Knoxville's Winter Preview: What to Expect in 2025-26

Winter is creeping closer to East Tennessee. The leaves are falling, and mornings are getting chillier. But how cold will it get? And when might we see snow? First, let's talk about frost. The National Weather Service says the average first frost hits Knoxville around October 24. But don't expect freezing temperatures quite yet. The median first freeze usually happens around November 2. So, there's still some time before you need to worry about your pipes. Now, what about the big picture? The National Weather Service is predicting a milder winter for East Tennessee. They say there's a 33% to 40% chance of warmer-than-average temperatures in December, January, and February. That's good news if you're not a fan of shivering. But what about snow? The Old Farmer's Almanac says we might see some mixed rain and snow around mid-November. However, they also predict that the Great Smoky Mountains and Appalachian regions could see more snow than usual. So, if you're heading up to the mountains, be prepared. Last year, the first snow in the Great Smoky Mountains was on October 15 near LeConte Lodge. That's pretty early! Knoxville saw its first snow on December 11, 2024. On average, Knoxville gets about 4. 6 inches of snow per winter. But if you live in a higher elevation, you can expect more. And when does winter officially start? The winter solstice, or the shortest day of the year, will be on December 21, 2025. So, mark your calendars!