Climate in Memphis (Tennessee)

The climate of Memphis, the second largest city in Tennessee, is temperate, with relatively cold winters and hot, muggy summers, during which there are quite frequent thunderstorms.
The city is located in the southern United States, at the 35th parallel, on the banks of the Mississippi River.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 5.6 °C (42.1 °F), that of the warmest month (July) is of 28.2 °C (82.8 °F).
Precipitation amounts to 1,395 millimeters (54.9 inches) per year. We are in a rainy area due to the collision between the humid air masses coming from the Gulf of Mexico and the colder ones coming from the north.



The winter, from December to February, is quite cold, however, different situations arise. There are mild periods, in which subtropical air masses prevail, and the temperature can even exceed 20 °C (68 °F).
On the other hand, there can be intense cold waves, during which the temperature can drop to -11/-12 °C (10/12 °F) or even below.
The record is -25 °C (-13 °F), recorded in December 1963. In January 1985, the temperature dropped to -20 °C (-4 °F), while in February 2021 it dropped to -17 °C (1.5 °F).
Snow occurs every year or so, even though you have to wait several years to see a heavy snowfall. On average, 7 centimeters (2.5 inches) of snow fall per year. The most abundant snowfall in one day was 36 cm (14 in), in December 1963.
Sometimes the dangerous phenomenon of freezing rain can also occur.

The summer, from June to August, is hot and muggy, with an often unpleasant combination of temperature and humidity. The sun shines quite often, although cloud coverings can form, which can produce thunderstorms.
Memphis is a particularly hot city. There are long periods with temperatures of 36/37 °C (97/99 °F), sometimes even in September. The record is 41.5 °C (107 °F), recorded in July 1980 and August 2000.

In spring and autumn, from March to May and from September to November, the weather is variable. The rains are quite frequent, although there can be rainless periods of a week. However, spring is rainier than autumn. At times, due to particularly heavy rains, the Mississippi can overflow, flooding certain areas of the city.
In March and November, there can be cold air outbreaks, while in April and October they are rare. In May and September, there can be hot periods, with summer-like temperatures.
In spring, and more rarely in autumn, tornadoes can form.

Best Time

It is difficult to find a certainly favorable period in Memphis. Summer is the driest season, but it is very hot and muggy. During the rest of the year, severe thunderstorms and heavy rains are possible. In winter, cold spells are possible.
You can therefore choose the months of April and October, with a preference for the second, and also the beginning of November, being a quieter and less rainy period.

Memphis - Climate data

In Memphis, the average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 5.6 °C (42.1 °F), that of the warmest month (July) is of 28.2 °C (82.8 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Precipitation amounts to 1395 millimeters (54.9 inches) per year: it is therefore quite abundant. It ranges from 75 mm (3 in) in the driest month (September) to 150 mm (5.9 in) in the wettest one (April). Here is the average precipitation.
There are on average around 2890 sunshine hours per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day.

Memphis - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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