From the blues of Beale St. to delicious BBQ, here's when to experience the best of Memphis © James Kirkikis / Shutterstock
The best time to go to Memphis for a good time
Depending on which facet of Memphis you want to tap into - from its famed barbeque scene and musical heritage, to exploring its urban wilderness or keeping kids entertained - there’s a month to suit every visitor.
Here’s our guide to the best time to visit Memphis, Tennessee.
Memphis's warm, dry climate is the perfect host for outdoor festivities. And while there are events dotted throughout the year, the Memphis in May Festival is the official start to the city’s peak season. The spike in visitor numbers also means higher hotel prices, so plan early.
Those looking to be in the thick of it during the high season should book a hotel downtown and be within a hip-swivel of the city’s bustling blues joints. Looking for a little respite from the neon symphony of Beale Street? Head to the revitalized South Main District, where hotels are out of earshot but within an easy stroll of the action.
And while temperatures certainly rise in the summer, Memphis is a city that’s geared up for the warmer climate, so expect air-conditioned venues and alfresco patios to soak up the balmy evenings.
A series of free music concerts at the Overton Park Shell amphitheater makes this the ideal time to throw down a picnic rug and let the good times roll.
October is the best time to visit Memphis with children. The crowds have eased up but there’s still plenty to keep younger visitors occupied, including a slew of Halloween events and pumpkin patches across the city. October and February offer good value, with hotels across town lowering rates as their occupancy dips.
While temperatures are mild, the city still averages five days of rain throughout October. It arrives unannounced, so carry a light waterproof jacket.
Easter sees outdoor events cranking up; it's the best time to explore Shelby Farms Park, where visitors can kayak, cycle, hike or horseback ride through one of the country's largest urban parks, just 20 minutes from the heart of downtown Memphis.
The Easter school holidays also mean higher flight prices (an average of 20%) and hotel rates.
15 free things to do in Memphis
During Memphis’ winter months both temperatures and hotel prices fall. Excluding Elvis’ birthday celebrations, January (followed closely by November) is the month for rock bottom flights and great deals on hotel rooms. The weather during low season swings between wet and windy, to sunny but fresh, so pack plenty of layers.
The holidays heralds plenty for the budget-conscious traveler, including admiring Memphis’ landmarks dressed in the twinkliest of lights and attending a holiday parade that brings carnival vibes to Beale Street, with floats, marching bands and a procession of elves on motorbikes.
The coldest month of the year is January, but that shouldn’t put visitors off as it’s also the best time to shake a leg and visit Graceland (nearly 15 minutes from downtown).
Join the crowds celebrating the King of Rock n’ Roll’s birthday on the second week in January. Graceland's visitor numbers dip for the rest of the month, so you may even have the musical mansion to yourself while touring.
Memphis celebrates the birthdays of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Elvis Presley with a host of events. Just wrap up warm, as the whistling wind can be biting. Key events: Elvis’ birthday celebration at Graceland, King Day at the National Civil Rights Museum
With a chill in the air and an average of nine days of rain, take shelter and explore the Bluff City by bus. Backbeat Tours offers an all-singing dive into the music scene, while Tastin' 'Round Town will make you a barbeque connoisseur. Key events: First Saturday Paddle at Wolf River, Carnival Family Day at Dixon Gallery & Gardens
March is the best time to visit Memphis Zoo, as it extends its opening hours to close at the later hour of 6pm. Spring Break gets lively, so dodge this time if looking to avoid the crowds. Key events: Beale Street St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Marking the unofficial start of spring, the epic Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival serves up live music under a mountain of crawfish and Cajun cuisine options. Key events: Peabody rooftop parties, River City Jazz and Music Festival
The air fills with the sweet smell of barbecue and the sound of Blues music as the Memphis in May festival rolls into town. Expect to see legendary pit-masters sweating it out to be crowned reigning champion of the coals. Key events: Beale Street Music Festival, World Champion Barbeque cooking contest
Things start to feel tropical as the humidity and temperature rise. Cool down with frozen daiquiri at a downtown Memphis rooftop bar, offering ringside seats to the sun setting over the Mississippi River. Key events: Craft food and Wine festival, Bluff City Balloon jamboree
July is the hottest month in Memphis. Sun lovers should bask in the rays at the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, with a weekly showcase of the city’s finest food truck cuisine. Key events: Memphis Barbecue, Blues & Bourbon Festival, Cooper-Young Fourth of July Parade
Temperatures are still pretty sweltering so take shade and brush up on Memphis’ contribution to music at the Stax Museum and Sun Studio. The Elvis Week celebrations can be heaving and hotels often book up a year in advance. Key events: Elvis Week at Graceland, Memphis chicken and beer festival
The 5 best neighborhoods in Memphis
Make the most of the warm weather and 13 hours of daylight by heading to Cooper Young district for their annual street festival, with stalls from local artists and live music sets. Key events: Delta Fair, Gonerfest, Latin Fest
Haunted house tours, pumpkin patches, Halloween laser shows and mysterious scavenger hunts make this a fun time to visit with children. Key events: Soulsville USA Festival, River Arts Festival
There’s a chill in the air and a one in four chance of catching a rainy day. Play it safe by factoring in indoor activities, including visiting Crosstown Concourse for locally owned restaurants and a microbrewery. Key event: Graceland holiday lighting weekend
You’re unlikely to see snow falling during the Holiday season but Memphis still goes all out to create a festive atmosphere. Holiday markets pop up across the city, the streets are decked out in lights and Santa makes an appearance or two. Key event: Beale Street Holiday Parade
Get ready for a journey through every country in the world. This fourth edition of The Travel Book features incredible photography that illustrates each country, accompanied by a profile that includes details of when to visit, what to see and do and how to learn more about the country’s culture.
Live music, award-winning restaurants, arts and theater: find what you're looking for with this guide to Memphis' best neighborhoods.
Among American cities, Memphis punches well above its weight in cultural impact. These top museums vividly demonstrate just how.
Memphis may be famous for its music, but the city’s storied history owes as much to the small towns at its doorstep.
Memphis has been a diamond in the rough for blue-collar tourists for generations. Here are the best free activities you can enjoy in the Bluff City.
From exploring Utah's geological history to learning about rocket science in Florida, there's still time to take these last-minute family road trips this summer.
On the banks of the Mississippi River stands one of the largest pyramids in the world. The Memphis Pyramid has taken on many forms but remains iconic.
Most probably can’t remember the first time they heard Johnny Cash’s voice. Chances are, his deep bass has been a constant rumble through your life for…
The history of American music is the history of the nation itself. With the songs of the sharecroppers evolving into blues, the sounds of gospel evolving…
The city of Memphis is most known for Graceland and other historical haunts like Beale Street. But a recent rise in its millennial population (4th fastest…
Subscribe to our newsletters and promotions. Read our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Read our Privacy Policy.
© 2022 Lonely Planet. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.