Memphis, TN Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Memphis
Weather in Memphis is shaped by its humid subtropical climate - expect hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. July afternoons typically reach 90°F (32°C), while January highs hover near 50°F (10°C). Annual precipitation averages 55.0 inches (1396 mm) over about 125 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 90°F (32°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 50°F (10°C)
- Record high: 101°F (38°C) · Record low: -6°F (-21°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: March (14 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 2 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 90°F (32°C) and overnight lows stay near 74°F (24°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 50°F (10°C) and lows around 34°F (1°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 101°F (38°C) and dropped as low as -6°F (-21°C).
Rain, sun and snow
March is usually the wettest month. It brings about 6.7 inches (169 mm) of rain over 14 days, while September is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.3 hours of sun a day. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 50° | 34° | 10 | 4.7 in | 6.4 h/day | 71% |
| February | 55° | 37° | 11 | 6.2 in | 6.6 h/day | 71% |
| March | 64° | 45° | 14 | 6.7 in | 7.7 h/day | 70% |
| April | 71° | 52° | 11 | 5.5 in | 9.0 h/day | 69% |
| May | 80° | 62° | 12 | 4.6 in | 10.9 h/day | 72% |
| June | 87° | 70° | 10 | 3.7 in | 12.0 h/day | 71% |
| July | 90° | 74° | 12 | 4.0 in | 12.3 h/day | 73% |
| August | 88° | 72° | 12 | 3.8 in | 10.7 h/day | 74% |
| September | 85° | 67° | 7 | 2.7 in | 10.4 h/day | 69% |
| October | 74° | 56° | 7 | 3.2 in | 8.8 h/day | 67% |
| November | 62° | 45° | 8 | 4.3 in | 7.4 h/day | 71% |
| December | 55° | 39° | 11 | 5.8 in | 6.2 h/day | 74% |
Memphis month by month
Memphis weather in January
January brings highs around 50°F (10°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 10 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Memphis.
Memphis weather in February
February brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 11 wet days.
Memphis weather in March
March brings highs around 64°F (18°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 14 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Memphis.
Memphis weather in April
April brings highs around 71°F (21°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 11 wet days.
Memphis weather in May
May brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 12 wet days.
Memphis weather in June
June brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 10 wet days.
Memphis weather in July
July brings highs around 90°F (32°C), lows near 74°F (24°C), about 12 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Memphis.
Memphis weather in August
August brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), about 12 wet days.
Memphis weather in September
September brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 67°F (20°C), about 7 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Memphis.
Memphis weather in October
October brings highs around 74°F (24°C), lows near 56°F (14°C), about 7 wet days.
Memphis weather in November
November brings highs around 62°F (16°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 8 wet days.
Memphis weather in December
December brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 39°F (4°C), about 11 wet days.
Seasons in Memphis
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Memphis is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 71°F (22°C) and nights around 53°F (12°C); expect showers on roughly 37 days across the season.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Memphis runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 89°F (31°C) and nights around 72°F (22°C); expect showers on roughly 33 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Memphis brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 74°F (23°C) and nights around 56°F (13°C); expect showers on roughly 22 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Memphis runs cold, with daytime highs averaging 53°F (12°C) and nights around 37°F (3°C); expect showers on roughly 32 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Memphis?
Is Memphis hot in summer?
Is Memphis cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Memphis get in a year?
Best time to visit Memphis
The best time to visit Memphis is generally September to December and February, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 67°F (19°C).
Pack for Memphis with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a warm jacket and layers for the cooler season; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 74°F (24°C).
Memphis temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.