View Full Version : summer temp in NC TN
What low temperatures should I anticipate along the NC-TN section in late July and August?
notorius tic
05-08-2009, 13:01
low 67 high 90
low 67 high 90
Those sound like numbers for a town in that area. Along the trail, I'm sure it will get to 90's sometimes, mostly 80s. Lows should be more around 55-60, although it might be 70 at hiker midnight on some sultry nights. Occasional dip to 50 possible.
Depends on elevation.
If you're in the valley in Hot Springs, you might have an overnight low in the 60's, maybe even 70's with some clouds following a hot day.
On that same night, if you're on the ridgeline in the Smokies or Roan Mountain, temps may get down in the 40's.
bigcranky
05-08-2009, 14:04
Yeah, I would plan for 50 as the lowest low. Though it really depends on the weather pattern that week -- it could be a lot warmer, even in the mountains.
MoodyBluer
05-08-2009, 14:36
Depends on elevation.
If you're in the valley in Hot Springs, you might have an overnight low in the 60's, maybe even 70's with some clouds following a hot day.
On that same night, if you're on the ridgeline in the Smokies or Roan Mountain, temps may get down in the 40's.
I was at Overmountain Shelter 1st week of August last year and temps dipped into the 40's that night...
Bottom line, and I think the object of your question . . . minimal sleeping bag and maybe convertible pants (zip on the bottom leggings when it gets cool at night) and a light shell jacket (i.e. Marmot Precip) should be all you need.
That's about what I was thinking. Sounds like my fleece bag wouldn't quite do it.
Check it out
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/weather.htm
Big Red 68
05-11-2009, 12:01
hiked from watatuga lake to damascus during mid june last year. all i had was a fleece blanket, like one you get from a hotel. I was fine.
take-a-knee
05-11-2009, 14:35
hiked from watatuga lake to damascus during mid june last year. all i had was a fleece blanket, like one you get from a hotel. I was fine.
You got lucky, in early June we had nights between Bly Gap and Wayah Gap in the forties, you'd have frozen your a$$ off. I'd say you need one-inch of insulation, that'll take you to forty.
really cold nights will be few and far between though. most days will be hot, honestly
Rain Man
05-13-2009, 18:38
I hiked in GA on the AT from July 31 to Aug 3 in '03. Had a 45 degree bag and was COLD at night. I took that bag right back to REI and bought a warmer one when I got home!
Rain:sunMan
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