Weather, what to expect? warm/cold? Davenport gap to Hot Springs around October 12th.

[AchillesAT]

Curious how light i can pack or if it is cold in this section around early - mid October.

[Dan Roper]

Anything from sunny, mild and lovely to cold and wet with wind and snow. The odds are in your favor but check as the time nears, lest you get caught unawares in a Superstorm Sandy-type blizzard.

[liteweight]

Agree with Dan. Prepare for pleasant days and cold nights, but check the forecast as it gets closer. Weather can be unpredictable this time of year.

[Fredt4]

TEMPERATURE HISTORY

12/16

High
Low

Forecast

44°
27°

Average

49°
31°

Last Year

64°
45°

Record

74°1984

2°1989

Weather is now easily predicted up to 3 months. When I was much younger a week away was a guess. The ease of predictions is quite amazing and given the accuracy it's even more so.

[Fredt4]

Hot Springs, NC

12

73°
47°

13

74°
46°

14

74°
45°

15

73°
46°

16

74°
46°

17

73°
47°

18

72°
48°

19

67°
47°

20

73°
38°

21

70°
47°

22

65°
48°

23

71°
47°

[HooKooDooKu]

The climate average (per the GSMNP web site) is that at lower elevations the average Hi/Lo is 73º/46º.
"Normal" weather can easily be +/- about 10º to 15º from normal. So even without any extreme weather events, you are LIKELY to encounter temperatures somewhere between freezing and something in the 80s.

So come about Oct 5th thru 10th, start checking local forecasts for near-by towns before doing your final packing.

[Fredt4]

I say ignore the weather forecast as it won't help you pack for the trip. Take the necessary gear knowing that the weather won't have any extremes. You'll need rain gear, and a sleeping bag appropriate but what do you do for a very cold night that slips down to 35's or a bit lower.