Memphis in December
In December, Memphis averages 13°C (55°F) during the day and 4°C (40°F) at night, with around 11 days of rain (136 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December in Memphis is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Memphis
December is one of the coolest months in Memphis (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 9°C below the annual average (22°C). December runs 3°C cooler than November (16°C) and cools 3°C in January (10°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Memphis
Times shown for Memphis local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Memphis — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Memphis's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Memphis in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Memphis's popularity.
December in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — December in Memphis
Memphis is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Memphis
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Memphis in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10°C / 50°F | 1°C / 34°F | 106 mm | 9 | — |
| February | 12°C / 54°F | 3°C / 37°F | 150 mm | 12 | — |
| March | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F | 174 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 22°C / 71°F | 11°C / 52°F | 131 mm | 11 | — |
| May | 27°C / 80°F | 17°C / 62°F | 106 mm | 12 | — |
| June | 31°C / 87°F | 21°C / 70°F | 102 mm | 11 | — |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 74°F | 92 mm | 12 | — |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 98 mm | 12 | — |
| September | 30°C / 85°F | 20°C / 67°F | 59 mm | 7 | — |
| October | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 100 mm | 9 | — |
| November | 16°C / 61°F | 7°C / 44°F | 92 mm | 9 | — |
| December | 13°C / 55°F | 4°C / 40°F | 136 mm | 11 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Memphis in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Memphis in December?
In December, Memphis averages a high of 13°C (55°F) and a low of 4°C (40°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Memphis in December?
December can be fairly wet in Memphis, with about 11 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Memphis?
December is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Memphis in December?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Memphis for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.