Best Time to Visit Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a mountain resort nestled beneath the watchful eye of the Smoky Mountains, a primary tourist hotspot. Experience heart-pounding attractions, breathtaking natural beauty, and memories lasting a lifetime. Here, Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country are among the city’s attractions, as are numerous gift shops, outlet malls, amusement rides, and musical theaters.

You would want the best vacation experience depending on what the seasons bring to Pigeon Forge. A frequent question amongst travelers is: when is the best time to visit Pigeon Forge? There is never a bad time to visit Pigeon Forge! However, depending on what you want to do during your trip, some months are better than others.

Here we have put together a list of the best times to visit Pigeon Forge:

Early Spring Season (March-May)

Pigeon Forge is brimming with exciting outdoor adventures! Pigeon Forge is brimming with exciting outdoor adventures! If you want temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold, spring is the best time to visit Pigeon Forge. Temperatures in the 60s and 70s are typical in spring.

Are you looking for a fun trip during the early spring? Try some of the best hotels in Pigeon Forge TN with indoor pools and gamily-sized hot tubs for an unforgettable experience with your family and friends. Munch on some great complimentary treats while enjoying the beautiful backdrops of Pigeon Fork from a relaxing indoor heated pool or picnic tables on the river.

March is the least crowded month of the spring because temperatures can still be cool, but spring is generally less crowded than suer and fall. During this season, average temperatures remain at 60 to 70 degrees, making it an ideal season to explore Pigeon Forge’s outdoor attractions, such as zorbing, zip lining, theme parks, and more. In addition, instead of fall foliage, spring wildflowers will be in bloom. The cost of lodging is also lower this time around.

Major Events

• (During March or April) Patriot Park Easter Egg Hunt: This event hosts an annual event at Wear Farm City Park on Easter Sunday. This event offers inflatables, a free raffle, and a chance to take pictures with the Easter Bunny!
• (From April to May) Bluegrass and BBQ Festival at Dollywood: This festival signals the start of summer and combines the tastiest barbecue in the South with the biggest names in bluegrass music. This Barbecue & Bluegrass festival boasts an outstanding bluegrass lineup and daily free concerts from a diverse set of talented artists. It wouldn’t be a true BBQ without a slab of ribs, pulled pork, and barbecued chicken; this famed event is music to the ears—and a treat for the taste buds!

Midsummer Season (July-August)

Summer is the best time to visit if you want to have fun in the sun and splash around! Pigeon Forge seems to come alive in the summer, thanks to an influx of visitors who come to see what the town offers. Seasonal outdoor pools typically open in May and are ideal to cool off the summer heat. Temperatures in the 70s and 80s are typical this time of year, so you’ll want to cool off at Splash Country, feel the wind whip through your hair on a rollercoaster at Dollywood, and enjoy all of the outdoor activities in and around town. It is also the busiest time of year, which means higher hotel and campground rates and long lines and wait times at some attractions. Purchase your attraction tickets online for a more enjoyable experience and avoid unnecessary hassle.

Major Events

• (Starting from August) Dollywood’s Flower and Food Festival: Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival, presented by Covenant Health, brings spring to life in spectacular color. Seasonal splendor abounds, such as the larger-than-life Mosaicultures bloom throughout the park. Get a taste of the freshest flavors of the garden beneath the rainbow-hued tapestry of an Umbrella Sky, surrounded by live music and colorful blooms.
• Dollywood’s Splash Country: Dollywood’s Splash Country opens for the season in mid-May and is a popular summer attraction for families! Ride the water rides, swim in the pools, or unwind on the Downbound Float Trip. The hottest month in Pigeon Forge is July, so going for a swim is the best way to beat the heat.

Early Fall Season (September-October)

With cool breezes and average temperatures in the 60s and 70s, fall is an ideal time to visit Pigeon Forge. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like camping, mini-golf, and visits to Dollywood without being overwhelmed by the summer crowds. During the autumn, you should be able to speculate some of the surrounding mountains’ beautiful fall foliage. Fall is also another excellent time to visit for outdoor activities. Temperatures are usually a little cooler, but nothing beats the stunning fall foliage around you!

Major Events

• (During September) Chalkfest at the Island: During the annual Chalkfest, professionals and aspiring artists come together at The Island in Pigeon Forge to adorn the sidewalks and walls with chalk artwork. All professional and amateur artists are encouraged to participate in the Chalkfest and put forth their masterpieces. There is no registration cost. All the art supplies are provided for free. But, if you’d rather just watch, see featured artists and vote for your favorite community piece!
• (September 28) Old Mil Heritage Day: Old Mill Heritage Day has something for everyone and is fun for everyone. Throughout the day, the nearly 200-year-old mill is open for free guided tours; visitors can observe stone millwheels grinding corn into high-quality meals and converse with the local miller. Meanwhile, on the front porch, old-timers will be frying cornbread, giving tours, and telling stories about a day in the life of an old grist mill.
• (From September to October) Harvest Festival: Dollywood’s Harvest Festival celebrates the wonder of the changing seasons. Experience the splendor of a Smoky Mountain autumn when the trees burst with vibrant color, the aromas of pumpkin and apple treats surround your senses, and the excitement of thrilling rides echoes through the air.

Midwinter Season (November-February)

January and February are the best months to visit Pigeon Forge to see it transformed into a winter wonderland. While the winter weather in eastern Tennessee is milder than in other parts of the country, snow is common in January and February. Snow has fallen in higher elevations as early as November and March. Snowfall in Pigeon Forge averages 6 inches per year. Temperatures will range from the low 20s and 30s to the high 50s and 60s. Winter is also a good time to visit if you want to enjoy festivals like Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas or the Country Tonite Theatre’s Christmas show.

Major Events

• (November to January) Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede: Your entire family will surely have a great time at the country-inspired event in Branson, MO. You’ll be treated to a four-course home-style meal while being wowed by trick riders and horses. Since 1987, guests at the Dolly Parton Stampede Arena have been impressed by this show that is suitable for the entire family. Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, with all the stops pulled out when it comes to holiday decorating. The arena is transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with a special appearance by Santa. Another highlight is their tall trees standing 60-foot-tall, adorned from the ground up with bright lights, bows, and glistening ornaments, right up to the shining star on top.
• (November to February) Christmas at The Island in Pigeon Forge: The Island in Pigeon Forge is another must-see, with thousands of ornaments, millions of lights, and over a mile of garland. Guests are treated to three different Christmas trees, one of which stands 40 feet tall and can be wandered through; while roving carolers fill the air with Christmas music, Santa and Mrs. Claus greet visitors at their workshop.

Final Thoughts

Pigeon Forge, TN, is undoubtedly a dreamland for those who want to have a great vacation with friends and family. We have explicitly provided all the fun attractions for each season and hope this information will help you plan your next visit to Pigeon Forge.