What Should You Pack for a Nashville Trip?

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Pack comfortable, broken-in shoes first, then clothes for the season (Nashville’s July highs average about 91°F and its January lows about 30°F), a light rain layer for any time of year, and a small crossbody bag that stays on you in crowds and fits arena bag rules. If you plan to buy or wear cowboy boots, bring a pair you have already broken in or plan to wear new ones only in the evening.

Shoes Come First

A Nashville trip involves a lot of walking and standing: museums, Lower Broadway, standing at a bar during a set, and neighborhood strips. Bring at least one pair of shoes you can walk in all day. If you want to wear boots, wear them in the evening, or break them in at home before the trip.

Clothes by Season

These are the 1991 to 2020 normal highs and lows for Nashville International Airport (NOAA normals).

Season Typical high / low Pack
Winter (Dec to Feb) about 49 to 54°F / 30 to 33°F a warm coat, layers, gloves; shoes with grip in case of ice
Spring (Mar to May) about 63 to 80°F / 40 to 58°F layers, a rain jacket, one warmer piece for evenings
Summer (Jun to Aug) about 88 to 91°F / 66 to 71°F light, breathable clothes, a hat, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle
Fall (Sep to Nov) about 84 down to 61°F / 62 down to 39°F short sleeves early in the season, a jacket by November

Rain falls in every month (no month averages less than about 3.4 inches), so a compact umbrella or rain layer earns its place year round. For more detail, see what the weather is like in Nashville.

What to Wear Out

Nashville is casual. Jeans and a nice top work for casual restaurants and for the honky-tonks on Broadway, and boots and hats are welcome but optional. For a fine-dining reservation or a dressier show, bring one smarter outfit. The details are in the dress code in Nashville.

Small Items That Make the Trip Easier

  • A crossbody bag or small daypack. Hands-free is easier in a crowded bar, and arenas limit bag size. Bridgestone Arena, for example, strongly discourages bags and prohibits any bag larger than 12 by 12 by 6 inches (Bridgestone Arena bag policy). Check the policy for any venue you plan to visit.
  • A phone charger or battery pack. Your phone will carry tickets, maps, and rideshare apps.
  • Cash in small bills. Useful for tipping bands in the honky-tonks.
  • Sunscreen and a water bottle from late spring through early fall.
  • Earplugs if you are a light sleeper staying downtown, where Broadway runs late.

What to Leave at Home

You do not need a full western wardrobe. If you want boots or a hat, you can buy them in Nashville and wear them that night. Leave large bags at the hotel on concert and game days, and pack light enough to carry your bag up a flight of stairs if your hotel or rental has no elevator.

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