Nashville, Tennessee does get snow, but it’s not a frequent or heavy occurrence. The city typically experiences light snowfall during the winter months, with an average of about 4 inches per year, though some sources suggest it could receive 5 to 10 inches depending on the winter. Snowfall is most common from December through February, with January being the month that usually sees the most accumulation. However, significant snow events are relatively rare, and Nashville often has winters with little to no measurable snowfall. When it snows, it’s often light and doesn’t last long. But then there are those memorable years that bring something extraordinary – like the 38.5 inches recorded in the winter of 1959-1960, which brought Music City to a wintry standstill. While it’s never clear what winter weather will bring, including precipitation totals, these significant snowstorms over the past 130 years help us reminisce about how dramatically weather can change Nashville, even if such events are rare and we couldn’t predict them with certainty.
Does it Snow in Nashville TN – My Personal Experience
Man, being born in 1977 means I’ve seen some wild Nashville winters! My favorite spot? Radnor Lake when it snows – turns into this magical winter wonderland. We’d get snow a couple times each winter, but here’s the thing: it generally doesn’t get deep and doesn’t last long – not your typical heavy snow situation that people up north deal with. The ice and snow combo though? That’s when the real wheel spinning entertainment begins, especially when that epic 1988 snowstorm hit and caught everyone off guard. Remember when the whole city basically lost its mind because nobody was used to driving in it? Cars were spinning wheels all over the hills near Radnor, with people getting stuck at the bottom of every hill while others were stranded at the top. The grade was so slick that drivers would slow down, then panic and increase speed by pressing the gas, which only made them lose traction on the slicked ice and snow until their wheels came to a complete halt. I watched this one young man attempt to climb a hill like three times – same spinning routine that held him back every time, so he’d back down the hill and start over with the process repeated again and again. Finally, after getting stuck behind other cars for the second or third time at the bottom, he got out of his car and approached this old-timer who told him what I had sensed: “When that wheel spin starts, quit pressing the pedal and let up until the wheel quit spinning to regain traction!” That advice made all the difference – he finally made it up the hill, though his trip home took three hours for what was normally a one-mile freeway head home. The storm had left everyone scrambling from work early before the heavy oncoming weather made conditions impossible, and let me tell you, people would abandon their cars and walk home if they lived close enough – some even ended up in the valley after sliding down, just stopping in fear of attempting another climb. That’s Nashville snow for you – comes just often enough to keep things interesting, then bam! Gone by lunch.
Nashville’s Annual Snow Reality: What You Can Actually Expect
Having lived through countless Nashville winters, I can tell you the average snowfall in Nashville is 4.7 inches annually, though most years bring just a trace of snow or light dusting. The timing of first measurable snow typically occurs around December 23rd, with January and February being prime months for winter storms in the Metro Nashville area. Over the last 30 years, only half have seen measurable snowfall, with recent years delivering 5-6 inches or less than an inch. Nashville, Tennessee sits along crucial demarcation lines where winter storms bring snow to the north and ice or rain to the south, making our weather unpredictable. Infrequently, we get sustained snowfall of 3-4 inches that creates havoc for traffic and drivers, while freezing rain and ice buildup frequently cause more problems than actual snow. When any weather prognosticator mentions snow in forecasts, grocery stores get jammed as milk and bread disappear, and public schools shut down – comments and answers from locals are always hilarious yet accurate about this phenomenon. The city of Nashville and Davidson County school system aren’t weather shy after decades of seeing how a half inch can shut down streets while rural roads in the metro become impassable. Snow removal efforts typically focus on salting, with plowing only when snowfall exceeds two inches, leaving rural areas struggling while the city can clear main routes. Nashville saw significant snowfall in January 2024 when the National Weather Service reported 7.6 inches at Nashville International Airport – one event that produced more snow than we typically receive in an entire winter season, with additional traces appearing in February 2024. 
