Halloween in Mississippi usually feels more like a mild autumn evening than a chilly fall night. Most years, temperatures in the 60s to low 70s show up during the day, then drop into the 50s after sunset.
So, you probably won’t need a heavy coat for your costume, but a light jacket isn’t a bad idea if you’re staying out late.
The air feels comfortable for the most part, though some humidity can hang around in parts of the state. Rain might show up, but late October usually brings fewer wet days than summer does.
That makes trick-or-treating, outdoor festivals, and football games easier to enjoy. You don’t have to stress too much about storms.
From the Gulf Coast up to the northern towns, weather shifts just enough to give each region its own vibe. Coastal spots stay a bit warmer and more humid, while northern Mississippi cools off faster at night.
If you know these patterns, you can plan your Halloween with fewer surprises.
Typical Halloween Weather in Mississippi
Late October in Mississippi brings mild afternoons and cooler nights. Rain falls less often than during the summer.
You’ll find outdoor conditions pretty comfortable, though humidity and shorter days can change how the weather feels when you’re out celebrating.
Average Temperatures in Late October
Mississippi’s humid subtropical climate brings hot summers and mild winters. By the end of October, the heat eases off but the air stays pleasant.
Jackson usually hits highs around 77°F (25°C), with lows near 56°F (13°C). Down in Biloxi, highs average 78°F (26°C) and lows stick closer to 63°F (17°C).
Northern towns like Tupelo run cooler, with highs near 74°F (23°C) and lows around 53°F (12°C).
Afternoons often feel warm enough for short sleeves. Evenings cool off quickly, so light layers help if you’re outside late.
Compared to summer, this is honestly one of the best times to visit Mississippi if you want to spend time outside.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rain falls less often in late October than in the wetter summer months. Mississippi cities typically get about 3 to 3.6 inches of rain for the month.
Jackson averages 7.3 days of rain, Biloxi about 6.8 days, and Tupelo roughly 7.5 days.
You’ll likely see dry weather for Halloween, though a quick shower can still pop up.
Thunderstorms don’t happen as often as in spring or summer, and heavy downpours are rare. Most rain events stay light and brief.
If you’re heading outdoors, an umbrella or light rain jacket usually does the trick.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity drops in the fall, so late October feels much better than the sticky summer months. Dew points often dip below 60°F (16°C), which is a nice break from the muggy conditions of June through August.
In Jackson, you might only get 6 to 7 muggy days in October, compared to nearly 30 in midsummer. Biloxi averages 12 to 13 muggy days, while Tupelo drops to just 3 to 4 days.
Lower humidity makes outdoor events way more enjoyable. Even if highs reach the upper 70s, the air feels lighter than it does in summer.
Daylight Hours and Sunset Times
By the end of October, daylight hours shrink as winter approaches. Mississippi gets about 11 to 11.3 hours of daylight.
Sunrise comes around 7:00 AM. Sunset falls near 6:15 PM to 6:20 PM, depending on where you are.
This earlier sunset matters for Halloween since trick-or-treating often starts before dark.
Cooler evenings set in quickly after sunset. If you’re planning something outdoors, starting earlier in the afternoon gives you more daylight and warmth.
Regional Variations Across Mississippi in Late October
Late October brings cooler nights, mild afternoons, and less humidity than summer. Each region has its own quirks, with different temperature swings, rainfall, and local effects from rivers or the Gulf.
Weather in the Mississippi Delta
In the Mississippi Delta, daytime highs usually hit the mid-70s °F (around 24°C). Nights drop to about 50°F (10°C).
The flat land lets temperatures fall quickly after sunset. Rain averages 3–4 inches during the month, often coming in quick bursts.
Fog sometimes rolls in early, especially near low-lying farmland.
Humidity drops compared to summer, making it easier to spend time outside. If you’re visiting, bring a light jacket for evenings and mornings.
Mississippi River Valley Conditions
Along the Mississippi River Valley, highs usually run from the upper 60s to mid-70s °F (20–24°C). Nights cool into the low to mid-50s °F (10–13°C).
The river helps keep extremes in check, so frost rarely happens this time of year.
Rainfall varies from year to year, with some Octobers wetter than others. Average precipitation lands between 3 and 5 inches.
The river sometimes creates fog, especially near bends and low banks.
Damp mornings and clear afternoons are pretty common. The river corridor can get breezy, so a windbreaker helps if you’re outside.
Gulf Coast and Southern Areas
Closer to the Gulf, things stay warmer and more humid than inland. Highs often reach 77–80°F (25–27°C), while nights fall to the mid-50s or low 60s °F (13–16°C).
