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Memphis summers are hot and humid. Prepare for intense heat. For outdoor pursuits, plan your activities for early mornings or late afternoons during the summer to avoid the midday heat. Winters can experience brief but intense cold snaps. Thunderstorms are common in spring and summer. These can be severe, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. Monitor local weather forecasts. While rare in the city center, Tennessee is part of "Tornado Alley." Spring is the main season for severe weather outbreaks. Pay attention to local alerts and have a plan for seeking shelter if a tornado warning is issued. Hotels generally disseminate information on emergency procedures.
Ideal timing for specific activities: Outdoor activities (e.g., exploring Shelby Farms Park, riverfront walks, outdoor concerts at Levitt Shell): Spring and Fall present the most comfortable weather for these activities. Music Festivals (e.g., Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week): Check specific event dates, which often occur in spring or summer. These events draw large crowds and booking early is prudent. Indoor Attractions (e.g., museums, Graceland, Sun Studio, Stax Museum, National Civil Rights Museum): Enjoy these sites year-round. The low season provides fewer crowds, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
Entry requirements for Memphis are the same as for any destination within the United States. Confirm you meet these requirements well before your travel date.
Citizens of 41 countries qualify for visa-free travel to the U.S. For tourism or business under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Stays must be 90 days or less. An approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a prerequisite before departure. Apply online via the official ESTA website. This process is generally quick, but apply at least 72 hours before your flight.
Critical for entry
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from the United States.
Print or keep a digital confirmation of your ESTA approval or valid visa. Having it readily available expedites your process.
B-2 Tourist Visa Process
Complete Form DS-160, pay the fee, and attend an interview at an U.S. Embassy or consulate.
Wait times for interviews can be long, so plan well in advance.
Upon Arrival
Upon arrival at an U.S. Port of entry, visitors undergo customs and border protection screening.
Biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo, are collected. Answer all questions truthfully.
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD or $). Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) find wide acceptance at almost all establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange services might find limitation outside Memphis International Airport and major banks. Often, exchanging a small amount of currency before arrival or withdrawing cash from an ATM upon landing yields better exchange rates. Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid card holds.
Utilize the Memphis Heritage Pass which presents discounted entry to multiple attractions. Take advantage of free attractions like Beale Street during the day or the Mississippi Riverwalk. Look for happy hour specials and lunch menus. Consider walking and public transit to save on rideshare costs. Booking accommodation outside the immediate downtown core, like Midtown, may yield lower prices.
Hostels/budget motels, street food/fast food, public transit.
Mid-range hotels, casual dining, mix of rideshares and transit.
Luxury hotels, fine dining, private transport.
Expect to tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 15-20% for taxis/rideshares, $1-5 per bag for bellhops, $2-5 per day for housekeepers, and 10-20% for tour guides.
Keep some small bills for tips and cash-only establishments.
Memphis provides access to comprehensive healthcare services.
Memphis summers are hot and humid. Prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke by staying hydrated (drink plenty of water), seeking shade or air-conditioned indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and wearing light, breathable clothing.
Memphis has several major hospitals with comprehensive medical services, including Methodist University Hospital and Regional One Health. For non-life-threatening conditions, urgent care centers offer a quicker alternative to emergency rooms.
Memphis, like any large city, experiences crime. While overall crime rates can be higher than national averages, tourist areas are generally patrolled and considered safer for visitors.
Downtown/Beale Street: Generally safe, especially when active with visitors. Exercise awareness of your surroundings late at night. East Memphis: Considered safer and more suburban, with lower crime rates. Travelers should avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or deserted areas. Secure your valuables, avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive electronics, and remain aware of your surroundings.
Spring (March-May) is the peak season. Monitor local weather alerts. Seek sturdy shelter immediately if a tornado warning applies.
Heavy rainfall can cause localized flash flooding. Do not drive through flooded roads.
Memphis is in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Minor tremors can occur, though significant events are infrequent. Buildings are generally constructed to withstand such events.
Always carry a copy of your passport or ID, and keep original documents secure in your accommodation. Inform a trusted contact about your itinerary.
Contact your embassy or consulate immediately if your passport or other identification is lost or stolen. Report the loss to the local police department.
Costs fluctuate significantly based on your travel style and preferences.
Prices per night, in USD.
Prices per person for meals, per adult for attractions.
| Season | Months | Average High (°F/°C) |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April, May | 60s-70s / 15-25 |
| Summer | June, July, August | 80s-90s / 27-35 |
| Fall | September, October | 60s-70s / 15-25 |
Your health and safety contribute to a positive travel experience in Memphis.
Drink plenty of water to counter hot and humid conditions; seek air-conditioned spaces during peak heat.
High pollen counts occur in spring and fall; bring your antihistamines if you have seasonal allergies.
Use Insect repellent during warmer months, especially near water or in parks.
Tap water in Memphis is safe to drink throughout the city.
Restaurants and food establishments adhere to high food hygiene standards enforced by local health departments. You can enjoy meals from various dining options with confidence.
No specific vaccinations are a prerequisite for entry into the U.S. From most countries. Consult a medical professional for personalized advice.
Always carry a copy of your passport or ID, keeping original documents secure in your accommodation.
Memphis has several major hospitals with comprehensive medical services, including Methodist University Hospital and Regional One Health (trauma center).
For non-life-threatening conditions, urgent care centers offer a more affordable and quicker alternative to emergency rooms.
Major pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are widely available for prescription refills and over-the-counter medications.
Knowing these numbers and procedures is critical in an emergency.
Awareness of safety concerns and environmental risks.
Downtown/Beale Street areas are generally safe when active; exercise awareness at night.
Spring brings potential for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes; monitor local forecasts.
Memphis is in the New Madrid Seismic Zone; minor tremors can occur, but significant events are infrequent.
