Best time to visit · Memphis · United States
The best time to visit Memphis
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Memphis is April to May and October to November, when days are about 17–28°C and comfortable for walking, festivals and barbecue. Summer is hot and humid but brings Elvis Week in August, and winter is mild and quiet with low hotel prices.
Key facts
- Best months
- April–May and October–November
- Shoulder season
- March, June and September
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 33°C (91°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 10°C (50°F))
- Rainiest month
- March (~11 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- February
Seasons
Memphis has a humid subtropical climate: long, hot and humid summers with highs around 33°C, mild winters with occasional ice or snow, and spring storms. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
March–May
Spring
Mild, blooming and festive, with Memphis in May and the barbecue contest, though spring storms can be strong.
June–August
Summer
Hot and humid with highs above 30°C and afternoon storms; Elvis Week fills Graceland and nearby hotels in August.
September–November
Autumn
Warm September gives way to dry, comfortable October and November days, with neighbourhood festivals.
December–February
Winter
Cool and damp with occasional ice, Elvis's birthday celebration, the International Blues Challenge and low prices.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C | 0°C | 10 | 10 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 13°C | 2°C | 10 | 10.9 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| March | 18°C | 7°C | 11 | 11.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 23°C | 11°C | 10 | 13 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 28°C | 17°C | 10 | 14 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 32°C | 21°C | 9 | 14.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 33°C | 23°C | 9 | 14.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 33°C | 23°C | 7 | 13.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 30°C | 19°C | 7 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 24°C | 12°C | 7 | 11.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 17°C | 6°C | 9 | 10.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 11°C | 2°C | 10 | 9.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Elvis Presley birthday celebration at Graceland (around 8 January); International Blues Challenge on Beale Street (usually late January) |
| May | Memphis in May International Festival (throughout May); World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (usually mid-May) |
| July | Fourth of July fireworks on the riverfront |
| August | Elvis Week, ending with a candlelight vigil at Graceland (usually mid-August) |
| September | Cooper-Young Festival (usually mid-September); Southern Heritage Classic HBCU football game and events (usually September) |
| October | Grizzlies basketball season begins (usually October) |
| December | St. Jude Memphis Marathon (usually early December); Christmas at Graceland (December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in February, and the sights are quietest in February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Shoes with good grip for icy pavements; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Memphis?
The best time to visit Memphis is April to May and October to November, when days are about 17–28°C and comfortable for walking, festivals and barbecue. Summer is hot and humid but brings Elvis Week in August, and winter is mild and quiet with low hotel prices.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Memphis?
Usually in February. Chilly and quiet, with low hotel prices and uncrowded museums.
+What is the rainiest month in Memphis?
March, with about 11 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Memphis get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F).