October is usually one of the driest months on the coast, with Gulfport and Ocean Springs getting less than 3 inches of rain.
Storms are much less frequent than in summer, though a stray tropical system can still show up.
Sea breezes help keep afternoons pleasant. If you’re outside, you’ll probably find it’s a great time for a walk or outdoor meal.
Light layers are usually enough for comfort.
Northern Hills and Uplands
The northern hills and uplands cool down faster than the rest of the state. Daytime highs average around 70–73°F (21–23°C), with nighttime lows dipping into the upper 40s °F (8–9°C).
Rainfall runs a bit higher here, often between 4 and 5 inches. Passing cold fronts can bring brief heavy rain and gusty winds.
You might see more clouds than in southern areas.
If you’re headed to this region, pack warmer clothes for evenings. The cool air and rolling hills make it a great spot for hiking and sightseeing in autumn.
Influences on Mississippi’s Halloween Climate
Mississippi’s late October weather comes from a blend of its humid subtropical climate, the Gulf of Mexico’s moderating effect, and the seasonal shift from summer to fall. These factors shape what you can expect around Halloween.
Impact of the Humid Subtropical Climate
You live in a humid subtropical climate—think mild winters and long, hot summers. By late October, summer’s heat fades, but you still get plenty of warm days.
Average highs in central Mississippi usually sit in the mid to upper 70s°F, with lows in the 50s°F.
Rainfall stays pretty steady all year. Around Halloween, you’ll usually see 7–10 days of measurable precipitation in October, depending on where you are.
Heavy storms don’t show up as often as in summer, but showers can still mess with outdoor plans.
Humidity still matters. Dew points drop below summer levels, but in southern Mississippi, you might still feel some stickiness.
This mix of warmth and humidity keeps outdoor activities comfortable most years. Some evenings can feel a bit damp, though.
Role of the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico really shapes Halloween weather, especially in southern cities like Biloxi. Warm Gulf waters keep the coast milder than inland spots.
Biloxi’s late October highs usually hit 78°F, while Tupelo up north averages closer to 74°F.
The Gulf also brings in moisture, so coastal Mississippi often gets slightly more October rain than inland, averaging 4–5 inches for the month.
That means you might run into scattered showers if you’re near the coast.
The Gulf can stretch out the warm season. Even as inland areas cool off, coastal spots stay warmer at night.
Costumes can feel more comfortable by the water, but muggy air can still linger if humidity spikes.
Transition from Summer to Fall
Late October marks a clear seasonal transition. Long summer days shrink to about 11 hours, and nights get cooler.
This shift brings more comfortable weather for gatherings compared to September’s heat.
In northern Mississippi, you’ll notice bigger swings between day and night. Highs can still reach the 70s°F, but nights often fall into the 40s°F.
You might want a light jacket after sunset.
Farther south, the change feels gentler. Coastal areas usually stay warmer at night, with lows in the 50s°F to 60s°F.
With higher humidity, the transition into fall feels softer. So, Halloween weather really does depend on where you are in the state.
What to Expect: Outdoor Activities and Events
Late October in Mississippi brings mild afternoons and cooler evenings. Lower humidity compared to summer makes it easier to enjoy outdoor gatherings and festivals.
You won’t have to deal with the worst of the heat or heavy rain.
Ideal Conditions for Trick-or-Treating
By Halloween, daytime highs usually land in the upper 60s to mid-70s °F. Evenings dip into the 50s.
This mix of warm afternoons and crisp nights feels just right for trick-or-treating.
Rain chances drop compared to summer. October averages fewer wet days than the peak rainy season.
Most spots see about 3 to 4 inches of rain, but showers are usually short-lived.
Clearer skies happen more often, so you’ve got a better shot at dry weather on Halloween night.
Humidity drops sharply in autumn, so the air won’t feel sticky. Because sunset comes earlier, it gets dark fast—usually before 7 p.m.
Reflective clothing or flashlights help keep everyone safe while moving between neighborhoods.
Popular Halloween Festivals and Celebrations
Mississippi has a bunch of fall events that line up with Halloween. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and haunted attractions pop up all over—especially in the Gulf Coast, Jackson, and Tupelo.
You’ll find family-friendly activities during the day and spookier fun at night.
Local festivals show off southern food, music, and crafts with a Halloween twist. Many towns host harvest festivals with hayrides and costume contests.
On the coast, larger events feature haunted houses, live shows, and seasonal markets.
Since October is a great time to visit, crowds show up but usually aren’t overwhelming. The nice weather brings locals and visitors out, making for a lively scene.
Tips for Dressing for the Weather
You’ll want to be ready for both warm days and cool nights. Costumes made of lightweight material work well early, but you might need a sweater or jacket after sunset.
