Nashville, Tennessee’s capital and center of tourism, has tons of great activities to do year-round. If you’re looking to get the most out of your Nashville visit, then here’s when you need to go.
The best time to experience the myriad of amazing Nashville events is during the summer, but if you want to dodge the crowds and don’t mind the cold, mid-December through late February can be an excellent time to visit.
Nashville in the summer is an experience you don’t want to miss—honky tonks, live shows, and music make the city come to life in this vibrant cultural landscape. If live events aren’t your thing, then don’t worry!
This article will cover when you should visit Nashville, whether you’re aiming for the summer rush or the off-season.
When to Visit Nashville During the Summer
Nashville has lots to do, but depending on what qualifies as your ideal vacation, different times of year might be better suited to your wants.
If your goal is to hit every event and soak up as much of the Nashville culture as you possibly can, then you’ve got to visit during the summer.
Local hotels, restaurants, shops, and honky tonks are filled to the brim during the summer, but it’s well-worth putting up with the summer rush to enjoy all that Nashville has to offer.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
For starters, there’s the beautiful Tennessee topography that facilitates outdoor adventures.
Enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and ziplining, or meander around the shops and enjoy the live music on display.
Just be aware that during the busy season, Nashville does tend to have pretty hot and humid summers.
Travelers who aren’t prepared might be uncomfortable, so be sure you pack some breathable clothes, along with essential accessories like sunglasses and sunscreen.
Temperatures can range from the low 70s to the early 90s, often accompanied with humidity and rainy conditions.
Thankfully, Nashville has plenty to do even for rainy days: honky-tonks, dining adventures, and indoor dancing are all living proof that you can’t rain on Nashville’s parade.
Amazing Events
Creativity reigns supreme in Nashville during the summer, and while in Music City, you can hear bluegrass, soul, gospel, and blues music at the many music festivals and honky tonks featuring live music and dancing.
You can also check out some of Nashville’s highly regarded museums and live cultural events, including the state fair, food festivals, fireworks displays, and so much more.
If live events are the best part of a vacation for you, then Awesome April is the time to visit.
Nashville hosts the Country Music Association Awards, the Hot Chicken Festival, and an entire month’s worth of events celebrating Nashville’s music, food, and culture.
Here’s some of the best Nashville summer events you can’t miss:
- Live on the Green – An open-air concert with lots of musical talent, this massive concert brings together both nationally recognized and newcoming bands to the stage. Free on Thursday nights, this event always draws a crowd in August and September, showcasing the amazing diversity and talent of Nashville artists.
- CMA Music Festival – Any fan of country music will be blown away by this amazing June events. Tens of thousands of people head to Nissan Stadium or gather at the expo hall to see the genre’s top talent perform on the big stage. Both legendary and newcomer artists are featured during the events and it’s an amazing 4-day experience during the Nashville summer tourist season.
- Let Freedom Sing! – 4th of July in Nashville is an entirely unique experience. Hundreds of thousands of people gather to see the jaw-dropping fireworks show accompanied by a live Nashville Symphony performance. Head to the river bridges or gather downtown to enjoy this spectacular 4th of July celebration.
- Oktoberfest – With a quarter of a million attendees every year, Oktoberfest offers tons of beer, bratwurst, and other foods to try. The event spans 10 blocks and features live music, a massive slip-and-slide, and the famous dachshund derby, in which a bunch of dogs compete for a prize.
When to Visit Nashville During the Off-Season
If you want to experience the vibrant cultural, culinary, and musical life of Nashville without feeling too crowded, then aim for the end of November through March.
Tourism season starts to slow to a halt near the end of fall and doesn’t pick up until early spring.
Hotels and airlines usually have better rates around this time (just avoid Christmas, obviously), and it’s a great time to see Nashville’s energetic spirit, music, and food that gives it a claim to fame.
Of course, pack your winter clothes if you’re visiting during the off-season.
Nashville sits around the 60-degree mark during the day and drops below freezing at night. Snow is fairly rare, and during the winter months, Nashville is at its least busiest.
As long as you bring plenty of layers for the cold weather, then you can certainly dodge the crowds by visiting during the off-season.
Final Thoughts
Summer is undoubtedly the best time to visit Nashville if you’re aiming to hit all of the big events and experience the authentic downtown Nashville culture. Just make sure you’re prepared for busy crowds and warmer weather.
Of course, if you want to dodge the crowds and see the city in the winter, then the end of November through early March is a great season to visit.
- When Is the Best Time to Visit Cancún?
- Best Time to Visit Oslo (Weather, Tourist Seasons & More)
- Best Time to Visit Darjeeling (Weather, Festivals & More)
- Best Time to Visit Azores for an Unforgettable Vacation
- When Is the Best Time to See Whales In Alaska?
- The Best Time to Visit Oregon for a Memorable Experience
