brewery and a selection of wines. Tickets usually sell out, so be sure to book ahead.
• Full Moon Pickin’ Party (starts mid-May)
  • Mid-May kicks off Nashville’s most highly regarded bluegrass music outdoor concert series at Percy Werner Park. If you love bluegrass and enjoying live music under the stars, you’ll want to check this out!

Take a vacation! Let local tour guides in Nashville do the planning for you!

Nashville Weather in June

Everything is in full swing in Nashville as June’s summer vibe takes over the city. There are outdoor activities aplenty taking place as temperatures continue climbing to reach a high of 86℉ (18℃) with a low of 65℉ (30℃). Humidity also increases to about 70% marking the start of the hot, muggy season.

Nashville Events in June

• Taste of Music City Festival (early June)
  • If you’re looking to enjoy an all-inclusive event with food tastings from all of Nashville’s neighborhoods, cooking demonstrations by local chefs, beverage tastings and amazing live music from local artists – you’re in luck! Taste of Music City is one of Nashville’s biggest food & drink festivals that never disappoints. 
• CMA Fest (early June)
  • For country music fans, this event needs no introduction. CMA Fest if Nashville’s most legendary country music event and draws over 90,000 visitors from all over the USA and around the world. The fest is packed with big-name shows from country music’s most famous artists as well as concerts and free shows from up-and-comers and new artists. It’s 4 days of non-stop country music and non-stop fun!
• Jefferson St. Jazz and Blues Festival (mid-June)
  • As we mentioned, Music City delights crowds and music lovers with more than just the best in country music. Take this opportunity to enjoy some amazing live jazz, blues and R&B. Music, food trucks, vendors and more take over beautiful Bicentennial Park for this fun two-day event.  

Nashville Weather in July

If July is your month of choice to visit Nashville, be sure to pack some lightweight clothing for some hot, humid days and book any reservations early! Be prepared for average temperatures of 70℉ (21℃) to 89℉ (32℃) that often feel hotter with high humidity that can reach 73% or higher.

Nashville Events in July

• Thirth of July (July 3)
  • For an exclusively Nashville experience, check out this local holiday that takes place every year on July 3rd. This popular block party celebrates the best of East Nashville with – of course – plenty of live music and well-loved local vendors who provide all the eats and drinks. Think of it as a festive warm-up to the upcoming 4th of July celebration!
• Let Freedom Sing! Music City July Fourth (July 4)
  • Free live music, food, drinks and one of the biggest fireworks shows in the country. What more could you ask for in a 4th of July celebration? Over 300,000 attendees flood downtown Nashville for some of music’s best artists and to celebrate America’s Independence Day!
• Music City’s Brewer’s Festival (end of July)
  • Beer lovers, pencil this into your itinerary if you plan on visiting Nashville in July! There will be no shortage of music and beer to taste – with over 40 brew favorites from imported, national, regional and local breweries – all wanting to share their brews with you at this summer outdoor event.

Nashville Weather in August

• Nashville’s weather conditions in August are essentially the same as July’s – high temperatures with high humidity levels – keeping the summer sizzle alive. You can expect plenty of clear skies and sunshine for all those outdoor happenings going on all over town, as August is also one of Nashville’s driest months.

Nashville Events in August

• Tomato Art Festival (early August)
  • If you’ve never attended an all-tomato themed event before, now’s your chance! You’d be surprised just how much art and how many games, costumes and contests there can be about tomatoes! This is a free, 2-day event that not only highlights Nashville’s quirky side but is also a whole lot of fun.
• Live on the Green (end of August)
  • For a fun-filled, free Labor Day weekend event, check out this 3-day outdoor music festival at Public Square Park in the heart of downtown Music City. This festival features an outstanding lineup of music performers from a variety of genres – from major hit bands to young rising stars. You’ll also find plenty of food vendors, locals brews and entertainment all weekend long.

Nashville Weather in September

With a break in peak humidity and thinning crowds after the Labor Day weekend, September can also be the best time to visit Nashville. Some rain is possible, but overall rainfall is just above 3 inches and nights remain relatively warm. You can expect pleasant and comfortable temperatures ranging from a high of 83℉ (28℃) and a low of 61℉ (16℃).

Nashville Events in September

• Tennessee State Fair (early to mid-September)
  • There’s nothing quite like good ole fashioned state fair fun! Rides, games, music, live entertainment, funnel cake, corn dogs and so much more. Fairs are a good time for visitors of all ages and this classic one in Nashville won’t disappoint!
• Music City Food + Wine Festival (late September)
  • This event brings together the best of Nashville, which – in addition to being the country’s music capital – has also become a central hub for wine enthusiasts and foodies. It’s an enjoyable 3-day festival filled with learning experiences from culinary masters from near and far, appearances by famous chefs and Food Network stars, food and drinks tastings from top vendors. And, of course, there will be plenty of live music!
• Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival (late September)
  • This weekend festival is well worth checking out. Not only does it have amazing musical headliners and artists across six stages, but it includes so many other experiences enhanced by its placement on a scenic 230-acre farm in Middle Tennessee. The music is a diverse roundup of rock, country, jazz, pop and more. Plus you have food trucks, local artisans and other cool areas to explore.

