Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Knoxville in September
Knoxville cools off: highs slip to 84°F (29°C), from 89°F in August, with lows of 61°F (16°C) and about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain.
It scores 78/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 84°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 61°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (98 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 13 min
- Comfort score
- 78/100 · Great
What September feels like
Warm afternoons near 84°F (29°C) make long days outdoors easy.
Mornings start much cooler: lows average 61°F (16°C), about 13°C (23°F) below the afternoon high.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.9 in (98 mm).
Plan around September
September is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (October).
- Comfort improves from 66/100 in August to 78/100.
- September sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Smokies Weekend route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 84°F
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 61°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Knoxville in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Market Square
Pedestrian square with restaurants, patios and a Saturday farmers market.
Why now September scores 78/100 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 84°F and 3.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Yassin's Falafel House
Beloved downtown falafel shop run by a Syrian refugee family.
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.
Pretentious Beer Co.
Old City brewery and glassblowing studio pouring beer in its own glassware.
Nearby in September
- Townsend in September~21 mi · highs 83°F, 4.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Cherokee in September~47 mi · highs 79°F, 4.4 in rain · 3°C (5°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Asheville in September~81 mi · highs 78°F, 4.6 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Blowing Rock in September~126 mi · highs 73°F, 4.4 in rain · 6°C (11°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Knoxville?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 78/100 against a best of 89 in October. Expect highs of 84°F (29°C) and 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain. September is inside the Apr – Oct window our Smokies Weekend route recommends.
How hot is Knoxville in September?
Average highs are 84°F (29°C) and average lows 61°F (16°C), making it the 4th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Knoxville in September?
Some: about 3.9 in (98 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 51.5 in (1308 mm).
What should I pack for Knoxville in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 84°F), a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 61°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Knoxville
Routes in season in September
- Smokies Weekend Apr – Oct
Planning Knoxville in September?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.