When Does it Snow in Nashville: Timing and What to Expect
Nashville snow generally arrives late in the season, with peak months for snowfall usually being December, January, and February, though snow events vary significantly from year to year. Average annual snowfall in Nashville TN sits at roughly 3.6 inches per year, most likely to occur in January when conditions favor winter precipitation, often arriving as light dustings that barely stick to surfaces. January stands out as our snowiest month with about 1.5 inches average, while some winters end up receiving little to no snow and others surprise us by seeing several inches in a single storm. The usual time frame for Nashville snow runs from late November through early March, though it’s relatively rare and typically falls during those core winter months when conditions align perfectly. Here’s the breakdown in a nutshell:
- November: Slight possibility for snow, though it’s probably unlikely.
- December: Slight possibility exists, with usually little or no snow expected.
- January: Good chance residents will see some snow accumulation.
- February: High chance for snow events during this month.
- March: Good chance of snow before spring arrives.
- April: Minimal chance of snow but not impossible.
Snow characteristics here create what locals call a winter apocalypse, and in fairness, our powdery, fluffy snow usually becomes icy rapidly, making it a big deal for a city that doesn’t deal well with frozen precipitation. Occasionally, snow arrives sooner or later than expected, with rare occurrences outside the typical winter season catching everyone off guard. When it snows, Nashville residents tend to lose their minds as winter weather transforms the city into something it’s simply not equipped to handle gracefully.
Types of Snow Nashville Experiences
Nashville gets light dustings most years rather than heavy snowfall – think powder that barely sticks to grass. We also experience measurable snowfall occasionally, usually an inch or less, which is enough to shut down the city. Ice mixed with snow creates our biggest challenge, especially during January when temperatures hover around the daily mean of 38F with average low of 28F and average high of 47F.
Light Dustings vs Measurable Snowfall
Light dustings happen frequently – these are transient flurries that melt within hours and rarely create snow cover. Measurable snowfall means anything over half an inch that actually accumulates, which happens a few days per year at most. The difference matters because dusting is almost a joke here, while measurable snow sends people to grocery store shelves going empty at the mention of snow being talked about. Most years we get light frosts nightly and hard freezes regularly, but single-digit temperatures and 0F below conditions remain rare. Our subtropical plants like Southern Magnolia, Needle Palm, Dwarf Palmetto, and Japanese Banana survive easily – these hardy palms are surprisingly easy to maintain if you water them regularly during their first year after you plant them and protect from last frost.
Snow Duration and Melting Patterns
Snow never stays long in Nashville – it melts within a day typically because our warm weather returns quickly. I still remember the storm of ‘1993 with almost two feet of snow overnight, which lasted well over a week and was completely exceptional. Normal snow events melt soon after falling, which is why I left my snow shovel in NY and haven’t missed it. Kids will run out to any hill to slide down during the brief time snow exists. The sun helps everything melt quickly during short lived snowy days, though weather patterns have changed over the years I’ve been growing up in Nashville.
Ice and Mixed Precipitation Events
Ice becomes the main issue when precipitation falls while overnight temperatures stay at freezing or below normal. People who live in the hills and mountains around Davidson county face emergency situations on back roads covered with ice where trees block sun. These locations turn roads into nightmares even for our best drivers. Schools call off classes at the threat of snow, being extra hesitant about icy conditions since inexperienced drivers sometimes drive recklessly. The weather service explicitly warns about our lack of experience and resources – listening to NPR, they acknowledge we’re different from places like Minnesota and simply need to stay home. Without snow tires or winter tires, and with less experience driving in these conditions, plus only a fraction of snow removal equipment compared to northern cities, patience becomes essential.
