Will I need a jacket in Memphis in January?

Yes — average lows hit about 32°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.

Is January rainy in Memphis?

Expect roughly 10 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

January Packing List for Memphis – What to Wear & Bring

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Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Heavy Wool CoatEssential
A heavy wool coat is essential for Memphis visitors walking the Mississippi Riverfront when January temperatures drop to 32°F.
Thermal Base LayersEssential
Layering with thermal tops helps you manage Memphis's humid subtropical climate and 49°F highs while exploring Cooper-Young.
Thick Knit SweatersEssential
Thick sweaters are necessary for staying warm in Memphis when the temperature hits 32°F near Sun Studio.
Sturdy Walking BootsEssential
Walking boots are essential for navigating the pavement of Memphis's Beale Street when temperatures dip to 32°F.
Warm Wool SocksEssential
Wool socks are vital for keeping feet warm during a chilly Memphis morning when it hits 32°F near the riverfront.
Warm BeanieEssential
A warm beanie is essential to retain heat while exploring the Cooper-Young area in Memphis during 49°F weather.
Insulated GlovesEssential
Insulated gloves protect your hands from the wind off the Mississippi Riverfront when Memphis temperatures hit 32°F.

Clothing

Heavy Wool CoatEssential
A heavy wool coat is essential for Memphis visitors walking the Mississippi Riverfront when January temperatures drop to 32°F.
Thermal Base LayersEssential
Layering with thermal tops helps you manage Memphis's humid subtropical climate and 49°F highs while exploring Cooper-Young.
Thick Knit SweatersEssential
Thick sweaters are necessary for staying warm in Memphis when the temperature hits 32°F near Sun Studio.
Heavy Denim PantsRecommended
Heavy denim is a must to stay warm during Memphis's January excursions to Beale Street when it reaches 32°F.

Footwear

Sturdy Walking BootsEssential
Walking boots are essential for navigating the pavement of Memphis's Beale Street when temperatures dip to 32°F.
Water-resistant ShoesRecommended
Water-resistant shoes help you handle the 10 days of precipitation expected in Memphis near the Mississippi Riverfront.
Warm Wool SocksEssential
Wool socks are vital for keeping feet warm during a chilly Memphis morning when it hits 32°F near the riverfront.
Comfortable SneakersRecommended
Comfortable sneakers are great for walking through Memphis's Cooper-Young neighborhood on a mild 49°F day.

Accessories

Warm BeanieEssential
A warm beanie is essential to retain heat while exploring the Cooper-Young area in Memphis during 49°F weather.
Insulated GlovesEssential
Insulated gloves protect your hands from the wind off the Mississippi Riverfront when Memphis temperatures hit 32°F.
Compact UmbrellaRecommended
A compact umbrella is recommended for navigating Memphis's Beale Street during the 10 days of precipitation expected in January.
Stylish ScarfRecommended
A stylish scarf fits the blues and soul aesthetic while providing warmth on Beale Street when Memphis temperatures hit 32°F.

Local tips for Memphis in January

Layer up for Beale Street; even if it's 49°F in the afternoon, the wind can make it feel much colder at night.

Check local music venue schedules before heading to Cooper-Young to ensure you have a warm indoor spot to retreat to.

The Mississippi Riverfront can be quite breezy; bring an extra layer if you plan on walking along the water in January.

FAQ — Memphis in January

Yes — average lows hit about 32°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.
Expect roughly 10 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
The Mississippi Riverfront can be quite breezy; bring an extra layer if you plan on walking along the water in January. See our full shoe picks for January: full shoe guide →

More tools for Memphis in January

What to wear

Outfit ideas for Memphis in January →

Layering looks and style guidance matched to the month's weather.

Best shoes

Shoe picks for January →

Waterproof, breathable, insulated — matched to the month.

Pack or skip

Umbrella? Winter coat? Sunscreen? →

Item-by-item verdict for January.

Comfort check

Will I be cold or hot? →

Day and night temp bands for January.

Packing tools

Decide jackets, outfits, shoes, and bag fees for Memphis in January

Free calculators — city and month pre-filled when we know them. No account required. Start with how many outfits, sudoku packing, or bag fees.

Trip

Planning a trip to one city?

One city → typical weather for your month, packing counts that fit your bags, and email your plan.

Outfits

How many outfits for this trip?

Trip length, bag size, and climate → exact tops, bottoms, layers, and outfit combinations.

Jacket

Not sure about a jacket?

City + month → base / mid / shell stack and pack-or-skip verdicts for rain jacket, coat, and thermals.

Shoes

Shoes for this climate?

Climate, activities, and bag size → pair count, primary/backup types, and climate-matched picks.

Bags

Will this trip cost bag fees?

Airline + fare bucket + bags you plan to bring → fit verdicts and typical carry-on / checked fee ranges.

Capsule

Try sudoku packing for this climate?

City + month → climate-ready 3 tops / 3 bottoms / 3 layers you can edit — up to 27 mix-and-match outfits.

All packing tools

January Packing List for Memphis — What to Wear & Bring

Hotels in Memphis