TENNESSEE — Tennessee, while not typically known for heavy winter snow, has a long history of measurable snowfall during the month of January, according to historical climate records and averages from the National Weather Service.
Snow events in the Volunteer State are driven by a combination of seasonal temperatures and periodic winter weather systems.
Across Tennessee, January is generally the coldest month of the year. Cities such as Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville record average winter temperatures that can fall below freezing at times, creating conditions that are conducive to snow when precipitation occurs. Snowfall has been observed throughout the state during January in past climate data and averages.
Climate data show that many parts of Tennessee see measurable snowfall in January. For example, average snowfall in January is recorded in multiple cities, reflective of January being the snowiest month of the winter season.
In Nashville, January typically brings measurable snow, with averages nearing around an inch or slightly more in historical datasets.
Elsewhere in the state, especially at higher elevations such as in the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, snowfall amounts can be significantly higher. Some mountain areas average several inches of snow in January, highlighting the variation in snowfall potential across Tennessee.
While average snowfall amounts are relatively modest in much of Tennessee, notable snow events have occurred historically. January storms have brought several inches of snow to parts of Middle and East Tennessee in previous years, demonstrating that measurable snowfall is not uncommon during the month.
State climate records show that snow has occurred regularly in January over many years, and the month often sees more snow than other winter months such as December or February in certain locations.
January’s colder temperatures increase the likelihood that winter precipitation will fall as snow rather than rain when weather systems bring moisture to the region. This, combined with the state’s varied topography, means measurable snow is possible — though the amount can vary widely from year to year and location to location.
While Tennessee does not see the heavy snow typical of northern states, historical climate data clearly indicate that measurable January snowfall is possible and has occurred repeatedly, especially when winter weather systems push cold air and precipitation across the region.
