Knoxville
A river city in the Appalachians with 1982 World's Fair landmarks, a University of Tennessee campus and a short drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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Knoxville is the largest city in East Tennessee, on the Tennessee River in the Appalachian Mountains. It is the county seat of Knox County and the state's first capital, named after Revolutionary War general Henry Knox. Downtown holds restaurants, bars, shops and galleries in the Old City, along Gay Street and around Market Square.
Visitors come for the 1982 World's Fair landmarks, including the Sunsphere beside the Tennessee Amphitheater, and for the University of Tennessee campus, where Cumberland Avenue, known as The Strip, is lined with restaurants. The city is a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about 20 miles south. Knoxville's Dogwood Arts Festival, a 17-day event in April, adds art shows, crafts, food and live music. Summers are hot and humid, with a July daily average of 78.4°F (25.8°C).
Knoxville in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Knoxville
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
21
- Feels like
- 21°
- Humidity
- 53%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 11%
Knoxville
05:39 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today21°9°11%Monday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 11%.
- Tue25°11°4%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 25°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Wed24°17°79%Wednesday: Rain. High 24°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 79%.
- Thu21°14°79%Thursday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 14°. Chance of rain 79%.
- Fri19°11°12%Friday: Cloudy. High 19°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Sat16°8°3%Saturday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 3%.
- Sun14°8°14%Sunday: Drizzle. High 14°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 14%.
Updated 01:13 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Knoxville
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Rules for Knoxville, checked
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries apply for an ESTA before flying to the US. Other visitors need a US visa. Check eligibility and entry rules on the US State Department site (travel.state.gov) before you fly.Source
- Declare any food, plants or animal products on your CBP declaration. Check the current list of restricted items on the US Customs and Border Protection site (cbp.gov).Source
- Liquids in carry-on bags must follow TSA size limits at Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport. Check the current rules on tsa.gov before you pack.Source
- Dial 911 for police, fire or ambulance in an emergency. The local telephone area code for Knox County is 865.
Plan around Knoxville
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideKnoxville FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.