Sporty
Cargo Rain Jacket
A black rain jacket over an oversized graphic tee and olive cargo trousers handles mild rain practically. White lace-up booties finish the look with enough contrast to lift the palette.
What to Wear in Memphis in November
November in Memphis brings genuine Mississippi River Valley fall cold, with highs averaging 62°F and lows near 42°F as cold fronts push down from the north with increasing regularity. A medium jacket over sweaters and long sleeves handles most situations, and rain arrives on about 9 days throughout the month. Beale Street's music venues and the National Civil Rights Museum are excellent fall destinations, though cold fronts can drop temperatures dramatically overnight.
What to wear
top / Long-Sleeve Top
fitted long-sleeve
lightweight layer for mild temps
bottom / Jeans
straight-leg
chinos for a slightly smarter look
footwear / Waterproof Boots
ankle boots
rubber sole for traction — keep feet dry all day
outerwear / Rain Jacket
shell jacket
waterproof or DWR-treated — keep it packable
Consider bringing:
Umbrella
Based on typical November conditions in Memphis. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
November is Memphis transitioning from fall to winter along the Mississippi River — Beale Street's neon still glows invitingly, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is best visited in the off-peak quiet of autumn, and the Overton Park Greensward shows its bare-tree winter character. Highs in the low 60s on pleasant days are comfortable for exploring the South Main arts district and the Mississippi River Greenway, while evenings drop to the low 40s and make the city's indoor music and food culture feel especially welcoming. The Memphis visitor challenge in November is the Tennessee-style cold front volatility. A comfortable 65°F Monday afternoon can transition to a 40°F, grey, rainy Wednesday when a front pushes through, and the Mississippi River's wide, flat valley offers no windbreak against northwest winds. Pack a medium-to-heavy jacket with some water resistance for frontal rain systems, waterproof footwear for the rainy days (Beale Street's brick pavers are slippery when wet), and layers that can handle the 20-degree daily temperature swing that characterizes Memphis's November.
Curated Looks
Formal
Grey Coat Wide-Leg
A grey longline coat over an ivory blouse and black wide-leg trousers handles mild rain without losing formal intent. Black Chelsea boots and a mini bag keep it focused.
Cozy
Parka Cable Knit Mules
A black longline parka over a cable knit sweater in mild rain keeps warmth without overdressing. Black mule heels under leggings are an unexpected and intentional detail.
Business Casual
Navy Trench and Shorts
A navy trench coat over khaki bermuda shorts and a blue linen blouse works between seasons on a mild rainy day. Black pointed-toe heels sharpen what could easily be too casual.
Chic
Cream Puffer Wide-Leg
A cream oversized puffer over a navy striped cardigan and wide-leg ivory linen trousers handles mild rain with a considered mix of textures. Black ballet flats are the restrained finish.
Casual
Olive Anorak Trousers
An olive anorak handles mild rain without abandoning the polish of wide-leg navy trousers underneath. The crossbody stays tucked and close.
Cute
Blush Jacket Knit Skirt
A blush cropped jacket over a grey cardigan and black sweater mini skirt handles mild rain with charm. A black bucket bag and ankle boots keep the proportions balanced.
Other Months in Memphis
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in Memphis in November?+
Layer a long-sleeve shirt or sweater under a medium-to-heavy jacket. Afternoons near 62°F are comfortable for outdoor exploration, but evenings drop to the low 40s and cold-front days can be raw and grey. Water-resistant outer layers are smarter than purely warm ones given the ~9 rainy days, and waterproof footwear handles Beale Street's slippery wet bricks.
Is November a good time to visit Memphis?+
November is a good off-peak time to visit Memphis — the National Civil Rights Museum and Stax Museum of American Soul Music are uncrowded, Beale Street's live music is intimate rather than overwhelming, and the South Main arts district is genuinely vibrant. Weather can be variable but the indoor music and food culture thrives year-round.
What shoes are best for Memphis in November?+
Waterproof ankle boots or walking shoes with grip are ideal for Memphis's November conditions. Beale Street's brick pavers become treacherously slippery in rain, and the South Main arts district's sidewalks hold water after showers. With ~9 rainy days, waterproof footwear is a practical necessity rather than a luxury.
How cold does Memphis get in November?+
November lows average around 42°F, with cold front passages pushing overnight temperatures into the upper 30s. Highs reach about 62°F on pleasant days. Memphis's flat river valley location means cold fronts arrive without geographical resistance — temperature swings of 20+ degrees within 24 hours are a November norm.
What should I pack for Memphis in November?+
Pack sweaters and long-sleeve shirts, a medium-to-heavy water-resistant jacket, jeans, and waterproof ankle boots. A compact umbrella covers frontal rain systems. A scarf and light gloves are useful for cold evenings on Beale Street. Include a warmer layer for cold-front days when the Mississippi River wind chill makes 50°F feel significantly colder.