Will I need a jacket in Knoxville in December?

Yes — average lows hit about 31°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.

Is December rainy in Knoxville?

Expect roughly 10 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

How should I layer for Knoxville in December?

With a daily range of about 31°F–51°F, plan on layers you can add or shed: a base layer, a mid-weight top, and an outer layer for the cool ends of the day.

December Packing List for Knoxville – What to Wear & Bring

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Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Heavy Winter CoatEssential
Knoxville's December lows hit 31°F, so a heavy coat is vital for walking around Market Square.
Thermal Base LayersEssential
Since mountain weather in the nearby Smoky Mountains can be 20-30°F colder than Knoxville, bring thermals for day trips.
Sweaters/KnitsEssential
Essential for layering as temperatures swing from 31°F lows to 51°F highs throughout the city.
Waterproof Hiking BootsEssential
Necessary if you head into the Great Smoky Mountains where precipitation occurs on roughly 10 days of the month in the Knoxville area.
Insulated BootsEssential
To protect against the freezing 31°F lows when walking through downtown Knoxville.
Warm BeanieEssential
Keeps heat in when temperatures drop to the low 30s near the Tennessee River basin in Knoxville.
GlovesEssential
Crucial for staying warm during Knoxville outdoor events when temperatures hit the freezing 31°F mark.
Hand WarmersEssential
A lifesaver when temperatures drop to the freezing 31°F lows during outdoor events in Knoxville.

Clothing

Heavy Winter CoatEssential
Knoxville's December lows hit 31°F, so a heavy coat is vital for walking around Market Square.
Thermal Base LayersEssential
Since mountain weather in the nearby Smoky Mountains can be 20-30°F colder than Knoxville, bring thermals for day trips.
Flannel or Heavy Button-DownsRecommended
Perfect for that Tennessee casual style while staying warm during those 51°F highs in Knoxville.
Sweaters/KnitsEssential
Essential for layering as temperatures swing from 31°F lows to 51°F highs throughout the city.
Durable JeansRecommended
Durable enough for exploring Knoxville's Old City during the 10 days of potential rain expected this month.

Footwear

Waterproof Hiking BootsEssential
Necessary if you head into the Great Smoky Mountains where precipitation occurs on roughly 10 days of the month in the Knoxville area.
Comfortable Walking ShoesRecommended
Ideal for navigating the flat, walkable entertainment district of Market Square and Old City during mild 51°F afternoons in Knoxville.
Insulated BootsEssential
To protect against the freezing 31°F lows when walking through downtown Knoxville.

Accessories

Warm BeanieEssential
Keeps heat in when temperatures drop to the low 30s near the Tennessee River basin in Knoxville.
ScarfRecommended
A versatile layer for the variable December weather where highs reach only 51°F in Knoxville.
GlovesEssential
Crucial for staying warm during Knoxville outdoor events when temperatures hit the freezing 31°F mark.

Gear

Compact UmbrellaRecommended
To stay dry during the 10 days of precipitation expected throughout the month in Knoxville.
DaypackRecommended
Useful for carrying extra layers when traveling from Knoxville to the Smoky Mountains where temps can be 20°F lower than the city average.
Hand WarmersEssential
A lifesaver when temperatures drop to the freezing 31°F lows during outdoor events in Knoxville.

Local tips for Knoxville in December

Always pack an extra layer if you plan to leave the city, as the Great Smoky Mountains can be significantly colder than downtown Knoxville.

Embrace the 'Tennessee casual' look with denim and layers for a perfect game-day vibe at UT or exploring Market Square.

Check local forecasts before heading into the mountains, as mountain weather is much more unpredictable than the valley humidity of the city.

FAQ — Knoxville in December

Yes — average lows hit about 31°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.
Expect roughly 10 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
With a daily range of about 31°F–51°F, plan on layers you can add or shed: a base layer, a mid-weight top, and an outer layer for the cool ends of the day.

More tools for Knoxville in December

What to wear

Outfit ideas for Knoxville in December →

Layering looks and style guidance matched to the month's weather.

Best shoes

Shoe picks for December →

Waterproof, breathable, insulated — matched to the month.

Pack or skip

Umbrella? Winter coat? Sunscreen? →

Item-by-item verdict for December.

Comfort check

Will I be cold or hot? →

Day and night temp bands for December.

Packing tools

Decide jackets, outfits, shoes, and bag fees for Knoxville in December

Free calculators — city and month pre-filled when we know them. No account required. Start with how many outfits, sudoku packing, or bag fees.

Trip

Planning a trip to one city?

One city → typical weather for your month, packing counts that fit your bags, and email your plan.

Outfits

How many outfits for this trip?

Trip length, bag size, and climate → exact tops, bottoms, layers, and outfit combinations.

Jacket

Not sure about a jacket?

City + month → base / mid / shell stack and pack-or-skip verdicts for rain jacket, coat, and thermals.

Shoes

Shoes for this climate?

Climate, activities, and bag size → pair count, primary/backup types, and climate-matched picks.

Bags

Will this trip cost bag fees?

Airline + fare bucket + bags you plan to bring → fit verdicts and typical carry-on / checked fee ranges.

Capsule

Try sudoku packing for this climate?

City + month → climate-ready 3 tops / 3 bottoms / 3 layers you can edit — up to 27 mix-and-match outfits.

All packing tools

December Packing List for Knoxville — What to Wear & Bring

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