Planning a vacation to Nashville can be overwhelming. There is so much to see and do, and figuring out when the optimal time is to visit can be confusing. Then when is the best season to visit Nashville?
Trying to decide when the best time to visit Nashville can ruin your vacation before it even begins. Due to bad weather or long lines, you do not want to miss out on Music City's best attractions, events, and music venues.
Look no further! Our guide will help you make the most of your trip to Music City no matter what time of year you choose. Get a local tour guide's insider tips on the best times of the year. Make your Nashville getaway perfect with our guide!
Best Season to Visit Nashville & How Each Offers Something Special
Nashville is a city that offers something special no matter what season it is. There are vibrant colors in the fall and blooming flowers in the spring. Each season in Nashville has its own unique charm and beauty.
Nashville offers something for everyone during its four seasons. We invite you to discover why Nashville is such a beloved destination year-round.
Spring in Nashville
Nashville is a great place to experience the beauty of spring. Everything turns to a bright yellow-green. During the springtime, the weather is mild and sunny during the day and cool at night. Temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s.
Magnolias, dogwoods, and cherry blossoms start to bloom. What an ideal time to explore Music City's many outdoor activities and attractions.
Spring is fantastic for visiting historical landmarks such as The Parthenon and Fort Negley. Folks enjoy taking a stroll along the Cumberland Riverwalk.
Spring provides the perfect weather for trips to the zoo and sightseeing around town.
Summer in Nashville
Nashville is known for its hot and humid summers. For example, in July, he average high temperature is in the 90s, and the average low temperature is in the mid-70s. Despite the heat, there are plenty of activities to do during the summer months.
Summer is the time for outdoor concerts! Music lovers may attend live shows at famous venues like Grand Ole Opry or the Ryman Auditorium. These venues provide cool air conditioning!
Adventure seekers love to explore local parks and get outdoors with hiking and biking. Many choose to captain a pontoon boat at Old Hickory or Percy Priest. Visitors may enjoy dancing and singing at outdoor festivals like CMA Fest or Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival.
With so much to do, Nashville is a great place to spend your summer vacation, especially with your family!
Fall in Nashville
Fall in Nashville is a beautiful time of year. The weather is mild. Temperatures are in the mid-60s to 70s. The changing leaves create a stunning backdrop to the city.
During this season, there are plenty of activities to do both outdoors and indoors since the days are so pleasant.
With a warm and mild autumn, Nashvillians love to visit local pumpkin patches, wine events, and farmers' markets.
Additionally, with cooler temperatures, there are more opportunities to explore the city's attractions. Centennial Park or the 12 South are a named few. Whether looking for an outdoor adventure or a relaxing evening with friends, fall in love with fall in Nashville!
Winter in Nashville
Nashville, TN is a great place to experience winter. With temperatures that range from the mid-50s to the low-40s, Nashville has mild winters with little snowfall. This makes it the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy the winter season without being too cold.
The city offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and holiday festivities. Winter activities include From the local Christmas parades and ice skating at Centennial Park. The city also hosts a variety of holiday festivals throughout December, including the popular East Nash Bash and Holiday Lights at Cheekwood Botanical Garden.
Seldom does Nashville have snowfall. The average is less than 8 inches a year from December to February. However, there are plenty of winter-themed activities as Nashville enjoys the Christmas season. This is the least busy time for tourism in Nashville, so it can be a great time to visit if you are not keen on crowds.
What are the Benefits of Visiting During Each Season?
Visiting a place during different seasons can offer many benefits and experiences. Depending on the season, you can enjoy a variety of activities, attractions, and scenery.
