Memphis At a Glance
Best Time to Go
Fall and spring are the best times to visit, with May and October being the most pleasant
months -- during the fall and spring the weather is mild, and the crowds are minimal.
Memphis is a heavily touristed city with many attractions from Graceland to Mud Island ---
July, June, and August the city is crowded and the heat is sweltering.
Music lovers might want to tie a visit to a particular annual festival, including the
Elvis Presley Birthday Tribute held at Graceland each January or the Memphis Music and
Heritage Festival in mid-July.
Average Weather
July and August have average highs in the 90s; the coldest month is January with average
lows in the 30s and average highs in the high forties. Fall and spring are pleasant
seasons with highs ranging from the 60s through the 70s. Memphis is a rainy city
regardless of season. Nine to 10 days of monthly precipitation is the year-round norm.
Transportation
Memphis International Airport is a hub for Northwest/KLM. Taxis and car rental agencies
serve the airport; many area hotels offer free shuttle service, a direct telephone call
stations are available in baggage claim area A, B, and C to contact the hotel shuttles
with clearly marked pick- up stations right outside baggage claim.
In town, a restored trolley runs the length of Main Street connecting two historic
districts. Most of the city is covered by Memphis Area Transportation Authority bus
service; route and schedule information is available via telephone at (901) 722-7100. For
a romantic ride through Memphis check with Carriage Tours of Memphis by calling
1-888-267-9100.
In-Season Costs
Memphis can be an expensive city. The sheer number of entertainment options and the range
of dining -- from the obligatory ribs near Beale Street to haute cuisine in numerous
gourmet restaurants -- means you can really blow your budget here. Because Memphis is both
a business center and a vacation spot, it pays to book a room early for your best deal;
expect to pay around $150 nightly for a room in the downtown area. If you find one for
less, grab it! Meals are available in any budget range; the average cost of a full meal in
a moderate restaurant is $25.
Day Trips
A Memphis vacation isn't complete without a day trip on the Mississippi River. You can
book a steamboat journey on the Delta Queen by calling 1-800-215-0805. The Memphis Queen
offers shorter excursions and sets off daily between May and November; contact at
1-800-221-6197.
The Shiloh National Military Park is just over one hundred miles from Memphis if you're
a Civil War buff. Tunica, Mississippi is the USA's third largest gaming destination;
Tunica has ten casinos, numerous entertainment venues, and multiple shopping options.
Tunica is only 17 miles from Memphis.
