Pack smart
What to wear, month by month.
Boots are a given. The rest depends on the month, the activity and one speakeasy’s dress code.
Weather by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | For your weekend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 49°F | 30°F | 4.0 in | Coat weather. Indoor honky-tonks and speakeasies. |
| February | 54°F | 33°F | 4.5 in | Cold nights; layers over the outfit. |
| March | 63°F | 40°F | 4.5 in | Mild days, chilly nights. Big SEC Tournament crowds mid-month in 2027. |
| April | 73°F | 49°F | 4.7 in | Spring trips fill up. Pack a rain plan. |
| May | 80°F | 58°F | 5.0 in | Warm and the rainiest month on average. |
| June | 88°F | 66°F | 4.4 in | Hot. CMA Fest crowds June 10–13 in 2027. |
| July | 91°F | 71°F | 4.2 in | The hottest month. Shade, water, lake days. |
| August | 90°F | 69°F | 3.8 in | Still hot and humid. |
| September | 84°F | 62°F | 3.8 in | Warm days, nicer nights. |
| October | 74°F | 50°F | 3.4 in | Often the sweet spot, and the driest month on average. |
| November | 61°F | 39°F | 3.9 in | Cool; jackets at night. |
| December | 52°F | 33°F | 4.4 in | Cold; holiday crowds downtown. |
30-year averages (1991–2020) for Nashville International Airport from NOAA’s U.S. Climate Normals. They aren’t forecasts.
What to wear, by activity
- Broadway: boots you’ve broken in, a small crossbody bag and a phone charger. You’ll stand for hours.
- Party bus or wagon: it’s open-air (except the Nashville Tractor), so bring a layer after dark and sunscreen by day.
- Pedal bar: sneakers or flat boots; you’re pedaling.
- Lake day: swimsuit, cover-up, sunscreen and water shoes. Captains supply coolers and floats, per reviews.
- Red Phone Booth: its posted dress code rules out tank tops, athletic wear, flip-flops, open-toed shoes, ball caps and ripped clothing. Details.
- The Bluebird Cafe: anything goes, but it’s a quiet room; save the sashes and the noise for later.
Matching outfits
Most groups pick a theme per night (all pink, all black, denim and rhinestones). Decide early so people can order online; boots and hats are cheaper to bring than to buy on Broadway.