The best time to visit Memphis, Tennessee, is during the spring, between April and early June, or the fall, between mid-September and early November. Although the city that’s alive with the sound of soulful Blues and the sweet sizzle of BBQ all year round, a stay during the so-called shoulder season months means you’ll enjoy an optimal Memphis experience—all while steering clear of the heat, humidity, crowds, and inflated prices of the peak summer period.
During the spring (from April to early June), temperatures sit in the balmy mid-70s°F (mid-20s°C) range. Opt for a post-peak trip between mid-September and early November, and you’ll enjoy comfortable daily highs in the high 60s°F (20°C). With weather like this, you can explore Graceland, discover the thriving music culture of Beale Street, and revel in beautiful green spaces like Overton Park—all without breaking a sweat.
Ready to make some Bluff City memories? Discover when to visit with this complete Memphis weather guide by season and by month!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our Tennessee Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Weather in Memphis
By season
Spring
After the relatively chilly and low-key winter months, the arrival of spring in mid-March nudges Memphis back to life. So, toss the heavy garb and come down ready to play! (But be sure to pack rain gear because spring is the city’s rainy season.)
Running through to the end of May, the spring offers comfortable weather for visitors on the go. Temperatures range from lows in the 50s°F (10°C to 15°C) to highs above 70°F (21°C). You’ll enjoy cool morning temperatures that warm up throughout the day, then cool down again at night. In spring’s early days, that “cool” can feel brisk, so pack a light jacket.
Though the weather is warming, crowds are thin – which means reasonable, family-friendly travel and cheaper hotel rates.
Spring offers ideal weather to check out popular Memphis attractions like the Children’s Museum, the gorgeous 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park, and the world-renowned Memphis Zoo in Overton Park. Enjoy a festival season preview that includes everything from BBQ cook-offs to Elvis tribute artist contests.
Summer
Summer brings the heat to Memphis in more ways than one. Long, hot, and humid, summer in Memphis spans from early June to early September, with some days hitting over 90°F (32°C).
It’s a tough call: You want to max out your vacation experience, but summer is peak tourist season and the hottest time of year in Memphis, so you’re facing large crowds, steamy weather, and steep hotel rates.
If you’re determined to experience the Home of the Blues at its busiest time, do this: book well in advance, pack light clothing—and take comfort in knowing that popular attractions are AC-savvy.
Grab a water bottle (always!) before heading out to famous Memphis attractions like Graceland and the legendary Sun Studios, where legends like Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash made musical history.
Chill at outdoor concerts in Overton Park, or feel the heat and the bluesy beat on iconic Beale Street. Then top off the hot summer day in Memphis with a breezy nightcap on the rooftop of the historic Peabody Hotel.
Fall
With the arrival of fall, you can almost hear Memphis breathe a sigh of relief. In September, the white-hot intensity of summer gives way to a relaxed autumnal glow. Temperatures drop to average daily temperatures in the very comfortable mid-70s°F (about 24°C). You’ll be treated to gloriously dry, sunny weather, but pack some light layers for nights that can be tinged by a pre-winter chill.
After Labor Day, the summer tourist tide subsides, and your wallet will get a break as flight and hotel rates cool. During September and October, you’ll experience the city at its most vibrant as Downtown Memphis comes alive with outdoor festivals and music concerts. Cut loose at the Delta Fair & Music Fest or the Mempho Music Festival. Soak up the welcoming vibe at neighborhood events like the Germantown Festival and the Cooper-Young Festival.
Head beyond the city limits to explore the shores of the majestic Mississippi River. Take a hike along the Big River Trail, and drink in the beauty of a landscape burnished by the colors of fall.
Winter
For budget-conscious travelers who want to avoid the crowds of the high season, winter is a great time to be in Memphis. With tourism at a low ebb from December through March (with the exception of the holidays), you’ll find winter is the cheapest time to visit, especially in February.
The mercury dips in mid-November and stays on the frosty side through March, with temperatures ranging from the upper 20s to the mid-50s°F. But the city’s humidity can make it feel colder than it is, so pack a winter jacket along with warm layers and rain gear.
