Late summer · Weather & things to do
Knoxville in August
Knoxville's warmest month brings highs averaging 89°F (32°C), lows of 68°F (20°C) and about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 66/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 89°F (32°C)
- Avg low
- 68°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 3.7 in (94 mm)
- Humidity
- 70%
- Cloud cover
- 55%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 22 min
- Comfort score
- 66/100 · Good
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 89°F (32°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 68°F (20°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.7 in (94 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are October.
- Comfort improves from 58/100 in July to 66/100.
- August sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Smokies Weekend route recommends.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes89°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Knoxville in August
Afternoons run hot (89°F), so these picks mix early-start outdoor spots with cool indoor breaks.
Market Square
Pedestrian square with restaurants, patios and a Saturday farmers market.
Why now August scores 66/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
World's Fair Park & Sunsphere
1982 World's Fair grounds with the gold Sunsphere tower.
Why now Highs near 89°F and 3.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Ijams Nature Center
Urban forest with river bluffs and a turquoise quarry lake.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
J.C. Holdway
Chef Joseph Lenn's wood-fired Southern cooking downtown.
Why now A break from 89°F afternoons.
Pretentious Beer Co.
Old City brewery and glassblowing studio pouring beer in its own glassware.
Why now Somewhere to sit out the hottest hours.
Nearby in August
- Townsend in August~21 mi · highs 88°F, 4.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Cherokee in August~47 mi · highs 84°F, 4.4 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Asheville in August~81 mi · highs 84°F, 4.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Blowing Rock in August~126 mi · highs 79°F, 4.7 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~424 m to Knoxville's ~275 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Knoxville in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Knoxville?
It's middling, scoring 66/100. The best months are October, at up to 89. Expect highs of 89°F (32°C) and 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain. August is inside the Apr – Oct window our Smokies Weekend route recommends.
How hot is Knoxville in August?
Average highs are 89°F (32°C) and average lows 68°F (20°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Knoxville in August?
Some: about 3.7 in (94 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.5 in (1308 mm).
What should I pack for Knoxville in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (89°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Knoxville
Routes in season in August
- Smokies Weekend Apr – Oct
Planning Knoxville in August?
Share this August plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.