Late spring · Weather & things to do
Memphis in May
The year's rain peaks now, with about 5.4 in (138 mm) falling in Memphis, alongside highs near 80°F (26°C) and lows of 61°F (16°C).
It scores 74/100 for comfort, 6th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 80°F (26°C)
- Avg low
- 61°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 5.4 in (138 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 55%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 51 min
- Comfort score
- 74/100 · Good
What May feels like
Highs settle around 80°F (26°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 61°F (16°C).
Humidity averages 78%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Expect regular rain: about 5.4 in (138 mm) falls in the month.
Plan around May
May is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April and October & November).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, March – May.
- Humidity season begins: 78% on average, up from 78% in April.
- Comfort slips from 81/100 in April to 74/100.
- Our Arkansas Delta Blues & Bites route recommends Oct – Apr, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes80°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics78% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes5.4 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Memphis in May
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Graceland
Elvis Presley's mansion, cars and planes, with an exhibit complex across the street.
Why now May scores 74/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Sun Studio
Studio where Elvis, Johnny Cash and B.B. King recorded; tours end in the working room.
Charlie Vergos' Rendezvous
Basement restaurant since 1948 that made charcoal-broiled dry-rub ribs famous.
B.B. King's Blues Club
Beale Street's best-known club with live blues bands nightly.
Why now Highs near 80°F and 5.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Central BBQ
Local favorite for pulled pork, dry-rub ribs and smoked wings across from the museum.
Nearby in May
- Helena-West Helena in May~53 mi · highs 80°F, 5.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Clarksdale in May~72 mi · highs 81°F, 5.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Franklin in May~187 mi · highs 77°F, 5.1 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Nashville in May~197 mi · highs 78°F, 5.1 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Beale Street & Downtown Memphis and South Main & the Riverfront.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Memphis in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Memphis?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 74/100 against a best of 87 in April and October & November. Expect highs of 80°F (26°C) and 5.4 in (138 mm) of rain. Our Arkansas Delta Blues & Bites route recommends Oct – Apr, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Memphis in May?
Average highs are 80°F (26°C) and average lows 61°F (16°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Memphis in May?
Yes: about 5.4 in (138 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 53.5 in (1358 mm).
What should I pack for Memphis in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (80°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (78% average humidity), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (5.4 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Planning Memphis in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.