Last updated: February 24, 2025
In January, Memphis experiences a varied climate, marked by temperatures ranging from a chilly -18°C (1°F) at night to a pleasant 23°C (73°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). This month typically welcomes 103 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 8 days, leading to a humidity level of 84% that adds a briskness to the winter air. Whether enjoying the milder days or bracing for colder nights, January in Memphis offers a unique blend of winter weather, making it an intriguing time to explore the city's vibrant atmosphere.
In January, Memphis experiences a wide temperature range, with minimums dipping to -18°C (1°F) and maximums reaching up to 23°C (73°F). The average temperature of 5°C (42°F) reflects the chill of winter, yet the city often enjoys sunny days that can provide a pleasant contrast to the cold nights. As the month progresses into February, temperatures show a slight upward trend, indicating the gradual shift towards spring, with averages rising to 7°C (46°F). Despite the cold extremes, January serves as a pivotal point in Memphis's climate, laying the groundwork for the warmer months ahead while still offering the refreshing briskness typical of winter.
In Memphis, January brings moderate precipitation, with an average of 103 mm (4.0 in) over about 8 days of rainfall. This marks the start of a wet season that peaks in February and March, where precipitation increases significantly to 170 mm (6.7 in) and 160 mm (6.3 in), respectively. As winter transitions into spring, the frequency and intensity of rain typically decrease. Notably, January serves as a precursor to heavier months, as the rainfall pattern showcases increasing totals leading up to more consistently rainy conditions by mid-year. This trend highlights a gradual shift towards the wetter spring, setting the stage for the lush growth that characterizes Memphis in the months that follow.
In January, Memphis experiences its peak humidity at a substantial 84%, setting a slightly uncomfortable tone for the winter month. This high level of moisture in the air marks a trend that persists throughout the colder months, with February closely following at 83% and November also returning to 84%. As spring approaches, there's a slight but noticeable dip, with March and April both registering 81%. This moderate decrease continues into the warmth of summer, where humidity levels maintain a steady 81% in July and dip further during August to 74%. However, as fall arrives, humidity makes a comeback, with October rising to 76% before December reaches its highest level of the year at 88%. This cyclical pattern illustrates how Memphis navigates through varying humidity levels, punctuated by significant highs in both winter and late fall.
In Memphis, January marks the beginning of the year with a moderate UV Index of 3, suggesting that sun protection is necessary if you plan to be outdoors for more than 30 minutes. As winter gives way to spring, the UV levels begin to rise steadily; by February, the Index hits 6 and remains high through March. April and May see a dramatic increase, reaching a peak of 10, where the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure amplifies significantly. The summer months escalate even further, with the UV Index soaring to an extreme level of 11 in June and July, slashing burn time to just 10 minutes. As fall approaches, the index gradually decreases, but those first few months of the year require a reminder to stay vigilant about sun safety. For detailed information and resources about UV exposure in the area, visit Memphis UV Index.
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January in Memphis brings a modest 142 hours of sunshine, a gentle start to the year as the city shakes off winter's chill. As the months progress, the sun begins to take center stage, with February seeing a slight increase to 161 hours, hinting at the warmer days ahead. By March, vibrant springs unfold, bringing 209 hours, and the sunshine continues to surge, peaking in July at an impressive 345 hours. This trend of abundant sunlight tapers off slightly with August's 305 hours, but even in the fall months of September and October, Memphis still enjoys a robust 284 and 255 hours, respectively. As the year wraps up, November and December deliver fewer sunlit hours, resting at 228 and 188 hours, yet the year concludes with a spectacular display of sunshine transformation, leaving residents eagerly anticipating the return of summer’s glow.
In Memphis, the likelihood of sunny weather in January hovers around 38%, making it one of the cooler months for sunshine. As the year progresses, there is a noticeable upward trend in sunny days, with February dropping slightly to 33%, but by March, the chance rises to 41%. The transition into spring brings more sunshine, especially in April, where it peaks at 53%. It's intriguing to see how sunny weather becomes more prevalent in the later months, with a significant jump to 60% by September and maintaining a robust 64% in November. This pattern highlights a vibrant seasonal shift, encouraging those eager for sunshine to plan their outdoor activities as the winter chill gives way to brighter days.