Don’t let the chill put you off: bundle up and revel in the season. Explore Holiday Wonders at the Memphis Botanic Garden, or take in thousands of twinkling lights with a drive through Shelby Farms, one of the most popular Memphis day trips.
Dig into American history at the National Civil Rights Museum or the Blues Hall of Fame in the South Main neighborhood. Get a cultural infusion and a splash of color at one of Memphis’s coolest art galleries and museums.
By month
January
January is the coldest month in Memphis, with temperatures hitting the freezing mark overnight. Daily temperature averages range from lows of 29.9°F (-1.1°C) to highs of 50°F (10°C).
Memphis generally gets a bit of snow in January, with a total of just under four inches of precipitation. Pack warm layers and a winter jacket; that wind has a bite!
The good news: With rock-bottom flight and hotel rates, January is the cheapest time to visit Memphis. It’s the city’s quiet time, so you’ll have plenty of elbow room. Check out key events like the International Blues Challenge, King Day at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, and the Big E’s birthday celebrations at Graceland.
February
February weather warms up only slightly from January, with temperature averages hovering around 43°F (6°C). February is also wetter than January, averaging nine days of precipitation.
But tourist numbers remain low in February, so it’s an ideal time to take a tour. Take your pick of options ranging from musical excursions to food-and-beverage sampling safaris.
Dive into the fun at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens’ Carnival Family Day. Or check out some only-in-Memphis events. Consider the Bluff City Fire and Ice Polar Bear Plunge & Chili Cook-Off or the Annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show—yes, you read that right!
March
Memphis begins to stir again with the arrival of warmer temperatures in March. Daily highs creep up to about 62°F (17°C). But while humidity levels are low, March can be volatile, with the chance of thunderstorms and tornadoes. It’s also the first of three wet months, with over five inches of precipitation on average.
But don’t let that crimp your style: There’s plenty going on. Join the festivities at Silky O’Sullivan’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the biggest in Memphis. And speaking of big: check out the rhinestones at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Weekend. Or just play it cool at Memphis Brewfest in the Liberty Bowl, featuring loads of food trucks and thirst-quenching you-know-what.
April
In April, the warming trend continues, with temperature averages hovering at 62°F (17°C), even reaching highs of 72°F (22°C). But this is the city’s wettest month, with about 5.5 inches of precipitation. Keep that umbrella handy!
Memphis begins to flex its festival muscles in April, so take advantage and dive in. Check out the World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival, where you can try flavorings you never knew existed.
Practice your patois, and crack into some crawfish at the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival, one of the most popular events in Memphis. Make like a fashionista at Memphis Fashion Week, or rev your engine at the Edge Motor Festival.
May
With the mercury steadily climbing, you can expect a balmy average May temperature of 71°F (2°C). By the end of the month, you’ll even enjoy a few days reaching into the high 80s (over 30°C). But it’s still rainy, with an average of 5.25 inches in precipitation—so don’t stash the umbrella just yet!
May sees a moderate uptick in visitor numbers and hotel prices. The city begins to get its groove back, unleashing boisterous blasts of Blues and the sweet smell and sizzle of barbecue.
Immerse yourself in Memphis in May, a huge event showcasing major attractions like the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and the Blues Music Awards.
June
June sweeps in the first blast of summer heat. Winds from the Gulf of Mexico usher in tropical heat and high humidity levels, along with scattered showers. You can expect average temperatures of 78°F (26°C), with some days topping the 90°F (32°C) mark.
It’s now officially travel season, so book your hotel spot well in advance—and be prepared to take a hit in the wallet.
June hosts a bounty of popular Memphis events. Check out the vibrant Juneteenth Urban Music Festival. Sit back and soak in the beautiful sounds of live concerts at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Sip and savor at the Craft Food & Wine Festival, or fly high at the Bluff City Balloon Jamboree.