Road Conditions and Travel Impacts
Nashville has no snow removal equipment compared to Minneapolis with 100 plows for 12,000 miles of roads while we manage 40 plows for 95,000 people. Side streets aren’t plowed, supply trucks can’t get through, and roads become dangerous when compact snow can melt and refreeze into a layer of ice. The 2017 freak snowstorm was an exception where 2″ snow turned to ice and conditions lasted 4 days, bringing the entire area to a halt. My plan involves avoiding back roads and driving slowly, never letting anyone convince me to go out when conditions are bad. Neighbors share shovels and salt when needed, most roads clear by Saturday after midweek storms, everything’s fine by Monday – though you might get stuck inside for a week during a similar storm. A quick googling shows we need salt and traction to melt ice safely, but no salt trucks reach everywhere. When weather warms enough to melt snow, friction between tires and road disappears as everything melts and refreezes. The weather service warns about precipitation patterns for next weekend when temperatures might drop, but remember the worst ice and snow happens in January – Welcome to Nashville winters where delays with schools opening on time and taking days off in stride until the crazy weather passes is just how we handle winter, knowing it will melt and never stays for long in our climate. 
Notable Nashville Snow Events
Nashville has experienced several memorable snow events throughout its history, from record-breaking blizzards that paralyzed the city to recent storms that reminded residents why southern cities struggle with winter weather. These events stand out not just for their snowfall amounts, but for how they’ve shaped Nashville’s approach to winter preparedness and created lasting memories for generations of residents who rarely see significant snow.
1892 St. Patrick’s Day Record Storm
Nashville’s largest snowfall in history happened March 17, 1892 when 17 inches blanketed the city on St. Patrick’s Day – creating the record snowfall that still stands today. This massive winter storm completely paralyzed Nashville as street cars were snowed under, morning trains couldn’t operate, and mail service was delayed for days. Telephone lines failed with workers stranded on rooftops, leaving the city cut off from communication and transportation for nearly a week after the storm passed.
1959-1960 Winter Record Season
The historic 1959-1960 winter record brought 39 inches of total snowfall – actually recorded as 38.5 inches through early spring 1959-1960 according to National Weather Service data. This winter season featured multiple storms that kept snow on the ground for weeks, with temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees and damaging Boxwoods throughout Nashville. The sustained cold and repeated snowfall made this the most severe winter in Nashville’s recorded history, forcing residents to adapt to conditions they’d never experienced before. Families struggled to keep warm as heating systems weren’t designed for such extreme cold, and many pipes froze throughout the city. The winter finally broke in early spring, but the damage to vegetation and infrastructure took months to repair.
1929 February Blizzard
February 1929 brought 15 inches of disruptive snow that transformed Nashville life for over a week, ranking as the second-largest snowfall in city history. The storm hit suddenly, catching residents unprepared as temperatures plummeted and winds created massive drifts that blocked streets and buried cars. Businesses closed for days as workers couldn’t reach their jobs, and the city’s limited snow removal equipment couldn’t handle the massive accumulation. Mail service was suspended, telephone lines went down across the city, and many neighborhoods remained isolated until the snow gradually melted. The 1929 storm became a benchmark that older residents would reference for decades when comparing later winter weather events.
2024 January Storm
Recent significant events like January 2024 brought 7.5+ inches that tested modern city response and infrastructure handling capabilities, showing Nashville still struggles with significant snowfall. The storm arrived with little warning, quickly overwhelming the city’s limited snow removal equipment and leaving thousands without power as ice-laden tree branches snapped. Schools canceled classes for multiple days while grocery stores ran out of essentials as Nashvillians rushed to stock up before the storm hit. Road conditions became treacherous as the city had only a handful of salt trucks to cover the entire metro area, leaving most residential streets impassable. The 2024 storm reminded everyone that despite modern technology and improved forecasting, Nashville remains vulnerable to winter weather that would be routine in northern cities.
