Retirement Lists

Knoxville, Tennessee

A vibrant aerial view of the iconic Sunsphere amidst fall foliage in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Knoxville climate

Knoxville's four seasons can make outdoor life feel varied and demanding

Knoxville's average summer high is 86°F, with about 23 days above 90°F. The average winter low is 33°F, with about 66 days below freezing. Seven months are listed as comfortable, April through October are the best months, and January, February, and December are the toughest.

Humidity is 76 percent, allergies are marked poor, and the long term fine particle figure is a modeled 6.7 micrograms per cubic meter average for 2021 to 2025. These climate summaries describe a planning baseline rather than one home's comfort. Heating, cooling, pollen, rain, shade, and indoor alternatives all matter.

Living through the seasons

Summers are the easier season. Winter comfort deserves a closer look.

Overall Comfort
Good

3.3 / 5

Average Summer High
86°F

Warm · 86°F

Days Above 90°F
23 days/year

Excellent

Summer Feel
Very Good

4.1 / 5

Average Winter Low
33°F / 1°C

Very Good

Days Below Freezing
66 days/year

Good

Winter Feel
Good

2.9 / 5

The shape of the year

Humidity, comfortable months, and sunshine show how the seasons differ.

Humidity
76%

Good

Comfortable Months
7 months

Good

Solar Exposure
1599 peak sun hrs/yr

Poor

Air, allergies, and weather

Air quality and allergies shape day to day comfort. The best months and weather risks help with timing.

Air and allergies

Air Quality
Excellent

4.7 / 5

Allergy Levels
Poor

Current AQI

Checking…

Current PM2.5

Checking…

Timing and weather

Long Term Fine Particle Pollution
6.7 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average

Good · 6.7 µg/m³ 2021-2025 modeled average

Best Months
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Toughest Months
Jan, Feb, Dec
Heat Risk
Moderate

Good

Drought Risk
Low
Weather Volatility
Moderate

3.4 / 5

Knoxville in everyday life

Could Knoxville work for you?

What may work well

  • April through October are listed as the best months, and seven months are listed as comfortable.
  • The average summer high is 86°F, while the city still offers gardens, parks, greenways, and outdoor choices through much of the year.
  • Spring and fall can support longer outdoor plans before winter cold and summer heat narrow the day.
  • The modeled long term fine particle figure is 6.7 micrograms per cubic meter for 2021 to 2025.

What to think about

  • The average winter low is 33°F, with about 66 freezing days that affect heating, stairs, driveways, and care routes.
  • An average summer high of 86°F, humidity, rain, and about 23 days above 90°F make timing and cooling important.
  • Pollen, rain, windows, insulation, ventilation, roof condition, and seasonal maintenance affect the indoor year.
  • Climate and modeled air summaries cannot describe one home's comfort or personal exposure.

Compare Knoxville's home through the whole year

  1. Visit in winter and summer

    Spend time in a cold month and a hot month when possible, noticing freezing surfaces, heating, cooling, humidity, hills, rain, and the return home.

  2. Price heating and cooling

    Ask about utilities, insulation, windows, roof, drainage, shade, ventilation, heating service, air conditioning, and seasonal maintenance.

  3. Plan outdoor alternatives

    Use spring through fall for longer walks, gardens, parks, and visits, while keeping shorter routes and indoor choices available in the toughest months.

  4. Check allergies and home care

    Ask how the household will manage pollen, rain, wet gear, ventilation, heating, cooling, storage, and the route to care when weather changes.

Questions retirees ask

What are Knoxville's typical summer and winter temperatures?

The average summer high is 86°F and the average winter low is 33°F. The display shows about 23 days above 90°F and 66 days below freezing, while shade, heating, cooling, hills, rain, and the home still affect personal comfort.

Does Knoxville have a real winter?

Yes. The average winter low is 33°F, with about 66 days below freezing. Heating, insulation, stairs, driveway slope, lighting, parking, and winter routes deserve attention when comparing homes.

How many comfortable months does Knoxville have?

The published climate display lists seven comfortable months, with April through October among the best months. January, February, and December are listed as the toughest months, so the home should work during the colder part of the year too.

Is Knoxville humid or affected by pollen?

The displayed humidity is 76 percent and the allergy row is marked poor. Ask about ventilation, windows, heating, cooling, storage for wet gear, pollen, and the cost of keeping the home comfortable.

What does Knoxville's air quality figure mean?

The long term fine particle figure is a modeled 6.7 micrograms per cubic meter average for 2021 to 2025. It is a planning baseline, not a current street reading or a guarantee about personal exposure.

Knoxville may suit a retiree who wants four seasons and a long middle season for parks, gardens, and outdoor time, provided the home handles freezing days, summer warmth, rain, humidity, pollen, and indoor comfort. Visit in different seasons, then use Save, Compare, or Find my fit.

Sources

Climate comfort helps estimate how practical daily life may feel across the year, especially for heat, humidity, cold, and seasonal constraints.

Seasonal timing, health conditions, air conditioning, air quality, and elevation can change the lived experience.

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