So, you’re looking at Pigeon Forge weather for this weekend. Honestly, the forecast is doing that classic Smoky Mountain thing where it can't quite decide if it wants to be a winter wonderland or just a chilly afternoon. If you've spent any time in Sevier County during January, you know the drill. One minute you're enjoying the Winterfest lights, and the next you're digging through your trunk for that heavy coat you swore you wouldn't need.
Basically, the vibe for January 16 through January 18 is "layer up or regret it." We are looking at a weekend that starts with a bit of a damp chill and ends with crisp, bright sunshine—but with a significant temperature drop that'll catch you off guard if you're only dressed for a light stroll.
Breaking Down the Pigeon Forge Weather for This Weekend
It looks like the weekend kicks off with some mood lighting. On Friday, January 16, the daytime high is hitting 46°F. Not too bad, right? But there’s a catch. We’re expecting light rain during the day, which usually makes that 40-something degrees feel a lot more biting. As the sun goes down, things get interesting. The low is plummeting to 22°F, and that rain is expected to transition into a mix of rain and snow. There’s a 45% chance of snow overnight, so don't be shocked if the Parkway looks a little dusted by Saturday morning.
Saturday stays fairly stubborn. The high only reaches 39°F under mostly cloudy skies. It’s going to be breezy, too, with west winds around 14 mph. That wind chill is the real story here. Even if the sun peeks out, you’ll feel that mountain air pushing right through a thin hoodie. By Saturday night, the clouds start to break, but the temperature stays low at 24°F.
Sunday is arguably the prettiest day, but also the coldest. We’re talking full sun, clear skies, and a high of just 33°F. It’s that perfect, sharp winter light that makes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park look incredible, but you’ll want to be moving to stay warm. The low Sunday night hits 20°F.
What This Means for Your Plans
If you're heading into town for the Smoky Mountain Ultimate Elvis Weekend, you're in luck since most of that is happening indoors at the Grand Smokies Event Center. You can enjoy the tribute artists without worrying about the flurries. However, if you're planning on hitting the Wonders of Light Walking Trail or doing the Winterfest driving tour, Friday night and Saturday might be a little slick.
For the hikers out there, the higher elevations are a different beast. While Pigeon Forge might just see a dusting, places like Newfound Gap or Alum Cave will likely be holding onto that snow from Friday night.
A Quick Reality Check on Packing
- Waterproof Boots: Essential for Friday’s rain-to-snow transition.
- Wool Socks: Don't even mess with cotton this weekend. Once your feet get cold in 33-degree weather, the day is basically over.
- The "Pigeon Forge Uniform": A base layer, a fleece, and a wind-resistant outer shell. You’ll be shedding and adding layers every time you go from the car to a shop or a theater.
- Gloves and Hats: You’ll definitely want these for the Sunday morning stroll at The Island.
The Verdict on the Weekend Forecast
The transition from a soggy Friday to a frozen Sunday is pretty typical for East Tennessee this time of year. The National Weather Service and local outlets like WBIR are pointing toward this Arctic air hanging around for a bit, so don't expect a sudden warmup.
The good news? The "rain and snow" mix on Friday night into Saturday morning usually isn't enough to shut down the main roads in Pigeon Forge, though it can make the steeper cabin driveways a bit of a challenge. If you're staying in a high-elevation cabin, maybe grab your groceries before the sun sets on Friday just in case.
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Actionable Next Steps:
Check the Great Smoky Mountains National Park social media or the NPS website on Saturday morning before heading toward Gatlinburg; they often close Newfound Gap Road (US-441) when the temperatures drop and moisture hits like this. If you're staying in a cabin, check if your host provides salt for the porch or driveway, as that Friday night freeze will turn any leftover rain into a sheet of ice by Saturday morning.