My Personal Nashville Snow Stories: What Living Here Really Teaches You
I’ve lived in Nashville long enough to know that when snow starts falling, the entire city transforms into something magical yet chaotic. My first real winter here was back in the early ’90s when I was still in elementary school, and I remember waking up to see my neighborhood blanketed in white – something that felt like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting. Nashville doesn’t get snow like New York with its 34.1 inches annually or Boston at 40.9 inches, but when we do get our rare 0.3 inches compared to northern cities, it’s an event that stops everything. I remember sledding down the hills at Sevier Park with trash can tops because nobody owned actual sleds, then warming up with coffee at 12th and Frothy while snowmen dotted every yard like tiny guardians. The National Weather Service says our first snowfall typically arrives in late December with an average of 0.1 inches, though I witnessed the earliest on Oct. 31, 1993 and the latest on April 10, 1973 – dates that stick with you when you’re a Nashvillians who treasures every flake. My family still talks about when my son was born during labor and delivery while doctors at the hospital were delayed by snow, and how Percy Priest Lake actually froze thick enough for driving cars on the ice – something that amazed me more than any snowy Christmas ever could.
Does it Snow in Nashville TN
Nashville Snow vs Other Cities
As a Nashville native who was born here, I’ve spent my entire life watching our winter weather patterns and comparing them to what friends and family experience in nearby cities. Growing up in Music City, I can tell you that Nashville sits in a unique position with our 3 to 6 inches of snow annually, placing us on the lower end of snowfall totals when you look north and east across Tennessee. This regional context within Tennessee showcases how Southeast snow patterns can vary dramatically, with urban heat island effects in Nashville keeping our accumulations lighter compared to the Appalachian region. Regional Snowfall Comparison Table
| City | Average Annual Snowfall | Regional Position |
| Memphis, TN | 2.7 inches | Less snowy than Nashville |
| Nashville, TN | 3 to 6 inches | Moderate Tennessee baseline |
| Chattanooga, TN | 2-4 inches | Slightly more variable |
| Knoxville, TN | 4.6-15 inches | Significantly more eastern influence |
| Louisville, KY | 15 to 20 inches | Significantly more northern pattern |
Memphis, Tennessee Western Contrast
Memphis, Tennessee averages 2.7 inches of snow per year, making it a less frequent occurrence in that city compared to Nashville. Typically, this western Tennessee city experiences just a few days of snowfall during winter events that are less than 1-2 inches. While it’s uncommon for this winter city to see very little snow, occasionally snowfall exceeding 3-5 inches does happen, making Memphis less snowy than most nearby cities.
Knoxville, Tennessee Eastern Mountain Influence
Knoxville, TN sees 10 to 15 inches annually, making it significantly more snowier than Nashville. According to National Weather Service data from 1991 to 2020, Knoxville, Tennessee has an average annual snowfall of 4.6 inches, though this large amount varies yearly. The snowfall in winter often melts quickly due to the region’s climate, but accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are frequent in this eastern Tennessee city.
Chattanooga, Tennessee Scenic City Snow
Chattanooga, TN falls between Nashville and Knoxville with 4 to 8 inches – slightly more than the Music City. Chattanooga, Tennessee averages 2 inches of snow per year, which is significantly less than the U.S. average of 28 inches. The snowfall is typically light and does not last long, rarely staying on the ground more than a day or two, though higher elevations north and west of the city experience more frequent snow.
Louisville, Kentucky Northern Neighbor Reality
Louisville, KY represents what happens when you move north of Tennessee, receiving 15 to 20 inches annually – significantly more than Nashville’s modest totals. This Kentucky city sits in a different snow belt entirely, showing how Nashville’s snowfall comparison highlights our city’s position on the lower end of regional accumulations. The contrast demonstrates how Southeast snow patterns change dramatically as you move away from Tennessee’s central basin.
Nashville vs. East Tennessee Mountain Reality Check
The real difference becomes apparent when comparing Nashville with East Tennessee – Nashville receives less snowfall than much of Tennessee’s eastern region where totals vary yearly. The Great Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Knoxville area experience frequent and heavier snowfall with accumulations ranging from 4 to 8 inches at lower elevations to exceeding 100 inches at higher elevations. This comparison to northern cities and eastern mountain regions shows Nashville’s moderate winter weather position.
