Late summer · Weather & things to do
Townsend in August
Townsend's warmest month brings highs averaging 88°F (31°C), lows of 67°F (20°C) and about 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 64/100, 8th of 12.
- Avg high
- 88°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 67°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 4.2 in (106 mm)
- Humidity
- 74%
- Cloud cover
- 55%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 21 min
- Comfort score
- 64/100 · Good
What August feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 88°F (31°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Nights cool to an average low of 67°F (20°C).
Some rain is likely, about 4.2 in (106 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are April and October.
- Comfort improves from 58/100 in July to 64/100.
- August sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Smokies Weekend route recommends.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes88°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Townsend in August
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Tuckaleechee Caverns
Guided cave walk with a huge chamber and a 210-ft underground waterfall.
Why now Our curated notes list it for "rainy day", which suits a wetter month.
Burger Master Drive-In
Old-school drive-in for burgers and shakes after Cades Cove.
Why now August scores 64/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Little River (Townsend Wye)
Popular swimming hole where two forks of the Little River meet.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best summer afternoon.
Abrams Falls Trail
5-mile round trip along Abrams Creek to a wide 20-ft waterfall.
Why now Highs near 88°F and 4.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Cades Cove Loop Road
11-mile valley loop with log churches, cabins and frequent bear and deer sightings.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in August
- Knoxville in August~21 mi · highs 89°F, 3.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Cherokee in August~28 mi · highs 84°F, 4.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Asheville in August~68 mi · highs 84°F, 4.7 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Blowing Rock in August~121 mi · highs 79°F, 4.7 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 ~742 m to Townsend's ~342 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.
Townsend in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Townsend?
It's middling, scoring 64/100. The best months are April and October, at up to 88. Expect highs of 88°F (31°C) and 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain. August is inside the Apr – Oct window our Smokies Weekend route recommends.
How hot is Townsend in August?
Average highs are 88°F (31°C) and average lows 67°F (20°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Townsend in August?
Some: about 4.2 in (106 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 2nd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 55.0 in (1396 mm).
What should I pack for Townsend in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (88°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), 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 picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in August
- Smokies Weekend Apr – Oct
Planning Townsend in August?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.