Kids especially benefit from layers that are easy to add or remove.
Closed-toe shoes make sense for walking through neighborhoods, fields, or festival grounds. If you’re heading to outdoor spots like corn mazes or pumpkin patches, waterproof shoes help if the ground is damp.
October nights can get breezy, so hats or gloves might help in the north. Carrying a small umbrella is smart, since brief showers can still happen.
Dressing in layers means you’ll stay comfortable no matter how the night goes.
Comparing Halloween Weather to Other Months
In Mississippi, late October feels cooler and less humid than summer but doesn’t have winter’s chill yet. Rain falls moderately, and temperatures can swing a bit from year to year.
How October Differs from September and November
September in Mississippi still feels like summer in a lot of ways. Highs can reach the upper 80s °F (around 30 °C), and humidity is common. You’ll probably run into muggy afternoons, especially if you’re near the Gulf Coast.
By October, the weather finally starts to cool down. Average highs drop into the 70s °F (low to mid-20s °C). Nights slip into the 50s °F (10–15 °C), so evenings actually feel comfortable for things like trick-or-treating. Humidity drops too, so the air isn’t nearly as heavy as it was in September.
In November, temperatures take another dip. Highs usually land in the 60s °F (15–20 °C). Lows can fall into the 40s °F (5–10 °C). Rain starts to show up more often, and cold fronts become a real possibility.
Quick Comparison:
- September: Hot, humid, highs near 85–90 °F
- October: Mild, drier, highs near 70–75 °F
- November: Cool, more rain, highs near 60–65 °F
Trends and Variability Year-to-Year
Halloween weather in Mississippi? It’s honestly a bit of a toss-up. Some years, you’ll get warm evenings in the upper 70s °F. Other years, you might shiver through lows in the 40s °F. Cold fronts can show up early or late, so the timing really changes things.
Rainfall isn’t exactly predictable either. October usually has fewer rainy days than summer, but you can still get showers if a front rolls through. If you’re in Biloxi or anywhere along the coast, you might see more rain than folks up north in Tupelo.
Winds in October tend to stay pretty gentle. Inland, they average around 7–9 kph, but along the Gulf Coast, it can get breezier. Compared to November, October feels calmer, which is great for outdoor stuff.
If you’re planning anything outside, expect mild and pleasant weather most years. Still, you never know—an early cold snap or rain system can surprise you.
Weather Safety and Travel Tips for Late October
Late October afternoons in Mississippi usually feel mild, but nights cool off and there’s a chance of light rain. You’ll want to be ready for changing conditions so your plans aren’t thrown off.
Preparing for Rain or Cool Evenings
Daytime temperatures in late October often hang out in the mid-70s°F, but nights can drop to the low-50s°F. You might start your day in short sleeves, then wish you had a jacket once the sun goes down. It’s smart to pack layers like a light sweater or a windbreaker.
Rain sometimes pops up, especially in the central and southern parts of Mississippi. The month usually brings around 3 to 4 inches of rain. Showers don’t always last long, but they can be steady. If you’re headed to outdoor events, toss a compact umbrella or rain jacket in your bag.
Humidity usually sits between 60% and 80%. That can make evenings feel chillier than you’d expect. If you’re going to Halloween festivals, football games, or trick-or-treating, be ready for damp ground and a cool breeze. Waterproof shoes or boots really help if you’re walking through wet grass or down rainy streets.
Quick checklist:
- Light layers (sweater, jacket)
- Umbrella or raincoat
- Waterproof shoes for damp ground
Travel Considerations Across Mississippi
Driving conditions in late October are usually pretty good. Still, scattered showers can make the roads slick, so you’ll want to stay alert.
You might hit fog on rural highways and two-lane roads in northern and central Mississippi, especially if you’re out early. Give yourself a little extra time in the morning just in case.
Traffic really picks up around college towns like Oxford, Starkville, and Hattiesburg when there’s a football game. Book your hotel ahead of time—those stadium crowds can bring heavier traffic than you’d expect.
If you’re heading toward coastal spots like Gulfport or Biloxi, the sea breezes might surprise you and make evenings feel cooler. It’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or something warm.
Daylight hours get shorter by late October, so you’ll notice sunset often comes before 6:30 p.m. That can cut into your sightseeing plans if you’re not careful.
Try to wrap up longer drives before dark, especially if you don’t know the roads well. It’s just easier and less tiring that way.
Regional notes:
- North Mississippi: Cooler nights, possible fog
- Central Mississippi: Mild days, heavier event traffic
- Coastal Mississippi: Breezy evenings, slightly warmer water temperatures