Preparing for Snow in Nashville
How Nashville Handles Snow: City Preparedness and Road Treatment
Tennessee struggles with snowstorm preparation because we don’t have the fleet of plows and salt trucks that northern cities maintain year-round. The hilly terrain around Nashville creates a thaw and refreeze cycle that makes our roads particularly dangerous compared to the Midwest. Pre-snow road prep becomes critical since any ice layer under snow creates hazardous weather conditions, and when temperatures melt the surface, we lose friction for tires during winter events. The challenge intensifies when rain starts washing away salt from our hills and mountains, leaving back roads vulnerable under trees where sun can’t reach, making Davidson county particularly treacherous for inexperienced drivers who turn our streets into nightmare roads when parents rush to pick up kids from schools facing closure threats.
Personal Driving Experience and Resident Preparation Reality
Nobody here has snow tires or practice driving in snow – it’s basically bumper cars every Friday when flakes start falling. I’ve lived here my whole life and still get harassed by visiting Michigander relatives who don’t understand that thankfully our snow usually comes with an ice layer underneath that creates real danger. Years ago during a heavy snow and ice event, I tried to walk down my road since the street wasn’t cleared and fell three times even with good boots – that’s when I learned to respect our winter conditions. Supply chain issues hit hard during heavy snow events when Louisville and other northern cities need resources diverted our way, creating salt shortages and plow availability problems due to regional competition and equipment limitations based on our weather patterns and resource allocation compared to neighboring states experiencing demand spikes that strain winter preparedness and infrastructure.
Nashville School and Business Closures During Winter Events
The biggest issues our community faces during snow events stem from people who can’t comprehend what seem like insignificant details but create massive impacts on others throughout our infrastructure. When schools announce closures due to snow threats, parents scramble with emergency childcare plans while businesses decide whether to close, creating a snowballing impacts situation across the city. I remember one January storm where families got stuck at home for days because managed roads couldn’t handle the volume, while supply trucks couldn’t reach stores and salted roads became useless due to reckless drivers creating dangerous conditions on back roads where you have to drive slowly or risk getting stranded.
Nashville Transportation Considerations and Rural Road Challenges
The real challenge comes when you’re living in the boonies and have to navigate a hill with a 90 degree turn that’s never salted and never cleared while the city focuses on main arteries, leaving nearby roads unsafe for 8+ years of my emergency commutes where I risk wrecking my car. Midwestern transplants always tell us to prepare and hunker down, but they don’t understand our unique driving challenges where even experienced drivers struggle with our terrain. The grocery store gets wiped out because people worry about having enough food in the house to last 1-2 days, though most storms here don’t require extended isolation.
Essential Preparedness Tips for Nashville Snow Events
Smart Nashville families make plans for not going out during snow events and prepare for potential power outages of unknown time by keeping the fridge closed and ensuring the in-fridge icemaker is emptied to prevent melting water on the floor. Charging everything before the storm hits becomes crucial since our infrastructure isn’t built for extended winter weather. Most homes here are not insulated for extreme cold, so apartment complex residents should open kitchen cabinet doors near exterior walls and let faucets drip water to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting – a lesson many Nashville natives learn the hard way during unexpected winter storms. Essential Snow Preparation Checklist:
- Charge all devices – phones, tablets, laptops, power banks before the storm
- Empty your icemaker and keep fridge closed during power outages
- Open kitchen cabinet doors near exterior walls to prevent pipe freezing
- Let faucets drip water continuously during freezing temperatures
- Stock 1-2 days of food since grocery stores get wiped out quickly
- Fill bathtubs with water for emergency use if pipes freeze
- Gather flashlights and batteries for potential power outages
- Keep extra blankets accessible since homes aren’t well insulated
- Park cars in garages or away from trees that might fall
- Have backup heating plan for apartment complex residents
Nashville winter can be unpredictable – what I’ve noticed living here is that you’ll miss a lot if you don’t check out all the colder months have to offer when Music City truly shines during winter season. 
