Relying on which side of Memphis you need to faucet into – from its famed barbeque scene and musical heritage, to exploring its city wilderness or protecting youngsters entertained – there’s a month to go well with each customer.
Right here’s our information to the very best time to go to Memphis, Tennessee.
Excessive season is the very best time for outside festivals and live shows (Might to September)
Memphis’s heat, dry local weather is the right host for outside festivities. And whereas there are occasions dotted all year long, the Memphis in Might Competition is the official begin to town’s peak season. The spike in customer numbers additionally means increased resort costs, so plan early.
These seeking to be within the thick of it through the excessive season ought to ebook a resort downtown and be inside a hip-swivel of town’s bustling blues joints. On the lookout for somewhat respite from the neon symphony of Beale Avenue? Head to the revitalized South Major District, the place inns are out of earshot however inside a straightforward stroll of the motion.
And whereas temperatures actually rise in the summertime, Memphis is a metropolis that’s equipped for the hotter local weather, so count on air-conditioned venues and alfresco patios to absorb the balmy evenings.
A sequence of free music live shows on the Overton Park Shell amphitheater makes this the perfect time to throw down a picnic rug and let the great instances roll.
Shoulder season is the very best time for outside adventures (October, and February to April)
October is the very best time to go to Memphis with youngsters. The crowds have eased up however there’s nonetheless lots to maintain youthful guests occupied, together with a slew of Halloween occasions and pumpkin patches throughout town. October and February supply good worth, with inns throughout city decreasing charges as their occupancy dips.
Whereas temperatures are gentle, town nonetheless averages 5 days of rain all through October. It arrives unannounced, so carry a lightweight waterproof jacket.
Easter sees outside occasions cranking up; it is the very best time to discover Shelby Farms Park, the place guests can kayak, cycle, hike or horseback trip by way of one of many nation’s largest city parks, simply 20 minutes from the guts of downtown Memphis.
The Easter college holidays additionally imply increased flight costs (a median of 20%) and resort charges.
15 free issues to do in Memphis
Off-season is the very best time for finances vacationers (November to January)
Throughout Memphis’ winter months each temperatures and resort costs fall. Excluding Elvis’ birthday celebrations, January (adopted carefully by November) is the month for all-time low flights and nice offers on resort rooms. The climate throughout off-season swings between moist and windy, to sunny however contemporary, so pack loads of layers.
The vacations heralds lots for the budget-conscious traveler, together with admiring Memphis’ landmarks dressed within the twinkliest of lights and attending a vacation parade that brings carnival vibes to Beale Avenue, with floats, marching bands and a procession of elves on motorbikes.
The coldest month of the yr is January, however that shouldn’t put guests off because it’s additionally the very best time to shake a leg and go to Graceland (practically quarter-hour from downtown).
Be a part of the crowds celebrating the King of Rock n’ Roll’s birthday on the second week in January. Graceland’s customer numbers dip for the remainder of the month, so it’s possible you’ll even have the musical mansion to your self whereas touring.
Memphis finest day journeys
January is for celebrating change-makers
Memphis celebrates the birthdays of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Elvis Presley with a number of occasions. Simply wrap up heat, because the whistling wind could be biting.
Key occasions: Elvis’ birthday celebration at Graceland, King Day on the Nationwide Civil Rights Museum
Hop on a tour bus in February
With a chill within the air and a median of 9 days of rain, take shelter and discover the Bluff Metropolis by bus. Backbeat Excursions affords an all-singing dive into the music scene, whereas Tastin’ ‘Spherical City will make you a barbeque connoisseur.
Key occasions: First Saturday Paddle at Wolf River, Carnival Household Day at Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Head to the Memphis Zoo in March
March is the very best time to go to Memphis Zoo, because it extends its opening hours to shut on the later hour of 6pm. Spring Break will get full of life, so dodge this time if seeking to keep away from the crowds.
Key occasions: Beale Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Go crawfish bobbing in April
Marking the unofficial begin of spring, the epic Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival serves up stay music underneath a mountain of crawfish and Cajun delicacies choices.
Key occasions: Peabody rooftop events, River Metropolis Jazz and Music Competition
Might is for barbecue and blues
The air fills with the candy scent of barbecue and the sound of Blues music because the Memphis in May pageant rolls into city. Count on to see legendary pit-masters sweating it out to be topped reigning champion of the coals.
Key occasions: Beale Avenue Music Competition, World Champion Barbeque cooking contest
June is all about rooftop bars
Issues begin to really feel tropical because the humidity and temperature rise. Settle down with frozen daiquiri at a downtown Memphis rooftop bar, providing ringside seats to the solar setting over the Mississippi River.
Key occasions: Craft meals and Wine pageant, Bluff Metropolis Balloon jamboree
The 9 finest Memphis museums
Indulge throughout meals truck Friday in July
July is the most popular month in Memphis. Solar lovers ought to bask within the rays on the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, with a weekly showcase of town’s most interesting meals truck delicacies.
Key occasions: Memphis Barbecue, Blues & Bourbon Competition, Cooper-Younger Fourth of July Parade
Discover Memphis’ musical historical past in August
Temperatures are nonetheless fairly sweltering so take shade and brush up on Memphis’ contribution to music on the Stax Museum and Solar Studio. The Elvis Week celebrations could be heaving and inns typically ebook up a yr upfront.
Key occasions: Elvis Week at Graceland, Memphis rooster and beer pageant
The 5 finest neighborhoods in Memphis
Take pleasure in a avenue pageant in September
Benefit from the nice and cozy climate and 13 hours of daylight by heading to Cooper Younger district for his or her annual street festival, with stalls from native artists and stay music units.
Key occasions: Delta Truthful, Gonerfest, Latin Fest
Issues get spooky in October
Haunted home excursions, pumpkin patches, Halloween laser exhibits and mysterious scavenger hunts make this a enjoyable time to go to with youngsters.
Key occasions: Soulsville USA Competition, River Arts Festival
Eat and drink like an area in November
There’s a chill within the air and a one in 4 likelihood of catching a wet day. Play it secure by factoring in indoor actions, together with visiting Crosstown Concourse for domestically owned eating places and a microbrewery.
Key occasion: Graceland vacation lighting weekend
Get festive in December
You’re unlikely to see snow falling through the Vacation season however Memphis nonetheless goes all out to create a festive ambiance. Vacation markets pop up throughout town, the streets are decked out in lights and Santa makes an look or two.
Key occasion: Beale Avenue Vacation Parade
