The Best Times to Visit Nashville, According to Locals

Here’s when to visit Nashville for smaller crowds, lower prices, and some of the best country music in the world.

Nashville, Tennessee — a city known for its food, live music, museums, and photogenic murals — might be a year-round destination, but travelers can benefit from timing their trips based on their ideal experiences. If you’re visiting with children, for instance, consider booking your trip in May or June. “Strolling through the Nashville Zoo, enjoying Cumberland Park's splash pad, or attending a game with the Nashville Sounds Minor League Baseball team are all classic summertime activities for the whole family,” says Lauren Kashtan, front desk and concierge supervisor at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville and member of Les Clef d'Or USA.

Spring and early summer tend to appeal to tourists the most, thanks to the concert lineup and other live music events, but fall is also popular. “Another surge happens from September to October as summer heat fades, ushering in fall with beautiful weather and cozy Southern vibes,” says Claire Turner, Nashville native and the lead concierge at Noelle.

• High Season: April to October

• Shoulder Seasons: November to December, March

• Low Season: January and February

Lauren Kashtan is the front desk and concierge supervisor at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville and a member of Les Clef d'Or USA.

Claire Turner is a Nashville native and the lead concierge at Noelle, voted one of the top hotels in Nashville by T+L readers in 2023.

Interested in planning a trip to Music City? Read on for the best times to visit Nashville for music festivals, lower prices, and more.

Related: T+L’s Guide to Visiting Nashville

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

Nashville is busiest when the weather is nice — usually from the late spring through early fall — and crowds tend to depart as winter’s colder temperatures and general grayness set in. “From mid-November to February, things slow down. It's a great time for a less crowded experience,” says Turner. There are a few exceptions, as holiday decor and festivities tempt travelers, and larger events like the Music City Bowl and New Year’s Eve celebrations cause an increase in tourists.

While it’s typically quieter around the city this time of year, Turner reminds travelers that “live music is a constant.” No matter when you visit Music City, you’ll be able to find your fair share of country tunes and talented musicians at legendary Nashville spots like Robert’s Western World, The Bluebird Cafe, and the Ryman Auditorium.

Related: 30 Best Things to Do in Nashville, From Civil Rights Exhibits to Live Music

Best Times to Visit for Good Weather

“Our city comes to life and draws crowds when the weather is best, typically from March through May,” says Turner. Take advantage of these warmer temperatures and fresh air by walking around Cheekwood Estate and Botanical Gardens, which is exceptionally stunning when the flowers are in full bloom. If you can’t find time in your calendar for a spring trip to Nashville, autumn is another great option. “Fall weather between September and October is beautiful,” says Kashtan, who also shares how “people are drawn to Nashville and the surrounding areas for its natural beauty.”

To tour the Southern city without experiencing higher temperatures and unpleasant humidity, steer clear of July and August. Winter, on the other hand, is usually relatively mild. It does come with a dose of wet and damp conditions, though — so you’ll need to bundle up accordingly.

Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices

For lower nightly rates, look to visit from November through March. “Hotel prices vary, but high occupancy during the busy seasons in spring and fall can drive up rates,” says Turner. You’re also more likely to find better hotel deals if you “plan carefully around large-scale events, such as the Music City Grand Prix, CMA Fest, sporting events, Fourth of July, and New Year’s Eve, when thousands of people converge on downtown Nashville,” says Kashtan.

Budget-conscious travelers should also be aware of various Nashville activities that are completely free — even during high season. If the weather permits, go on a long hike around Radnor Lake, make it a point to see every mural in the city, or window shop in the 12 South neighborhood.

Related: 13 Free Things to Do on Your Next Trip to Nashville

Best Times to Visit for Concerts and Festivals

To experience Nashville in all its live music and entertainment glory, time your visit between April and September. “Spring kicks off the busiest part of concert season, bringing everything back to life,” says Turner. Kashtan echoes her sentiment, noting that Nashville “offers a variety of festivals with the warmer weather, such as the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival and the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival,” both of which take place in April. Nashville Comedy Festival and East Nashville Beer Fest also dot the April calendar, and CMA Fest and Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman follow in June and July, respectively. When September arrives, it brings along AmericanaFest and Cheekwood Harvest, two can’t-miss Nashville events.

Worst Times to Visit

Is there a truly bad time to visit Nashville? Our experts don’t think so. “Some think there's not much to do when it's cold, but that's not true. I'd encourage anyone to visit any time; each season has its charm, and there are experiences to be found all year long,” says Turner. If you’re crowd-adverse, you may want to avoid specific weekends. “Nissan Stadium concerts, Music City Grand Prix, and the New Year’s Eve Big Bash bring great crowds to Nashville,” says Kashtan, so be sure to do a quick audit of the city’s planned programming ahead of booking your trip.

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