Best Times to Experience Nashville Winter
Optimal months for winter weather
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Precipitation | Snow Days | Good Times Rating |
| December | 49.5°F | 32°F | 3.5 inches | 2-3 days | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| January | 46.6°F | 27.9°F | 3.8 inches | 3-4 days | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| February | 52°F | 31°F | 3.2 inches | 2-3 days | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The optimal months for experiencing Nashville’s winter are December through February, though I’d say what makes this season special isn’t necessarily the snow – unfortunately, we don’t always get the white stuff people expect. In Nashville, the winters are very cold and wet, and the temperature typically varies from 31°F to 90°F. The colder months here offer something different, with temperatures creating ways to experience the city differently than other seasons.
Festival and event considerations
ICE! at Opryland Resort
Nashville’s most extraordinary frozen holiday attraction, ICE!, announces its 2024 return with the holiday classic, Frosty the Snowman™, as part of Gaylord Opryland Resort’s 41st Annual A Country Christmas event, beginning Nov. 8, 2024, through Jan. 4, 2025. I always encourage people to find ways to experience this – it’s something millions of people love, though it’s a bit touristy for me personally. One thing about this event – which people absolutely adore – is that you’ll literally be in a 40,000 square feet Nashville winter wonderland. The exhibit, which has a different Christmas theme each year, is made completely of 1.5 million pounds of ice blocks.
Grand Ole Opry Christmas Shows
The Grand Ole Opry Christmas Shows are phenomenal – they run with seasonal entertainment that includes traditional performances like Vince Gill and Amy Grant, but be sure to buy tickets in advance. One thing I adore is Drew Ellie Holcomb’s show there on 12/17 – some very cool shows are at the Ryman, including this tradition that really captures the heart of Nashville’s music culture and history.
Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS
Cheekwood is great for winter walking and exploring holidays – their holiday lights display creates millions of opportunities for magical moments throughout the season. This event will run from November through early January, and I think it is one of the most beautiful winter experiences you can have in Nashville.
Zoo’s Zoolumination
The Zoo’s Zoolumination is something we attend regularly – this winter event transforms the zoo into a magical wonderland of lights and interactive experiences that families absolutely love.
Tourism during winter months
| Tourism Metric | Winter Statistics | Annual Comparison |
| Visitors | 17.1 million projected 2024 | 16.83 million in 2023 |
| Visitor Spending | $657 per visitor | $10.56 billion total 2023 |
| Tourism Jobs | 73,000 leisure & hospitality jobs | Growing annually |
| Hotel Occupancy | Lower winter rates | Peak: Summer months |
Tourism during winter months is interesting here – you’re going to see fewer crowds, which means better deals and easier access to popular attractions. Forecasts show visitor spending growing to $10.84 billion 2024, with winter months offering unique value. You could rent a limousine for a holiday tour – I’ve done this several times, and those usually go into the wealthy areas for a peek at wonderful holiday displays while you sip Champagne.
Indoor vs outdoor activities
Indoor Activities
Music Venues and Theaters
TPAC theater offers some fantastic holiday-themed shows, and the Schermerhorn has gorgeous performances including Handel’s Messiah – they also host various holiday concerts. Some very cool shows are at Ryman during winter months.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
The Frist, our art museum, might have interesting exhibits, though I’m born and raised Nashvillian and think it’s not super strong compared to other cities. What you’ll find different are kinds of museums dedicated to our culture – the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum, African American Music Museum, Johnny Cash Museum, and Lane Motor Museum shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re a History nerd, the new Tennessee State Museum building in the Bicentennial mall area is free and worth checking out. For additional cultural experiences, I would recommend seeing The Hermitage, though it’s maybe not in the scope of typical downtown winter activities.
Hotels and Dining
Union Station, a turn of the century travel hub, is having a Pop-Up Holiday Bar with themed food offerings that looks interesting. The Virgin Hotel has Mariah Carey’s pop up holiday bars, which are gorgeous seasonal spots.
