Memphis is one of those cities that works year-round, but the version of Memphis you get depends a lot on when you show up. A crisp October stroll down Beale Street is a completely different trip than an August afternoon at Graceland in 97-degree heat. At Endless Stays, we host guests in Memphis year-round, and we get the “when should I come?” question all the time.
But the real answer depends on what you want out of your trip. Below, we break it down by season, by priority, and by the things you actually came to town for.
Memphis at a Glance: Climate and Character
Memphis has a humid subtropical climate, which means hot summers, mild winters, and a pretty reliable four-season rhythm. The annual mean temperature is about 63°F, and the city averages 54.9 inches of rainfall spread across 106 days a year. Snow is rare, totaling about 3.9 inches in a typical winter.
Here is the short version of what to expect:
- Spring (March–May): Mild and blooming, with highs from the mid-60s to low 80s. Rainy and the wettest season overall.
- Summer (June–August): Hot, sunny, and humid. July averages 83°F with humidity near 58%. Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Fall (September–November): Our favorite stretch. Warm early, cooling by late October, with dry stretches and mild nights.
- Winter (December–February): Short and chilly, with January averaging 42°F. Rainy and windy more than snowy.
💡 Good to know: Spring and late fall see the highest risk of severe weather in the Mid-South, including thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes. If severe weather makes you uneasy, keep an eye on the National Weather Service when you travel in April, May, November, or December.
The Best Months to Visit Memphis
If you want the quick version, here is how we rank each month for most travelers.
April and May: Spring’s Sweet Spot
Spring in Memphis is gorgeous. Temperatures climb from the 60s in March to the low 80s by May, azaleas and dogwoods put on a show in Overton Park and the Dixon Gardens, and the city feels genuinely alive. April is the month with the most pleasant numbers on paper, with highs in the mid-70s and lows in the 50s.
The catch? April is also the wettest month of the year, so pack a light rain jacket. The upside is that a spring thunderstorm in Memphis rarely sticks around long, and the air feels better on the other side.
Why we like it: Warm enough for Beale Street nights, cool enough for long walks, and still quiet enough to get a table at dinner without a two-week wait.
September, October, and Early November: Fall Is the Move
If we had to pick a single stretch of the year to send guests to Memphis, it would be late September through early November. Early fall is pleasantly mild and dry, with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s. By mid-October, the temperature settles into that perfect sweater-weather range, and November mornings start to feel properly crisp.
This is also festival season. Mempho Music Festival is in early October, the River Arts Festival follows mid-month, and the city is generally buzzing with events through Thanksgiving.
Why we like it: Comfortable temperatures, dry stretches, strong lineup of festivals, and better hotel and flight prices than summer.
Summer (June–August): For the Music Lovers
Memphis summers are not for everyone. Expect long stretches of 90-plus-degree days, thick humidity, and those brief but dramatic afternoon thunderstorms. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 83°F and humidity near 58%.
That said, summer is when Memphis leans all the way into music. Elvis Week takes over Graceland every August, outdoor concerts at the Levitt Shell and Overton Park keep the evenings busy, and the Mississippi River breeze downtown earns its keep. Just plan your days around the heat: mornings and evenings outside, afternoons indoors at museums or on a riverboat.
Heads up: This is peak tourism season, so expect higher prices and more crowded attractions, especially at Graceland during Elvis Week.
Winter (December–February): Quiet and Budget-Friendly
If you want a cheap flight, a calmer city, and a shot at snagging last-minute reservations at the hottest restaurants, winter is your season. January is the cheapest month to fly into Memphis after the mid-month Elvis birthday celebrations wrap up. Crowds thin, rates drop, and the city slows down in a way that can feel intimate if you lean into it.
Winter weather is variable. You might get a week in the 40s followed by a few days in the high 60s when a Gulf air mass pushes through. Snow is rare and usually melts the next day. Pack layers, a real jacket, and waterproof shoes, and you will be fine.
Why we like it: The Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival lights up the park from January through early February, the Peabody duck march feels extra festive in a warm lobby, and you can actually hear yourself think on Beale Street.
Best Time to Visit Memphis By Priority
Not all trips are the same. Here is how we think about it:
- Best weather overall: Late April and October. Highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s, low humidity compared to summer.
- Fewest crowds: Mid-January through February, and the first two weeks of December. Count on cooler weather in exchange for calm streets.
- Lowest prices: November through mid-January (outside of Christmas week and Elvis’s birthday in mid-January).
- Best for music and festivals: May through October, with Mempho in early October being a strong pick.
- Best for families: October, thanks to Zoo Boo, Halloween events, and the River Arts Festival.
- Best for a first visit: Early fall. You will get a real taste of the city at its most comfortable.
Festivals and Events Worth Planning Around
Memphis takes its festivals seriously. Here is the short list:
- Memphis in May: Month-long celebration with the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. If you love music and ribs, this is your month.
- Elvis Week (mid-August): Graceland goes all in. Fans come from around the world, and the whole south side of the city feels like a festival.
- Cooper-Young Festival (September): Street festival in one of Memphis’s most walkable neighborhoods with 400+ vendors.
- Mempho Music Festival (early October): Three days of live music at Radians Amphitheater.
- River Arts Festival (mid-October): One of the top 20 fine arts festivals in the country, with 200+ artists.
- Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival (January through early February): A quiet winter highlight that turns the zoo into a glowing garden after dark.
What to Pack, By Season
- Spring: Light layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable shoes. Weather can swing 20 degrees in a day.
- Summer: Shorts, breathable shirts, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. A small umbrella for afternoon storms.
- Fall: A light sweater or jacket, especially for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes for festivals.
- Winter: A real coat, a warm layer underneath, and waterproof shoes. Rain is more likely than snow.
Plan Your Memphis Trip With Endless Stays
Memphis is a city that rewards good timing. Come in April for blooms, October for festivals, or January for deals and quiet. Whatever season you choose, the music, the barbecue, and the history will be waiting for you.
At Endless Stays, we have built a collection of 150+ professionally designed properties across 8+ states, and our Memphis homes are ready when you are. Browse our vacation rentals in Memphis and let us help turn your trip into a story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Memphis?
October is the strongest single-month pick for most travelers, with mild weather, low humidity, big festivals, and better pricing than summer. April and May are close behind if you want spring blooms and green surroundings.
Is Memphis hot in the summer?
Yes. Summer highs routinely hit the low 90s with humidity in the 50–60% range. July is the hottest month. Plan outdoor activities for mornings and evenings.
Does it snow in Memphis?
Rarely. Memphis averages about 3.9 inches of snow per year, usually in short events that melt within a day or two.
When is Elvis Week?
Elvis Week is held every August around the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death on August 16. Graceland gets extremely busy during this week.
Is Memphis worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you want a quieter, cheaper trip and do not mind cooler days. The Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival, the Peabody duck march, and indoor attractions like Sun Studio and Graceland keep the city lively year-round.
