Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Franklin in January
This is the coldest month in Franklin: highs average 45°F (7°C) and lows 28°F (-2°C), with about 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 49/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 45°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 28°F (-2°C)
- Rain or snow
- 4.0 in (102 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 63%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 49 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Cool days top out near 45°F (7°C), better for brisk walks than lingering outside.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 28°F (-2°C), so expect frost and ice.
About 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with lows well below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April and September & October.
- Snow becomes likely from January, so check road and trail conditions.
- Comfort slips from 53/100 in December to 49/100.
- Our Nashville & Franklin route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — January falls outside it.
What to pack for January
- Insulated jackethighs only 45°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 28°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 4.0 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Franklin in January
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Gray's on Main
Southern restaurant and bar in the old Gray's pharmacy building, under its landmark neon sign.
Carnton
1826 plantation house that served as a field hospital during the 1864 Battle of Franklin, with the McGavock Confederate Cemetery.
Franklin Theatre
Restored 1937 Main Street movie house that screens holiday films and hosts Christmas concerts in December.
Arrington Vineyards
Hillside winery in the countryside east of Franklin, with tastings and wine by the glass on its wooded slopes.
Leiper's Fork
Village of galleries and old clapboard shops in the hills west of Franklin, with a homespun Christmas parade in December.
Nearby in January
- Nashville in January~17 mi · highs 46°F, 4.0 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Bardstown in January~151 mi · highs 40°F, 3.4 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, drier
- Knoxville in January~164 mi · highs 47°F, 4.2 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Louisville in January~172 mi · highs 39°F, 3.3 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Franklin in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Franklin?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 49/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are April and September & October. Expect highs of 45°F (7°C) and 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain or snow.
How cold is Franklin in January?
Average highs are 45°F (7°C) and average lows 28°F (-2°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Franklin in January?
Some: about 4.0 in (102 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 53.1 in (1350 mm).
What should I pack for Franklin in January?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 45°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 28°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 4.0 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
Planning Franklin in January?
Share this January plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.