The climate of Memphis
Located within the Cfa climate zone according to the Köppen climate classification,
Memphis,
Tennessee experiences a humid subtropical climate with a noticeable absence of a dry season. The yearly weather in Memphis showcases an interesting spectrum of climatic conditions as indicated by the data gathered.
Throughout the year, temperatures can range from as low as 34°F (1.1°C) in the chilliest months to as high as 88.7°F (31.5°C) during the peaks of summer. Humidity levels generally tend to hover around the higher seventies, with slight variations between 68% and 78%. Rate of rainfall eclipses the one-inch mark in each month, with
December and
February seeing the highest amounts - 1.18" (30mm) and 1.34" (34mm) respectively. Slight snowfall can occur in the months of
January, December and February.
Daylight hours also fluctuate throughout the year; winter months have around 10 hours of daylight, which can extend up to 14.5 hours during the height of summer. In terms of sunshine, while there are at least 5 hours of sun even in the gloomiest months, it can extend to 10.8 hours in the sunniest months. The weather in Memphis is distinct within each season, creating unique conditions that can alter the city's appeal throughout the year.
The best time to visit Memphis
Considering multiple factors such as temperature, rainfall, daylight hours and sunshine, the period from
April to
June proves ideal for visiting
Memphis. During these months, the city enjoys mild temperatures, with highs averaging at between 70.3°F (21.3°C) and 87.4°F (30.8°C), and lows between 53.4°F (11.9°C) and 70.3°F (21.3°C). These temperatures provide comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The amount of sunshine is also at its peak during this period with up to 10.8 hours of sunshine a day, thus offering ample time to explore the city's numerous attractions.
The worst time to visit Memphis
On the flip side, the least favorable time to visit
Memphis stretches from
November to
February. This period is characterized by the coldest temperatures of the year which hover between 34°F (1.1°C) and 51.5°F (10.8°C). Besides, the daylight hours are the shortest, which reduces the time for outdoor activities. Furthermore, the rainfall and relative humidity is high during these months, adding a sense of dampness to the cold weather.
Spring weather in Memphis
Spring in
Memphis, occurring from
March through
May, is characterized by increasing temperatures, from 60.6°F (15.9°C) to 78.8°F (26°C), with temperatures rarely dropping below 45.1°F (7.3°C) to 62.8°F (17.1°C). Rainfall during these months varies from 1.14" (29mm) to 1.18" (30mm), with rainfall days ranging from 10.6 to 12.3 days a month. Consequently, Spring becomes a comfortable season with ample sunshine and moderate rainfall.
Summer weather in Memphis
Summer in
Memphis, extending from
June to
August, sees the highest temperatures of the year. The average monthly highs range from 83.3°F (28.5°C) to 88.7°F (31.5°C), while the lows range from 65.7°F (18.7°C) to 72.1°F (22.3°C). Even though temperatures are high, the season comes with an abundance of sunshine, reaching up to 10.8 hours in June, which is the highest for the year. Additionally, rainfall is moderate during this time, ranging from 1.1" (28mm) to 1.1" (28mm), while the humidity stays around the low seventies.
Autumn weather in Memphis
The autumn months in
Memphis -
September to
November - showcase decreasing temperatures from 83.3°F (28.5°C) to 59°F (15°C), also lows from 65.7°F (18.7°C) to 44.1°F (6.7°C). Rainfall is sparse in comparison to other seasons, especially in September when it is at its lowest for the year at 0.43" (11mm). The daylight hours reduce, but the amount of sunshine remains reasonable, making the cool temperatures a bit more tolerable.
Winter weather in Memphis
Winter in
Memphis, from
December to
February, is characterized by cold temperatures ranging from 46.8°F (8.2°C) to 51.4°F (10.8°C), with lows falling between 34°F (1.1°C) and 37.8°F (3.2°C). These months also see the least sunshine hours of the year, with average sunlight hours ranging from 5.2 to 4.8 hours a day. Additionally, there are nominal snowfall occurrences in December,
January and February with snowfall amounts from 0.16" (4mm) to 0.04" (1mm).
Weather in January
January in
Memphis,
Tennessee is the coldest month of the year. Counterbalanced by 5.2 hours of sunshine daily assures some relief from the cold temperatures. Relative humidity averages at 75%, accompanied by gentle breezes. The mild winters have scant snowfall, with January boasting a minimal amount of 0.16" (4mm).
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
February comes,
Memphis sees a slight rise in temperatures from
January, signaling the end of harsh winter conditions. The city typically experiences higher rainfall of 1.34" (34mm) throughout the month, making it relatively wetter than the preceding month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather patterns in
March indicate the arrival of spring. The city starts to come alive with warmer temperatures and more daylight hours. March boasts a significant increase from its preceding month, with average high temperatures now scaling to 60.6°F (15.9°C).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April’s weather showcases some of
Memphis's finest spring conditions. A considerable increase in high average temperatures, shooting up to 70.3°F (21.3°C), lends a pleasant warmth to this month. The substantial increase in temperatures and sunshine has an appealing charm for locals and visitors alike.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May’s weather in
Memphis brings the hint of the upcoming summer season. High temperatures take a leap, reaching an average of 78.8°F (26°C), assuring bright, warm days. This is coupled with an average of 14 hours of daylight per day, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Memphis is when the city truly experiences summer. The temperature reaches a new high at 87.4°F (30.8°C), making it the hottest month so far. Accompanied by 14.5 daylight hours, June has the longest days of the year. The hot and humid weather is partially alleviated by an average wind speed of 6.2mph (10km/h), helping to circulate air and provide slight relief.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the trend of hot summer weather in
Memphis, recording an average high temperature of 88.7°F (31.5°C). It's traditionally regarded as the hottest month of the year. Humidity, rain, and temperatures remain high, but the average wind speed drops to 5.4mph (8.7km/h).
Weather in July » Weather in August
Certainly not a respite from the heat,
August in
Memphis stays firmly within the borders of summer. Temperatures pleasantly nosedive slightly from
July, averaging at 88°F (31.1°C). Despite being in the dog days of summer, the humidity stays consistently high.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With the advent of
September, the weather in
Memphis gives the first signs of autumn. The decrease in temperature to 83.3°F (28.5°C) and a decrease in daylight hours symbolize the impending change of seasons. Skipping the aggressive heatwaves of the peak summer months, September provides a more comfortable environment for outdoor explorations.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings further relief from the summer's heat with temperatures lowering to 72.5°F (22.5°C). The city starts to cool down from the previous month, marking the annual transition into fall. The weather is mild and mostly dry, aside the occasional rainfall observable in October.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The month of
November in
Memphis ushers in the colder season, with an average high temperature at a comfortable 59°F (15°C). With sunlight hours dropping to 10.3 per day, it's a clear indication of the impending winter. Cloud cover increases, and the days start to become shorter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December moves deeper into the winter season, signaling the year's end with a significant drop in temperature to 50.9°F (10.5°C). The shorter daylight hours of 9.8 per day signal the approach of the winter solstice. With the dropping temperature, the city prepares for the holiday season.
Weather in December »