Spring and fall are more pleasant, with warm days and slightly cooler nights, and for my money, they are by far the best times to visit. In April, the first day that breaks 50[dg]F (10[dg]C), every patio in town will be packed, and spring brings all kinds of crowds to town for everything from the Music City Marathon to the Steeplechase horse race. September and October are similarly moderate in weather and packed with visit-worthy activities, like Oktoberfest and the Southern Festival of Books. Winters can be cold, with daytime temperatures staying below freezing, though it typically only snows once or twice a year. Even when it does, it’s mild, and many of the city’s attractions (Opryland, Cheekwood, the zoo, nearly every hotel downtown) go all out with holiday decor, so it’s a festive time to visit. There are also a fair number of country stars who are at home in Nashville during the holidays, so you may see a spike in concerts during that time. But the bottom line for anyone planning to visit is this: Nashville has arguably the best music scene—acts, venues, and crowds—of any Southern city, so I recommend planning your trip around a show or concert if you’re a music fan (or even if you’re not). If you don’t experience live music while you’re in Nashville, have you really been to Nashville?
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