Nashville Weather in October

October temperatures drop quite a bit from September’s summer-like conditions, but the weather is dry and pleasant with much fewer tourists making October one of the best months to visit Chicago. Daytime temperatures are comfortably warm at a high of 72℉ (22℃) and nights can get chilly with an average low of 49℉ (9℃).

Nashville Events in October

• Nashville Oktoberfest (mid-October)
  • Join the traditional Oktoberfest fun in Nashville’s Germantown area as they bring out the steins of beer, schnitzel, pretzels and lederhosen! It’s no small event; over 250,000 people take to the streets to take part in all the fun. Don’t miss out! 
• Pumpkinfest (late October)
  • Get in a Halloween mood and experience a community-favorite event at one of historic Franklin’s most cherished street festivals. There’s fun for everyone with costume contests, pumpkin carving, street festival food favorites, live performances and over 75 booths of arts and crafts. 

Nashville Weather in November

The crisp, cooler air settles over Nashville as things slow down at the height of fall. For a quieter time in Music City, November is also a nice month to visit. Daytime temperatures are mild with an average high of 60℉ (15℃) and dips down into the 30s℉ (0℃) at night. November can be one of Nashville’s rainier months with over 4 inches of average rainfall.

Nashville Events in November

• Bacon Eggs & Kegs (early November)
  • If you’re into all things brunch – both food and drink-wise – pencil this event into your Nashville travel itinerary! We’re talking the best brunch offerings from the area’s best restaurants, food trucks and brunch masters. If you weren’t aware of 60 breakfast-pairing brews, you’ll find them here – along with a 30 ft. Bloody Mary bar, mimosas and Irish coffee. You’ll need them to wash down the waffles and fried chicken, quiche and bacon. Then head over to the games and play a round of Bacon Bingo!
• Christmas Village (mid-November)
  • Christmas Village is one of Nashville’s longest-running charitable events and is held for 3 days at the Fairgrounds Nashville every year. Over 250 merchants from 29 states participate and provide the 30,000 shoppers that visit the village a shopping variety of jewelry, toys, collectibles, artwork, clothing and more.

Nashville Weather in December

Nashville sees some of its coldest temperatures that make it a quiet month but certainly doesn’t stop the multitude of holiday visitors. You’ll want to dress warmly for the winter temperatures that average at a high of 49℉ (9℃) and a low of 31℉ (0℃) come prepared for rainy days.

Nashville Events in December

• Music City Winterfest (early December)
  • Nashville gets into this holiday mood with this winter-filled weekend event that features over 100 booths with artisan goods, lots of live music and family-friendly events. The food trucks and beer vendors are pretty popular too!
• 12South Winter WarmUp and Winter Warmer Beer Festival
  • Whether you’re joining for the running, the cheering or for the beer garden after-party, this 6K and 12K race makes for a fun Nashville winter event! The race starts at 8 a.m. and is followed by the 12South Winter Warmer Beer Festival. Enjoy delicious food options from local eateries and beer selections from local breweries. 
• Jack Daniel’s Music City Midnight (December 31)
  • There’s definitely no shortage of New Year’s Eve celebration to be found in Nashville but none is quite as popular as Music City Midnight! Huddle up with thousands of other revelers for hours of live music – featuring some of the best in the business – an incredible fireworks display and the countdown of the Music Note drop at midnight. It’s one of the best parties in the country, and it’s free!

What is the best time to visit Nashville weather-wise?

Nashville offers endless entertainment and things to do year-round, which is why its number of visitors increases year after year. But the hot, muggy summers and winters that can reach below freezing are not everyone’s ideal weather conditions for travel. For temperate and pleasurable conditions, the best time to visit Nashville weather-wise is early fall -, particularly in September and October. These months have warm days without summer’s high humidity, are dry and never get unbearably cold. 

The other best time to visit Chicago weather-wise is spring – in April, May and into early June. Conditions can be rainy, but you’ll find plenty of sunshine without all the heat coupled with high humidity.

Final thoughts on the best time of year to visit Nashville

So, here’s the good news – Music City will show you an amazing time no matter when you decide to book your travel. Whether the sun is shining or the days are dark and cold, Nashville never runs out of entertainment! With a city that’s always buzzing with energy, any time can be the best time of year to visit Nashville. There’s music, culture, food and drink aplenty to be enjoyed all year long, so grab those cowboy boots and have yourself a blast!

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