By visiting during each season, you will experience the beauty of the changing landscape and explore new activities and attractions. You can even find better deals on lodging and transportation. Knowing what to expect in each season can help you plan your trip accordingly so that you get the most out of your visit. Check out our list of over 76 seasonal activities and festivals in 2023 below:
Nashville Seasonal Activities and Festivals
January
Ford Ice Center - Ice Skating and Lessons
Nashville Boat Show - Boat Show and Exhibit
Nashville Predators Hockey - NHL Hockey Games
Orchids in the Mansion - Flower Show at Cheekwood Gardens
February
Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville - 3 Days of Garden Items and Antiques
Dine Nashville: The Music City Way - Restaurant Week and Chef Experiences
Martin Luther King Jr. Days - Events for Black History Month
Nashville Predators Hockey - NHL Hockey Games
Nashville Wine Auction Pairings - Fundraising Event to Fight Cancer
March
Nashville Predators Hockey - NHL Hockey Games
Nashville Lawn & Garden Show - Live Gardens and Demonstrations
SEC Basketball Tournament - College Basketball
St. Paddy's 5K - 1/2 Marathon and 5K
Tin Pan South - Largest Songwriters Festival
April
East Nashville Beer Festival - Beer Festival in East Nashville
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival - Japanese Themed Festival
Nashville Comedy Festival - Featuring National Comedians
Nashville Fashion Week - Runway Shows Featuring Designers
Tennessee Flavors - Annual Local Tasting Event
Nashville Predators Hockey - NHL Hockey Game
Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon - St. Jude Running Series
May
ACM Awards - Awards Show for Country Music
Full Moon Pickin' Party - Bluegrass Music Series
Iroquois Steeplechase - NSA Horse Racing
Musicians Corner - Free Concert Series
Sevier Park Fest - Live Music and Community Activities
Sip TN Wine Fest - Tennessee Wine Showcase
Tennessee Craft Fair - Handmade Craft Event and Activities
June
CMA Music Fest - Country Music Live Performances
Nashville Pride Festival - Parade, Live Music & Vendors
Musicians Corner - Free Concert Series
Full Moon Pickin' Party - Bluegrass Music Series
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Fest - Large Multi-Day Music in Manchester, TN
Make Music Nashville - Free Music Celebration
July
Let Freedom Sing! - 4th Of July Fireworks and Live Music
Full Moon Pickin' Party - Bluegrass Music Series
Music City Hot Chicken Festival - Hot Chicken and Live Music
Music City Brewers Festival - Craft Beer Tasting Festival
Red, White, & Zoo - Wine Tasting and Zoo
August
Defy Film Festival - Indy Film Festival
Full Moon Pickin' Party - Bluegrass Music Series
Nashville Shakespeare Festival - Professional Theatrical Experiences
Tomato Art Festival - Parade and Live Music
Tennessee State Fair - Wilson County Fair
September
African Street Festival - Free Festival Celebrating African Culture
Americanfest - Conference and Performances for Music Industry
Full Moon Pickin' Party - Bluegrass Music Series
Live on the Green Music Festival - Free Music Festival
Middle Tennessee Highland Games - Celtic Games and Festival
Musicians Corner - Free Concert Series
Nashville Film Festival - Celebration of Film and Music
Nashville Songwriter Awards - Award Show Honoring Songwritersf
Tennessee State Fair - Wilson County Fair
Tennessee Titans - NFL Football Games
October
All Hallows East - Halloween Celebration
Boo at the Zoo - Halloween Activities at the Zoo
Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival - Featuring Global Culture
Light The Nations - Festival Highlighting The Nations Neighborhood
Nashville Film Festival - Celebration of Film and Music
Nashville International Auto Show - Large New Car Show
Nashville Oktoberfest - German Themed Beer Festival
Nashville Whiskey Festival - Whiskey Tasting Festival
Southern Festival of Books - Literary Festival Featuring Authors
Tennessee Beer and Wine Festival - Wine and Beer Tastings
Tennessee Titans - NFL Football Games
November
Country Music Association Awards - Awards Show Honoring Country Music
Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas - Events Celebrating Christmas
Nashville Design Week - Workshops for Designers
Tennessee Titans - NFL Football Games
December
Cheekwood's Holiday Lights - Light Display in Botanical Gardens
Christmas at Gaylord Opryland - Holiday Decorations and Exhibits
East Nash Holiday Bash - Holiday Festival with Crafts and Live Music
Music City Bowl - College Football
New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash - Live Music and Fireworks
Porter Flea Holiday Market - Flea Market with Crafters
Tennessee Titans - NFL Football Games
Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas - Events Celebrating Christmas
All Year Round
The Parthenon - Full-Scale Replica of the Greek Parthenon
Frist Art Museum - Changing Exhibits and Children's Interactive Space
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens - Botanical Garden and Museum
Tips & Tricks on Planning an Ideal Nashville Vacation Itinerary
Planning a vacation can be an exciting yet daunting experience. With so many places to visit, activities to do, and attractions to see, it can take time to decide how best to structure your vacation itinerary. To help you plan the ideal trip, here are some tips and tricks on creating a well-rounded and enjoyable vacation itinerary.
First, decide where you want to visit. Then start narrowing down the list of activities, attractions, and destinations. For example, if you want to visit Nashville, consider how long your trip is going to be and what type of experience you want it to be. Some ideas might be visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame or Honky Tonk Row.
From there it’s easier to decide on a general itinerary that works for most people.
Then, start by researching the places you want to visit and make sure you have the necessary information about each destination. Take into account factors like weather conditions, transportation options, accommodation availability, and activities.
Once you have all the necessary information, create a detailed plan for each day of your trip. Include what time of day you will travel from one place to another and what sights or experiences you would like to include in your itinerary. Additionally, factor in some flexibility in case any unexpected events arise during your travels.
Lastly, planning an ideal vacation itinerary is about more than just ticking off.
About Puppet City Tours
We also welcome you to join us for a Walking Puppet Tour of Downtown Nashville! With several tour dates throughout the year, sightseeing is a must when visiting Nashville. Check out our available tours here.
Puppet City Tours brings smiles to faces through puppet shows and exploring the local sights of Nashville! Let us show you the best of Music City.
In my opinion, the best time to visit Nashville is the spring. The cool temperatures, bright colors, and plenty of festive events make it perfect for anyone looking for a great getaway.