The state of Tennessee draws thousands of tourists each year. Tennessee is home to several national parks, state parks and wildlife refuges. The varied climate of Tennessee allows visitors to experience and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities.
Most of Tennessee enjoys a mild climate. The state experiences four different seasons. Summers are generally hot, while the winters are typically mild. However, Tennessee has a varied surface area that features several mountains, lakes, rolling hills and rivers, causing variations in climate. Regions with higher elevations, such as the Appalachians, possess a cooler climate.
The Gulf Coastal Plain, which includes Memphis, and the Central Basin surrounding Nashville are the warmest sections of the state. The city of Memphis has an average yearly temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit and a growing season that lasts approximately 235 days. In the higher elevations of eastern Tennessee where the average temperatures are cooler, the growing season drops to approximately 130 days.
Serious storms seldom occur in Tennessee. Most rainfall typically occurs in the winter and spring months. March typically receives the most rainfall, while October is generally the driest month of the year. The eastern mountains including the Appalachians and the Smoky Mountains receives both the most rainfall and the most snowfall.