In Memphis, United States, the daylight duration gradually evolves throughout the year, starting with 10 hours in January and February. As winter wanes, daylight begins to stretch, reaching 11 hours in March before blossoming into 13 hours in April, heralding the arrival of spring. By May, the days are at their longest, peaking at 14 hours, a duration that remains steady through June and July, offering ample time for outdoor activities. As summer transitions to fall, the daylight begins to recede, tapering to 13 hours in August and slowly reducing to 10 hours by November. Finally, December brings the shortest days of the year, with just 9 hours of daylight. This annual rhythm highlights the shifting seasons and invites residents to revel in the varying lengths of day throughout the year.
In January, the winds in Memphis blow at an average speed of 3.4 m/s (8 mph), setting the tone for a gentle but noticeable breeze that graces the winter landscape. As the month transitions into February, winds pick up slightly to 3.6 m/s (8 mph), maintaining a consistent pace that carries into March. Interestingly, by April, the average wind speed dips to 3.2 m/s (7 mph), indicating a softening of breezes as spring approaches. This trend continues into May and June, where the winds further calm to around 2.6 m/s (6 mph), with the summer months of July and August feeling particularly still at just 2.3 m/s (5 mph) and 2.4 m/s (5 mph), respectively. However, as autumn rolls in, wind speeds gradually rise again, concluding the year in December with a brisk 3.7 m/s (8 mph), illustrating a seasonal dance of dynamic breezes characteristic of this southern city.
The weather in Memphis changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Memphis and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February present a noticeable shift in weather patterns. While both months endure frigid minimum temperatures around -18°C (1°F), February sees a slight increase in average temperature to 7°C (46°F), surpassing January's average of 5°C (42°F). Additionally, the maximum temperatures rise, reaching 26°C (78°F) in February compared to 23°C (73°F) in January. However, February experiences significantly more precipitation, totaling 170 mm (6.7 in) over 14 days, compared to January's 103 mm (4.0 in) over just 8 days. The humidity remains fairly consistent, at 84% in January and slightly lower at 83% in February. For more details on February's weather, you can visit Memphis weather in February.
In comparing the weather between January and March, significant differences emerge. January tends to be colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), while March experiences milder weather, with minimum temperatures at -7°C (19°F) and maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C (84°F). Additionally, March sees more precipitation, totaling 160 mm (6.3 in) over 14 days, compared to January's 103 mm (4.0 in) across 8 days. Humidity levels remain relatively similar, at 84% in January and slightly lower at 81% in March. For a more detailed look at March weather in the region, you can refer to Memphis weather in March.
January and April exhibit distinctly different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a frigid minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a mild maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average around 5°C (42°F). The month sees 103 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over about 8 days, alongside a high humidity level of 84%. Conversely, April introduces warmer conditions, with temperatures varying from a minimum of -1°C (30°F) to a much warmer maximum of 30°C (87°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). The precipitation increases slightly to 135 mm (5.3 in), occurring over 11 days, while humidity remains relatively lower at 81%. Overall, April marks a significant transition to milder weather compared to the harsh chill of January. For more detailed information about weather patterns, check out Memphis weather in April.
January and May present a striking contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures range from a frigid minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a comfortable maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation at 103 mm (4.0 in) over about 8 days, alongside high humidity levels of 84%. In contrast, May showcases a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a mild 5°C (42°F) to a peak of 33°C (92°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 120 mm (4.7 in) spread over 11 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 83%. For insights into specific trends, you can explore more about Memphis weather in May.
January and June present starkly contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures vary from a chilly minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a comfortable average of 5°C (42°F), with a maximum reaching 23°C (73°F). The month typically experiences 103 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over about 8 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In comparison, June showcases a much warmer climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (55°F) to an average of 26°C (79°F), peaking at a hot 35°C (95°F). This month receives slightly more precipitation at 118 mm (4.6 in) over 11 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 83%. For more details, see Memphis weather in June.
