Weather in Chattanooga

Planning your trip or just interested in the weather in Chattanooga? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information: current weather conditions, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you be prepared for any whims of nature.

The climate in Chattanooga can be described as temperate, with four clearly defined seasons. The city experiences noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year, allowing travellers to enjoy the delights of each season, whether it be the riot of spring colours, summer warmth, golden autumn, or the freshness of winter.

Summer in Chattanooga is typically hot, with average temperatures in July and August exceeding 25°C, and maximums reaching 30°C. July also stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation, although the total volume of rainfall throughout the year is distributed relatively evenly and is not very high. Winters here are cool but usually not severe, with an average temperature in January of around 5.3°C and minimum temperatures dropping to 1°C.

Spring and autumn are comfortable transitional seasons. In spring, the temperature gradually rises, reaching an average of 20.5°C in May. Autumn delights with mild warmth, especially in September and October, when the number of rainy days decreases, creating pleasant conditions for walking and exploring the city.

The temperature regime in Chattanooga shows a distinct seasonal shift with a wide range of temperatures throughout the year. The coldest month is traditionally January, when the daily average temperature holds at 5.3°C, while night-time temperatures can drop on average to 1.0°C. In contrast, July brings the hottest weather: the average temperature reaches 25.9°C, and the daytime heat often raises the thermometer to 30.3°C and above.

The summer period, covering June, July, and August, is characterised by consistently warm, and often hot, weather. In June, the average temperature is 23.9°C (with maximum daytime temperatures up to 28.7°C), smoothly transitioning into the July heat, which is the peak of summer. August remains very warm with an average temperature of 25.2°C and daily peaks reaching an average of 29.6°C. Nights in the summer months are also warm, with minimum temperatures generally not falling below 19-21°C, ensuring comfortable evening conditions.

Winter months in Chattanooga – December, January, and February – are distinguished by coolness, but severe frosts are rare here. After the January lows, when the average minimum temperature is 1.0°C and the maximum daytime is about 9.5°C, February brings some warming with an average temperature of 9.0°C (minimum 4.3°C, maximum 13.6°C). December figures average 7.5°C (minimum 3.5°C, maximum 11.6°C). A characteristic feature of Chattanooga's climate is noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations. The difference between average daytime highs and night-time lows throughout the year is often between 8°C and 10°C, which is especially felt on clear days.

Precipitation in Chattanooga is distributed throughout the year; however, its total amount remains quite moderate. There is no pronounced rainy season or drought period in the classical sense, but fluctuations are observed in both the total volume of rainfall and the number of rainy days by month.

According to monthly averages, the greatest amount of precipitation falls in February (7 mm) and March (6 mm). At the same time, February is also one of the months with a high frequency of precipitation – about 15 rainy days. Summer months, especially July, are characterised by the highest number of days with precipitation: in July there are on average 18, and in August – 16. Despite frequent rains during this period, the total volume of precipitation in the summer months (June, July, August) is about 4 mm in each, indicating the predominantly light nature of this precipitation, possibly in the form of short showers or drizzle.

The driest months in terms of rainfall amount are September, October, and November, when only 3 mm falls. October stands out as the month with the fewest rainy days – on average only 8 days. This makes mid-autumn potentially the most pleasant time to visit in terms of minimising the chance of getting caught in the rain.

In winter, for example in January, with an average minimum temperature of around 1.0°C and 4 mm of precipitation distributed over 12 days, precipitation most likely falls as rain. Although with a drop in temperature, the probability of wet snow cannot be completely ruled out, the data does not indicate regular or heavy snowfalls. Overall, Chattanooga is characterised by frequent but not too heavy precipitation during certain periods of the year.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Chattanooga, it is important to consider the changing seasons and their characteristic weather conditions. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes will become your best companion, as the city is conducive to walking. The principle of layering clothes is the golden rule for Chattanooga. Daytime and evening temperatures can differ noticeably, and the weather can change throughout the day. A light jacket or sweater that can be easily taken off or put on will be very useful.

In summer (June-August), Chattanooga can be hot and humid; average temperatures rise above 25°C, and maximums can reach 30°C. Pack light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, shorts, and t-shirts. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Although the total amount of rainfall is small, July and August see the highest number of days with precipitation, so a compact umbrella or light raincoat may come in handy for short downpours. In spring (March-May), the weather gradually warms up: you will need t-shirts, light trousers, jeans, as well as a sweater or fleece and a windbreaker, especially for cool evenings and mornings.

In autumn (September-November), the weather is usually very comfortable, especially in September and October, which is one of the driest months. Take clothes suitable for moderate temperatures with you: jeans, long-sleeved shirts, light jackets. By November it gets cooler, so a warm sweater and a thicker jacket will not be amiss. In winter (December-February), Chattanooga is cool, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 9°C, sometimes dropping to 1°C at night. You will need a warm jacket, sweaters, hat, gloves, and scarf. Although heavy snowfalls are rare, waterproof shoes will not hurt in case of rain or wet snow, especially in February, when the number of days with precipitation increases.