SeasonMapGatlinburg weather in May
United States
May in Gatlinburg: warm, rainy, with clean air — one of the best months to visit.
#1 of 12 months in Gatlinburg · #231 of 1383 destinations to visit in May · comfort 89/100 (tier A)
Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Traveller notes on Gatlinburg in May
Notes from nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park (13 km away)
Gatlinburg doesn't have its own notes for May yet — these are about Great Smoky Mountains National Park, close enough to share the season.
The Smokies' forum calls May a favorite — daytime highs in the 70s-80s°F, nights in the 40s-50s°F, wildflowers in full bloom ahead of the extreme summer crowds. Regulars note afternoon showers are common but typically quick rather than prolonged storms, and that lower elevations can turn hot and humid by late May while higher ground stays noticeably more comfortable.
Add your own note from Gatlinburg's card on the map.
Gatlinburg climate normals — May
| Daytime high | 25°C / 76°F | 🌤 warm |
|---|---|---|
| Nighttime low | 14°C / 57°F | |
| Rainfall | 122 mm / 4.8 in | 🌧 rainy |
| Rainy days | 12 days | |
| Humidity | 75% | 💦 very humid |
| Dew point | 14°C / 57°F | |
| Sunshine | 10.8 h/day | |
| Daylight | 14.1 h | |
| Wind | 12 km/h / 7 mph | |
| Air quality (US AQI) | 42 | 🍃 good |
Monthly averages from ERA5 reanalysis. AQI is the mean US Air Quality Index for the month.
Crowds in Gatlinburg in May
How busy the place itself is — school and mass holidays, the months an editor tagged, and how sought-after the weather makes them. Never part of the comfort score.
Busyone of its best months for weather(estimated)
Peak crowdsBusyShoulder seasonQuiet
Best months for Gatlinburg's weather
Ranked by this destination's own climate comfort score across the year — a different thing from how busy it gets (see Crowds above).
Best weatherGatlinburg's best weather comes in May, September and October — separate windows, not one continuous season.
May includes Elkmont synchronous fireflies.
Best weatherFair weatherToughest weather
What's on in Gatlinburg in May
Recurring seasonal events, natural spectacles, closures and holidays — curated and sourced.
- Nature
Elkmont synchronous fireflies
20–27 MayBook earlyPeak has landed anywhere between the third week of May and the third week of June since the park started recording it. Access to Elkmont on the eight viewing nights is by lottery on recreation.gov, drawn in late April, 120 vehicles a night. Source ↗
Nearby, and something's on
Within 300 km of Gatlinburg — a day trip or a short hop — with something on this month. Never part of the comfort score.
Where is Gatlinburg?
Gatlinburg in May — FAQ
- Is May a good time to visit Gatlinburg?
- May in Gatlinburg: warm, rainy, with clean air — one of the best months to visit. It ranks #1 of 12 months for Gatlinburg on SeasonMap's comfort score (89/100).
- What is the weather like in Gatlinburg in May?
- In May, Gatlinburg averages a daily high of 24.5°C and a low of 13.7°C, with about 121.7 mm of rain over roughly 12.4 rainy days.
- What is the air quality in Gatlinburg in May?
- Gatlinburg has a mean US Air Quality Index of about 42 in May.
Other months in Gatlinburg
Compare Gatlinburg in May
Warmer or cooler than Gatlinburg in May
Similar destinations in North America — May
Within 300 km: Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Spring wildflowers around 25 Mar – 10 May, and Atlanta's Atlanta Jazz Festival around 23–26 May.