Everyone packs cowboy boots for Nashville. Fine, but most people get the weather wrong. May and July each bring 16 rain days, and summer highs of 88°F (31°C) to 90°F (32°C) come with afternoon storms, so you need a plan for heat and rain, not just a night on Broadway.
Nashville weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 46°F8°C | 57°F14°C | 63°F17°C | 72°F22°C | 79°F26°C | 88°F31°C | 90°F32°C | 88°F31°C | 84°F29°C | 73°F23°C | 63°F17°C | 52°F11°C |
| Low | 30°F-1°C | 37°F3°C | 43°F6°C | 52°F11°C | 59°F15°C | 66°F19°C | 72°F22°C | 70°F21°C | 64°F18°C | 54°F12°C | 45°F7°C | 36°F2°C |
| Rain days | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 16 | 14 | 16 | 9 | 11 | 5 | 9 | 9 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs are 46°F (8°C) to 57°F (14°C) and lows drop to 30°F (-1°C) to 37°F (3°C). February has 12 rain days. Bring a warm jacket, layers and waterproof shoes, since honky-tonks are warm but the walk between them isn't.
Spring
March–MayIt warms from 63°F (17°C) to 79°F (26°C), but May is one of the wettest months with 16 rain days. Storms can roll in fast. Pack layers, a rain jacket and shoes that handle wet pavements.
Summer
June–AugustHot. Highs run 88°F (31°C) to 90°F (32°C) and lows 66°F (19°C) to 72°F (22°C), and July brings 16 rain days. Expect thunderstorms on many afternoons. Pack breathable clothes, a light rain layer and carry water.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still warm at 84°F (29°C), then October is the driest month with 5 rain days and a 73°F (23°C) high. November cools to 63°F (17°C). October is our pick for a visit, so bring light layers and a jacket.
What to bring to Nashville
0 of 22 packed- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Summer highs of 88°F (31°C) to 90°F (32°C) and long days on your feet, or in the car. This keeps water cold for 24 hours and fits most cupholders. Bring it.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A July afternoon in line at the Ryman or walking The Gulch is hot work. A handheld fan helps, just charge it before you head out.
- Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone EarplugsSleep & Comfort
Hotels near Lower Broadway can be loud late into the night. These silicone earplugs seal the outer ear and are comfy for side sleepers. Pack a pair.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Rideshare apps, tickets and maps all live on your phone. This pocket battery plugs straight in with no cable, so you don't get stranded after the show.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
For daytime, a light, cushioned walking sneaker for long days downtown. It's breathable for summer, but the knit soaks through, so keep it out of the storms.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
For men, the same light walking shoe for days between the Country Music Hall of Fame and Broadway. Save your boots for the night.
Clothing
- Jeans · 2Work almost everywhere, from Broadway to East Nashville
- Breathable tops · 5Summer highs of 31–32°C
- Nice top for nights out · 2
- Warm jacket · 1January lows average -1°C
- Light layers and a jacketOctober evenings drop to 12°C
- Light rain jacketMay and July each bring 16 rain days
Footwear
- Broken-in boots · 1 pairHours on your feet on Broadway at night
- Waterproof shoes · 1 pairWet pavements in winter and spring storms
Gear
- Compact umbrellaAfternoon thunderstorms in summer
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenLong summer days outside at 31–32°C
- Blister plastersFor a long night in boots
- Pain relievers
Documents and money
- Photo IDBars on Broadway check it
- Show and Opry tickets on your phone
Tech
- Plug adapter for non-US visitorsType A and B at 120V
What shoes should you pack for Nashville?
Comfortable walking shoes for the day and boots for the night if you want them. Nashville isn't very walkable outside downtown, but you'll be on your feet for hours on Broadway, in The Gulch and at the Ryman. Break boots in before you go.
What do people wear in Nashville?
Casual and a little Western. Jeans, boots and a nice top work almost everywhere, from Lower Broadway bars to East Nashville restaurants. A Grand Ole Opry show doesn't need anything formal.
What plugs does Nashville use?
The US uses type A and B plugs at 120V. US travelers need nothing. Visitors from the UK, EU or Australia need an adapter, and should check chargers say 100-240V.
Tours and things to do in Nashville
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Nashville.
What should you leave at home for Nashville?
Leave brand-new, unworn boots at home. A night on your feet in stiff boots will wreck your trip. Skip heavy cotton in summer too. The heat and storms make it miserable.
Packing for Nashville: questions people ask
What should I wear in Nashville in summer?
Breathable clothes, comfortable shoes and a light rain jacket. July averages a 90°F (32°C) high with 16 rain days.
Do I need cowboy boots for Nashville?
No, but plenty of people wear them on Broadway. If you bring boots, break them in first.
What should I wear in Nashville in October?
Light layers and a jacket for the evening. October averages a 73°F (23°C) high and 54°F (12°C) low, with only 5 rain days.
How cold does Nashville get in winter?
January lows average 30°F (-1°C) with highs of 46°F (8°C). Bring a warm jacket and layers.
When is the best time to visit Nashville?
October is the driest month and comfortably warm. April and May are mild too, but May brings 16 rain days.
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