Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Knoxville in July
The year's rain peaks now, with about 5.5 in (140 mm) falling in Knoxville, alongside highs near 89°F (32°C) and lows of 69°F (21°C).
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 58/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 89°F (32°C)
- Avg low
- 69°F (21°C)
- Rain
- 5.5 in (140 mm)
- Humidity
- 73%
- Cloud cover
- 60%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 58/100 · Fair
What July feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 89°F (32°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Nights cool to an average low of 69°F (21°C).
Rain is a real factor, with about 5.5 in (140 mm) across the month.
Plan around July
July sits mid-table; the best months are October.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, May – July.
- Comfort slips from 68/100 in June to 58/100.
- July sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Smokies Weekend route recommends.
What to pack for July
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 89°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Knoxville in July
With 5.5 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
J.C. Holdway
Chef Joseph Lenn's wood-fired Southern cooking downtown.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 5.5 in of rain.
Tennessee Theatre
Restored 1928 movie palace with a Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 5.5 in of rain.
Knoxville Museum of Art
Free museum focused on East Tennessee art, with Richard Jolley's glass installation.
Why now A good rainy-day backup in July.
Yassin's Falafel House
Beloved downtown falafel shop run by a Syrian refugee family.
Why now Easy to slot in when July's rain moves in.
Pretentious Beer Co.
Old City brewery and glassblowing studio pouring beer in its own glassware.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter July days.
Nearby in July
- Townsend in July~21 mi · highs 87°F, 5.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Cherokee in July~47 mi · highs 84°F, 5.5 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Asheville in July~81 mi · highs 84°F, 5.3 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Blowing Rock in July~126 mi · highs 80°F, 5.1 in rain · 5°C (9°F) cooler by day, about as wet
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 July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Knoxville?
It's middling, scoring 58/100. The best months are October, at up to 89. Expect highs of 89°F (32°C) and 5.5 in (140 mm) of rain. July is inside the Apr – Oct window our Smokies Weekend route recommends.
How hot is Knoxville in July?
Average highs are 89°F (32°C) and average lows 69°F (21°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Knoxville in July?
Yes: about 5.5 in (140 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.5 in (1308 mm).
What should I pack for Knoxville in July?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 89°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Knoxville
Routes in season in July
- Smokies Weekend Apr – Oct
Planning Knoxville in July?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.