When does weather "turn" Chattanooga (outdoor cafes, etc) (Charleston: spring break, live in)

[Chi-Guy]

Hi all,

Looking at visiting the Scenic City some time in early 2018 and wanted to see when it is that the city comes out of hibernation, so-to-speak, with outdoor cafes, activities, etc. We have the chance of possible coming down in late March, but I can't help but wonder if we would miss out on much of what Chattanooga has to offer because it is still winter.

Thank you.

[shinestx]

Weather in March is still hit-or-miss, but count on it still being chilly. Late April usually brings us the first warm weekend... at least as can be counted on to be balmy enough to plan outdoor activities.

The weather in March should at least be decent enough that you can walk around (bundled up) and enjoy our indoor activities. You can even get up to Point Park and the usual touristy stuff with the typical March weather.

[Chi-Guy]

Thanks for the insight. I have no interest driving 8-9 hours to come to Chattanooga just to be stuck indoors. That said, being from Chicago - our tolerance of cold might be a little bit different than the typical SE Tennessean's tolerance.

All things considered, though - it sounds like late April is when things "open up" for the season. I was hoping to be able to make it down in late March, but I appreciate the advice.

[unbeliever]

I'm not from the area, but we spent Spring Break in TN last year and it was unbearably muggy in Chattanooga at the end of March. I had the AC on all day.

[keithps]

Late March is a fairly unpredictable time of the year. It can range anywhere from 40 for a high, to 80, depending on what weather systems are coming through. The average high is going to be in the mid-60's, so it's actually a pretty good time of year for a visit, so long as you're aware the weather can rapidly change.

[JRadV]

Originally Posted by Chi-Guy

That said, being from Chicago - our tolerance of cold might be a little bit different than the typical SE Tennessean's tolerance.

As a fellow Northerner who has lived in the South for past 8 years, this is definitely true.

"Bundle Up" weather down here is anything below 60 to most people, so barring any freak arctic blasts, you should be fine to do almost any outdoor activity (sans swimming in a lake).

We just moved to Chattanooga earlier this year (Charleston before that), but we've come to Chattanooga almost every December/January since 2012, and the places with outdoor patios still had space heaters and people sitting out there with their coffee.

Either way, I can't imagine you'll miss much that the city has to offer in mid-to-late-March.

[Whiskey Tango]

Originally Posted by Chi-Guy

Thanks for the insight. I have no interest driving 8-9 hours to come to Chattanooga just to be stuck indoors. That said, being from Chicago - our tolerance of cold might be a little bit different than the typical SE Tennessean's tolerance.

All things considered, though - it sounds like late April is when things "open up" for the season. I was hoping to be able to make it down in late March, but I appreciate the advice.

My wife and I live in WI currently, have found traveling to Chattanooga in mid April and later has been short sleeve weather. Yes I know bad weather fronts can pop up and wreck a vacation just about anywhere, but we have been doing these early spring trips to the area for about 6 years and haven't been discouraged yet.

[Chi-Guy]

Originally Posted by JRadV

As a fellow Northerner who has lived in the South for past 8 years, this is definitely true.

"Bundle Up" weather down here is anything below 60 to most people, so barring any freak arctic blasts, you should be fine to do almost any outdoor activity (sans swimming in a lake).

We just moved to Chattanooga earlier this year (Charleston before that), but we've come to Chattanooga almost every December/January since 2012, and the places with outdoor patios still had space heaters and people sitting out there with their coffee.

Either way, I can't imagine you'll miss much that the city has to offer in mid-to-late-March.

Thank you. We're looking at a possibly April 1st or thereabouts trip.