January and July present a stark contrast in weather conditions. In January, temperatures can plunge to a minimum of -18°C (1°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum reaching 23°C (73°F). This month experiences about 103 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, alongside relatively high humidity at 84%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 16°C (62°F), an average of 28°C (82°F), and maximum highs hitting 35°C (95°F). While July brings slightly more precipitation at 124 mm (4.9 in) over 11 days, the humidity levels are slightly lower at 81%. For a closer look at July weather specifics, check this link: Memphis weather in July.
January and August present a striking contrast in weather patterns. In January, temperatures can plummet to a chilling minimum of -18°C (1°F), with an average around 5°C (42°F) and a peak of 23°C (73°F). The month sees about 103 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 8 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 84%. In stark contrast, August offers a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures starting at 16°C (62°F), averaging 26°C (80°F), and reaching highs of 36°C (96°F). Although August experiences similar precipitation at 102 mm (4.0 in), it spans 11 rainy days and has a lower humidity of 74%. This shift from the cold, damp winter of January to the hot and humid summer of August highlights the diverse weather experiences throughout the year. For more detailed information, you can check Memphis weather in August.
The weather in January and September presents a striking contrast. January experiences frigid temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -18°C (1°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), with an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). This month also sees high humidity levels at 84% and a substantial amount of precipitation at 103 mm (4.0 in) over 8 days. In contrast, September boasts much milder and warmer conditions, with temperatures fluctuating from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a sweltering maximum of 35°C (96°F), and an average of 24°C (76°F). The humidity decreases to 71%, and rainfall is slightly lower, totaling 86 mm (3.4 in) over 7 days. For a detailed look at how September weather unfolds in Memphis, visit Memphis weather in September.
In January, temperatures can be quite frigid, with a minimum of -18°C (1°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while occasional highs reach up to 23°C (73°F). The month sees about 103 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 8 days, coupled with high humidity at 84%. In contrast, October experiences milder weather with minimal temperatures starting at 0°C (31°F) and averaging 18°C (65°F), peaking at a warm 35°C (95°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 113 mm (4.4 in) over the same number of days, but the humidity drops to 76%. For a more detailed overview of the weather during this time, you can check Memphis weather in October.
January and November present distinct weather patterns, with January typically being colder and featuring a broader temperature range. While January sees temperatures dipping as low as -18°C (1°F) and averaging around 5°C (42°F), November offers a milder climate with minimums of -10°C (15°F) and an average of 10°C (51°F). Additionally, November experiences less precipitation at 78 mm (3.1 in) over 8 days, compared to January's 103 mm (4.0 in) over the same number of days. Both months share the same humidity level of 84%, but the overall feel of November is generally more temperate. For a closer look at November weather, you can visit Memphis weather in November.
January weather in Memphis is generally colder than December, with minimum temperatures dropping to -18°C (1°F) compared to December's milder -10°C (15°F). The average temperature in January is slightly lower at 5°C (42°F), while December averages 8°C (47°F). Both months see significant precipitation, with January receiving 103 mm (4.0 in) over 8 days and December experiencing a higher total of 147 mm (5.8 in) across 10 days. Humidity levels are also comparable, with January at 84% and December slightly higher at 88%. For more details on December weather, you can visit Memphis weather in December.
January in Memphis presents a unique weather experience that stands in stark contrast to the balmy summer months. With average temperatures hovering around a brisk 5°C (42°F), this month often showcases some of the year's coldest weather, peaking with occasional highs that can reach a pleasant 23°C (73°F). While precipitation is relatively moderate, with 8 rainy days contributing to an overall tally of 103 mm (4.0 in), the air is notably humid at 84%, adding to the chill. This blend of cold and moisture makes January a distinct time for both locals and visitors, offering a refreshing perspective on the city's diverse climate. For more detailed insights, explore Memphis Climate.