July
If you’re planning a visit to Memphis in July, pack light and brace yourself for hot weather and high humidity levels. With daily highs averaging 90°F (32°C), July is the hottest month of the year in Memphis. Slather on the sunscreen and pack a water bottle.
Play it cool by exploring indoor attractions like Memphis museums, art galleries, and music venues. Chow down on amazing food at BBQ hotspots like Bain Barbecue in the trendy Cooper-Young district.
Willing to brave the rays? Savor the flavors at the Memphis Barbecue, Blues & Bourbon Festival, or dive into a family-friendly day of blues at WEVL Blues on the Bluff.
If you’re in town for the 4th of July festivities, stake out a spot along the Mississippi River in Memphis for spectacular fireworks views.
August
The heat and humidity hang on in August—and with the lowest amount of rainfall in the year, this month is both hot and dry. Average temperatures are a little lower than July’s, sitting at about 81°F (27°C). But while the mercury levels remain stubbornly high, Memphis is still buzzing with tourists.
Accommodations are in high demand, especially during Elvis Week. This week-long pilgrimage to Graceland draws thousands of music lovers from around the world, booking as far as a year ahead.
Check out other August highlights, including the Memphis Chicken and Beer Festival and the Mempho Music Festival at Overton Park Shell. Or simply savor the breeze at the Parties on the Peabody Rooftop, featuring live music, cool cocktails, and awesome sunsets over the Mississippi.
September
September brings welcome relief from the scorching summer heat. Average daytime temperatures simmer down to a very comfortable average of 73°F (23°C).
Memphis remains a bustling tourist site through to the end of the Labor Day Weekend. After that, the numbers drop off sharply, giving you a better selection of accommodation at more reasonable prices.
But you’ve still got loads to enjoy—and 13 hours of daylight to take it all in. Kick up your heels and soak up some family-friendly fun at Latin Fest in Overton Park.
Scope out the Cooper-Young district’s annual street festival, the Delta Fair & Music Fest, or the Germantown Festival, featuring the annual Running of the Weenies Dachshund race.
October
October is a golden time in Memphis. You’ll savor mild average temperatures of about 62°F (17°C), along with cooler average lows dropping to 51°F (11°C). You can expect the autumn rains to start at the end of the month, so pack an umbrella.
By the end of September, visitor numbers dwindle, and the pace in the city slows. Hotels and restaurants are more accessible—and easier on the pocketbook.
Take advantage of thinning crowds to enjoy a bounty of fall attractions. Fall foliage hits its peak in mid-month, so stop by the Memphis Botanic Garden to drink in the color.
Dip into some fall favorites like the Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival at Shelby Farms, the Memphis Food & Wine Festival, the River Arts Festival, and a slew of Oktoberfests and Halloween events sprinkled around the city.
November
November marks the transition from fall to winter, with frosty days becoming more frequent mid-month. You can expect average temperatures of around 52°F (11°C) and plenty of rain (about 5.5 inches).
Along with February, November is the cheapest time to visit Memphis. The tourist season is at a low ebb (with the exception of Thanksgiving), and there are fewer major events, so you can expect bargain rates on flights and the most popular hotels in Memphis.
Dodge the rain by planning for some indoor activities. Sample the city’s finest restaurants during Downtown Dining Week. Get stocked up for the holidays at the Memphis Crafts & Drafts Festival Holiday Market, or get into the festive mood at the Graceland Holiday Lighting Weekend.
December
Winter officially arrives in December, and the mercury dips accordingly. Be prepared for some chilly temps, with averages of 42°F (5°C) dipping to lows of about 31°F (-1°C). December also brings over four inches of precipitation, so pack a rain jacket.
Early December is quiet, but the sound level picks up during the holiday season as crowds of revelers arrive to celebrate the New Year. If late December is your planned visit date, book your accommodation early (and expect to pay a higher price).
Holiday markets pop up across the city, and Memphis landmarks are decked out in lights. Memphis plays host to a bevy of family-friendly events, including a Beale Street holiday parade that features marching bands, floats, and a cavalcade of elves on motorcycles. (Really!)
