Memphis in May
In May, Memphis averages 27°C (80°F) during the day and 17°C (62°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (106 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May offers comfortable temperatures in Memphis, with some rain to plan around.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Memphis
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Memphis (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (22°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (22°C) and warms a further 4°C into June (31°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Memphis
Times shown for Memphis local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Memphis — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Memphis's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Memphis in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Memphis's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May 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: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Memphis in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Memphis in May?
In May, Memphis averages a high of 27°C (80°F) and a low of 17°C (62°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Memphis in May?
May can be fairly wet in Memphis, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Memphis?
May is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Memphis in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Memphis for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.