Does It Snow In Memphis? A Rock ‘n’ Roll Winter Wonderland!?

Does It Snow in Memphis

As the winter season approaches, many people are wondering about the weather in various parts of the country. One question that comes to mind for those living in or planning to visit Memphis, Tennessee is: Does it snow in Memphis? The answer may surprise you.

While the city doesn’t see heavy snowfall every year, it does experience occasional snowfall. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the chances of experiencing snow in Memphis and what to expect if it does happen. So, let’s dive in and find out!

Does It Snow In Memphis, Tennessee?

Areal View of Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Areal View of Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Yes, it does snow in Memphis, although it is not a common occurrence. The city typically sees occasional snowfall rather than heavy snowfall each year. The average annual snowfall in Memphis is around 3 to 4 inches, with occasional years receiving more or less.

However, the city is not equipped for heavy snowfall, so it can cause disruptions to daily life and transportation when it does occur.

How Often Does It Snow In Memphis, TN?

Memphis typically sees occasional snowfall rather than heavy snowfall each year. The city averages around 3-4 inches of snow per year. However, the frequency of snowfall in Memphis can vary greatly from year to year.

Some years may see several inches of snow, while other years may see only a trace or none at all. The city’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico also means that the temperature can fluctuate and can cause snow to turn into sleet or freezing rain.

When Does it Snow In Memphis?

Memphis Experiences snowfall overnight as a winter storm moved through the area on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022
Memphis Experiences snowfall overnight as a winter storm moved through the area on Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022
Photo Credit: Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal

The snowfall season in Memphis typically begins in December and can extend through February. However, it’s worth noting that snowfall can happen outside of this window as well, although it’s less likely.

The city’s location in the southern United States and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means that the snowfall can be influenced by various weather patterns, and it’s not uncommon for the city to experience snowfall during unseasonal months.

The Climate in Memphis

The climate in Memphis is classified as a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot summers and mild winters.

The city experiences an average high temperature of around 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months and an average low temperature of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months.

Memphis is known for its high humidity, which can make the heat feel even more oppressive during the summer. The city also receives a fair amount of rainfall, with the majority of it falling during the spring and summer months.

The Seasons in Memphis

Memphis has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. Spring is typically mild and wet, with temperatures beginning to rise in March and April. This season is also characterized by blooming flowers and trees, as well as an increase in rainfall.

Summer is hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 90s and above, and it is also the rainiest season.

Fall is the driest and the mildest season, with temperatures gradually decreasing and the leaves on the trees changing color.

Winter is the coldest season, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, although snowfall is relatively rare.

Things to Do in Memphis in Winter

View of Beale Street, Memphis, TN
View of Beale Street, Memphis, TN

Some popular things to do in Memphis during the winter include visiting the Memphis Zoo, which is home to over 3,500 animals, taking a tour of Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, and visiting the National Civil Rights Museum, which is located at the site of the former Lorraine Motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

Other notable winter activities include visiting the Memphis Botanic Garden, experiencing the Memphis music scene at local clubs and bars, and visiting the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

Additionally, you can explore the city’s many parks and outdoor spaces, such as Shelby Farms Park, which offers hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, as well as kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Memphis does see occasional snowfall, although it is not a common occurrence. The city typically experiences an average of 4 inches of snow per year, with the snowfall season beginning in December and extending through February.

However, it is worth noting that snowfall can happen outside of this window as well. Despite the occasional snow, Memphis has a lot to offer in winter, such as visiting Graceland, the Memphis Zoo, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Memphis Pink Palace Museum.

Memphis also has a number of indoor and outdoor activities, such as ice skating, shopping, and dining, that visitors can enjoy during the winter season.

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FAQs About Snow In Memphis

How Does the Snowfall in Memphis Compare to Other Cities?

Compared to other cities in the northern United States, Memphis receives relatively little snowfall. However, the city’s location in the southern United States and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means that the snowfall can be influenced by various weather patterns.

Can Snowfall in Memphis Cause Disruptions to Daily Life and Transportation?

Yes, snowfall in Memphis can cause disruptions to daily life and transportation as the city is not equipped for heavy snowfall.

Are There Any Winter Activities to Do in Memphis?

Yes, Memphis offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, such as visiting Graceland, the Memphis Zoo, the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Pink Palace Museum, ice skating, shopping, and dining, that visitors can enjoy during the winter season.