Looking to travel on a budget? Then you’ll want to know the cheapest time to visit Gatlinburg, TN! In this Gatlinburg vacation guide, we’ll let you in on some tips and tricks to save money on your Smoky Mountain getaway.
Yes, Gatlinburg can be an expensive town to visit, but it can also be cheap if you know when to come! With a little bit of planning, Gatlinburg isn’t out of reach for anyone’s budget.
Gatlinburg is a beautiful mountain town in Tennessee that’s perfect for a getaway. There’s plenty to do, from hiking and exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
So when is the best time to visit Gatlinburg if you’re looking to save money?
Read on to find out the cheapest time to visit Gatlinburg, TN.
Cheapest Time To Visit Gatlinburg TN
If you’re looking to save on your next vacation, consider visiting Gatlinburg in January, February or May. These months are typically the least expensive times to travel, due to lower demand.
You can find great deals on hotels and activities during these times, making it easy to stick to your budget.
January and February are off-season in Gatlinburg, meaning you’ll have more affordable options and smaller crowds. During these times, you will see the lowest nightly rates except during Valentine’s week. Weekdays will usually cost less than weekends. Discounts at shops and attractions are also more abundant.
May is another good month to visit if you’re looking for a bargain. It a low-key time to visit and generally have lower rates. Keep in mind that Memorial Day weekend is a busy time, so rates will be higher during this time. If you can travel before or after the holiday weekend, you’ll likely find better deals.
September after Labor day is also a cheap time to visit Gatlinburg. After Labor Day, things usually calm down a bit as the kids are all back in school. Between the peak season and the very busy month of October, September offers far lower rates than that of the surrounding months.
It isn’t the cheapest time to go, but it’s when you can get the most out of your journey, with ideal weather, pricing, and tourist numbers.
Go any plans for Christmas? If you want to see the Gatlinburg Christmas Lights and Smoky Mountains Christmas Lights, a great time to visit is the week after Thanksgiving up to the 10th of December.
Pro Tip: While cabin rental agencies are convenient since they’ll do much of the leg work in finding the perfect cabin for you, they tend to costs more. Working directly with cabin owners will more likely get you lower rates.
For some great deals, be sure to check out discounted rates at GSM Family Vacations during these times.
How Can I Go To Gatlinburg On A Budget?
There are a few ways that you can go about visiting Gatlinburg on a budget.
- One way is to look for Gatlinburg discount tickets and coupons that may be available for some of the attractions in the area.
- Visit during the off-season when there are usually fewer people, and rates are lower.
- Camping or renting a cabin
- Take the Trolley for Cheap Travel; Gatlinburg is walkable as well!
- Explore The Great Smoky Mountains
- Enjoy Cheap Things To Do in Gatlinburg
Some other tips for saving money while vacationing in Gatlinburg include eating meals at home, avoiding tourist traps, and shopping at local stores instead of souvenir shops.
The total cost of your trip to Gatlinburg will depend on how many people you are traveling with, the activities you plan to do, and how long you plan on staying. So make sure you plan ahead of time to avoid overspending.
By following these tips, you can have a great time in Gatlinburg without breaking the bank.
What Can You Do For Free In Gatlinburg, Tennessee?
There are quite a few things that you can do for free in Gatlinburg, Tennessee! For starters, you can explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
You can also take a walk through downtown Gatlinburg and check out all of the unique shops and boutiques. And, last but not least, you can enjoy the stunning views of Gatlinburg from one of the many scenic overlooks!
For more ideas, read our guide on the Top Free Things to do in Gatlinburg.
Where To Stay in Gatlinburg?
There are many different lodging options available in Gatlinburg, TN. However, one of the best ways to save money and still have a great time is to rent a cabin instead of staying in a hotel.
Book a stay at this beautiful 5BR/5BA wooded cabin in Gatlinburg and enjoy over 2600 square feet of finished living space. With two private balconies, a hot tub, and a game room, everyone in your group will have a place to relax and have fun.
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Recommended Gatlinburg Vacation Resources
- Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide
- Pigeon Forge Vacation Guide
- Fun Things to Do in Gatlinburg in March
- Great Smoky Mountains Family Vacations Facebook Group
MORE RELATED RESOURCES
Are you looking to save more money while visiting Gatlinburg, Grab some of these Gatlinburg Discount Tickets and Coupons For Attractions in Gatlinburg. And before you leave for the road, make sure you pack a compact travel camera to capture all the fun!
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