Nashville in October

Spring and fall hit the sweet spot. March through May brings perfect weather and blooming trees, though you'll compete with spring breakers and CMA Fest crowds. September through November offers the best combination of good weather and manageable crowds. October's particularly gorgeous — the trees turn, the humidity breaks, and festival season winds down. Summer gets sticky. Really sticky. July and August see temperatures in the 90s with humidity that makes walking feel like swimming. But if you can handle the heat, hotel prices drop and you'll have easier access to popular restaurants. Many locals flee to mountain cabins, so the city feels less crowded. Winter's mild but unpredictable. January might hit 60 degrees or bring a rare ice storm that shuts everything down. February through early March tends to be dreary and wet. But you'll find the best hotel deals and shorter lines everywhere. Avoid major event weekends unless that's why you're coming. CMA Fest in June, New Year's Eve, and big football weekends can triple hotel prices and make reservations impossible.