Outdoor Activities
Neighborhood Exploration
Outdoor activities don’t mean you should stop exploring – downtown areas like 12th South, Hillsboro Village, and East Nashville offer wonderful outdoor experiences even in winter. These neighborhoods have charming shops and restaurants that stay lively throughout the season.
Nearby Destinations
Franklin, about an hour south, offers a full charming town square with little shops and restaurants perfect for winter exploration. It’s closer than you might think and offers a completely different atmosphere from downtown Nashville.
Winter Events and Parades
Seasonal parades and many events will keep you busy throughout winter months. Unfortunately, many of these events change yearly, so I encourage checking current listings. The 8th annual winter festival typically happens, though you should verify dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to Wear When its Snowing in Nashville TN
Look, when it’s snowing in Nashville, you gotta know what to wear in winters because we’re not exactly pros at this snow thing! The ideal setup for snowy conditions? Start with your base thermals – trust me on this one. Then go with sweaters or hoodies as mid-layers because this layer will work like magic to keep the heat in when you’re out there. Fleece or down would be great mid-layer fabrics depending on your preference and what kind of activity you’re planning. Wool can also work here on a sweater if that’s more your style – honestly, any of these clothes will do the trick when Nashville decides to dump some snow on us!
When was the last time Nashville had snow?
Last time Nashville got real snow was January 15, 2024. We had 7.6 inches that day – broke the daily record and honestly, it was wild. We got more snow in one day than we usually see all winter (our normal is around 4.7 inches for the whole season). Streets were a mess, schools closed, but man, seeing Nashville covered in snow was pretty amazing. People were out sledding down neighborhood hills – you don’t get that chance often here.
When did it snow in Nashville in 2025?
So far in 2025, Nashville hasn’t gotten any significant snow that I can find records of. The forecasts were calling for potential snow threats in late January and February, and there was some winter storm warning coverage for February 19, 2025, but nothing major hit Middle Tennessee. January is historically our snowiest month, but 2025 has been pretty mild so far. If you’re hoping for snow in Nashville this year, February and March are still possibilities, but we’re still waiting for 2025’s first good snow day.
Has it ever snowed in Nashville in April?
Yeah, Nashville has gotten April snow before, but it’s super rare. The latest measurable snowfall on record was 1.5 inches on April 25, 1910 – that’s over 100 years ago! April typically sees only 0.3 snowfall days with about 0.12 inches total. Most spring snow happens in March, and out of measurable March snowfalls over the last 30 years, only two occurred after March 15. So April snow? Possible but don’t hold your breath.
What time of year does it snow in Nashville?
Nashville’s snow season runs December through March, with January being the snowiest month. We get about 3.6 inches of snowfall per year on average, with January being the coldest month. The biggest single-day snowfall was 8.2 inches on March 22, 1968. February and March can still bring decent snow, but by April it’s pretty much done. Most years we get a few light dustings rather than major storms.
Does Nashville handle snow well?
Honestly? Nashville struggles with snow because we don’t get enough to justify tons of equipment. After last year’s storm, the city added more snowplows and expanded its snow removal map, but it’s still limited. Metro has priority lists for snow removal, and they pre-treat primary and secondary routes with brining solution, then crews salt and plow as needed. The city’s getting better, but a few inches still shuts things down pretty quick.
When was the last time it snowed on Christmas in Nashville TN?
The last time it actually snowed on Christmas Day in Nashville was December 25, 1969, when 2.7 inches fell on Christmas Day. That’s over 50 years ago! A mix of rain and sleet began falling on Christmas Eve, then from about midnight Christmas morning until 3 am, a mix of rain and snow fell. Since then, Nashville has had snow on the ground for Christmas more recently – the last time was in 2010, but that was leftover snow from earlier storms. The chances of a white Christmas in Nashville are pretty slim – statistically only about 2%.
Dr Ethan Marsh
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A Nashville native with 16+ years in tourism leadership, Dr Ethan Marsh founded this platform to share authentic local experiences. His hands-on approach ensures every guide is crafted with care and verified by trusted experts.