Smokies temperature in September?

[Benjamin Jacobs]

I've booked shelters / sites in the smokies for the first week of September but am having a tough time finding good temperature data beyond Clingman's Dome (which my hunch says is not indicative of the rest of the range). Any good general resources for historic weather in this area, or anecdotes from trips around a similar time? Tuning in my final gear list and trying to make calls about which bag to bring, leaving puffy / rain skirt at home, etc. Any insight appreciated.

[Ben C]

Ben,

I'm doing a Smokies trip in September too. Clingman's Dome is the highest elevation, but there are other similar elevations across the AT and the other northeastern ridge. I would look at temps between what you see there and in Gatlinburg, Tn.

Generally, September is pretty nice. I plan on bringing a 30 degree quilt. I would definitely take your rain gear including your skirt. If you're in the Smokies very long, you're likely to see rain. I will probably bring a light puffy, but I think a fleece would be fine too.

Have fun.

[Ben C]

This might help as far as the range: http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/weather.htm

[Benjamin Jacobs]

Thanks, Ben – that's more helpful than what I've found elsewhere. Was hoping to be able to leave some of that at home based on the Gatlinburg temps I'd seen, but… better safe than sorry. Looks like I'll be good with a 35 degree bag + Montbell UL parka.

Have a great hike!

[Steve Meier]

I did a Smokies hike last September and found the valleys to be very pleasant and very comfortable at night. I spent the last night on a ridge just below Clingman's Dome and a storm blew in. I spent a very cold night in a shelter using a quilt where the down had shifted to the sides and I didn't catch it. Put on every stitch of clothing to stay warm. So just be prepared for huge variations in temperature and wind.

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