May Packing List for Knoxville — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Lightweight T-shirtsEssential

  Knoxville's 79°F afternoon highs make breathable cotton tops essential for staying cool while walking Market Square.

• Waterproof rain shellEssential

  With 11 days of precipitation expected in Knoxville, a shell is vital for sudden spring storms.

• Walking sneakersEssential

  Walking sneakers are perfect for the flat terrain of Knoxville's Market Square when temperatures hit 79°F.

• Compact umbrellaEssential

  A compact umbrella is essential for navigating Knoxville's 11 rainy days during the spring storm season.

• Reusable water bottleEssential

  A reusable water bottle is essential for the humid Tennessee River basin in Knoxville when temperatures reach 79°F.

Clothing

• Lightweight T-shirtsEssential

  Knoxville's 79°F afternoon highs make breathable cotton tops essential for staying cool while walking Market Square.

• A light denim jacketRecommended

  A light denim jacket is essential for Knoxville evenings when temperatures drop to 56°F in the Tennessee River basin.

• Waterproof rain shellEssential

  With 11 days of precipitation expected in Knoxville, a shell is vital for sudden spring storms.

• Hiking pantsRecommended

  Hiking pants are necessary for the Great Smoky Mountains where it is much colder than Knoxville's 79°F highs.

Footwear

• Walking sneakersEssential

  Walking sneakers are perfect for the flat terrain of Knoxville's Market Square when temperatures hit 79°F.

• Waterproof hiking bootsRecommended

  Sturdy hiking boots are needed for the Appalachian trail terrain during Knoxville's 11 rainy days.

• Casual sandalsOptional

  Casual sandals are ideal for the humid Tennessee River basin in Knoxville when highs reach 79°F.

Accessories

• Compact umbrellaEssential

  A compact umbrella is essential for navigating Knoxville's 11 rainy days during the spring storm season.

• Polarized sunglassesRecommended

  Polarized sunglasses are a must for the bright Tennessee sun in Knoxville's Old City when it hits 79°F.

• Lightweight scarfRecommended

  A lightweight scarf is helpful for Knoxville evenings when the low temperature drops to 56°F.

Gear

• DaypackRecommended

  A daypack is vital for carrying layers into the Great Smoky Mountains where it's much cooler than Knoxville's 79°F highs.

• Reusable water bottleEssential

  A reusable water bottle is essential for the humid Tennessee River basin in Knoxville when temperatures reach 79°F.

• Packable rain ponchoOptional

  A packable rain poncho is useful for staying dry during Knoxville's 11 rainy days in May.