If you’re planning a trip or gathering around Memorial Day in Mississippi, you’ll want to keep an eye on the weather. Late May usually means warm afternoons, mild nights, and a good mix of sunshine with a chance for passing showers.
Daytime highs tend to hit the mid-80s°F, and the humidity often makes it feel even hotter.
The holiday weekend pretty much feels like the kickoff to summer, but conditions can change a lot depending on your spot in the state. Coastal places like Biloxi stay a bit cooler thanks to breezes off the Gulf, while up north in Tupelo, it can feel warmer and not as breezy.
Rain shows up, but usually in short bursts, not all-day downpours.
It helps to know what to expect whether you’re grilling outdoors, heading to the beach, or exploring small towns. With longer days and a climate that’s warm and humid, Memorial Day in Mississippi gives you plenty of chances to enjoy the season, as long as you plan for the weather.
Typical Memorial Day Weather in Mississippi
Late May in Mississippi feels warm and humid, with lots of daylight. Temperatures climb, the air gets sticky, and you get a mix of sun, clouds, and maybe a shower or two.
These conditions really shape what you can do outside for gatherings or travel.
Average Temperatures in Late May
By Memorial Day, most of Mississippi feels like summer already. Daytime highs usually reach the mid to upper 80s °F (29–31 °C), and sometimes it creeps up close to 90 °F.
At night, things stay mild, with averages in the mid to upper 60s °F (18–20 °C).
The Gulf Coast, including Biloxi, stays a bit cooler during the day thanks to sea breezes. Inland cities like Jackson or Tupelo often run warmer.
You might not think a few degrees matter, but you’ll notice it if you’re outside for a while.
This trend toward warmer weather means you should dress for summer. Lightweight clothes, hats, and sunscreen make a lot of sense if you’re going to be outside all day.
Humidity Levels During Memorial Day
Humidity really changes how the temperatures feel. Relative humidity in late May usually ranges from 70% to 80%, especially in the mornings.
That makes the air feel heavy and adds to the discomfort during the hottest part of the day.
Coastal areas hold more humidity than northern Mississippi. The Gulf of Mexico pumps in steady moisture, so Biloxi and nearby towns feel stickier than Tupelo or Oxford.
Because of the humidity, you might see more afternoon thunderstorms. Staying hydrated and finding shade or air conditioning helps you deal with the muggy weather.
Typical Sky Conditions and Sunshine
Skies around Memorial Day in Mississippi usually range from partly cloudy to mostly sunny. On average, you get 8–9 hours of sunshine each day, though clouds and quick showers are common.
Rain isn’t constant, but brief downpours or afternoon storms can pop up. The state averages 7 to 12 rainy days in May, depending on where you are.
These showers usually move through fast, leaving clearer skies behind.
If you’re planning something outdoors, mornings are often your best bet for dry weather. Still, it’s smart to check the forecast since things can flip from sunny to stormy in no time.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Late May in Mississippi brings warm, humid air that supports frequent showers and thunderstorms. Rainfall amounts vary across the state, but you’ll see higher chances for wet weather than in early spring.
Afternoon storms show up a lot as the day heats up and builds moisture.
Chance of Rain on Memorial Day
You face a moderate to high chance of rain around Memorial Day in Mississippi. Historical data shows that areas like Jackson, Biloxi, and Tupelo average 9–11 days of measurable rain in May.
So, about one out of every three days brings some precipitation.
The Gulf Coast gets wetter, with Biloxi seeing more rainy days than up north. Afternoon and evening showers are most likely, popping up fast from the heat and humidity.
Mornings stay drier, but you can’t count on it.
Cloud cover matters too. In late May, skies are partly cloudy to mostly cloudy about 40–50% of the time, which means the weather can be unsettled.
If you’re headed outside on Memorial Day, pack rain gear or have a flexible schedule.
Average Rainfall Amounts
May ranks high for rainfall in Mississippi. On average, Jackson gets about 4.1 inches, Biloxi around 4.4 inches, and Tupelo close to 4.6 inches for the month.
These totals come from several storm bursts, not steady rain all day.
Moisture from the Gulf of Mexico drives the rainfall pattern. Coastal spots often see heavier downpours, while northern Mississippi gets slightly less but still plenty of showers.
Rain usually arrives in quick bursts, sometimes dropping an inch or more in a short time.
You should expect brief but heavy showers, not long, soaking rains. Outdoor activities might pause for a bit, but usually, you can get back out once the storm passes.
Some places drain slowly, so localized flooding can happen after intense rain.
Storms and Severe Weather Risks
Memorial Day lands right in Mississippi’s late spring storm season. Warm Gulf air clashes with cooler fronts, and that stirs up thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
Tornadoes happen more often earlier in spring, but late May still brings a risk for isolated severe storms.
You should watch out for flash flooding, frequent lightning, and strong wind gusts. Coastal places like Biloxi sometimes see more intense storms because of tropical moisture.
Northern regions, like Tupelo, don’t get as much tropical influence, but severe thunderstorm warnings still pop up.
If you’re traveling or planning something outdoors, keep an eye on the latest forecasts. Afternoon events carry the most risk, since daytime heating fuels storms.
Having a backup indoor plan isn’t a bad idea.
Regional Weather Differences Across Mississippi
Temperatures and rainfall shift across Mississippi in late May. Coastal areas feel more humid, central regions stay steadily warm, and up north, nights cool off a bit more.
These differences can matter if you’re planning outdoor stuff, since conditions really do change depending on where you are.
Jackson Area Weather Trends
In the Jackson area, daytime highs around Memorial Day usually hit the low to mid-80s °F. Nights drop into the mid-60s °F, which feels comfortable for evening gatherings.
Rain is common in late spring, with about 4 inches falling in May.
You can expect 8–10 rainy days over this period, and showers are often short but heavy. Humidity rises, and muggy conditions show up on nearly half the days by late May.
That makes mornings and evenings the best time for outdoor plans.
Winds stay light, averaging 5 mph, so storms might build slowly but still drop a lot of rain. If you’re heading to an outdoor event, it’s smart to have covered seating or an indoor backup.
Biloxi and Gulf Coast Conditions
Biloxi and the Gulf Coast run warmer and definitely more humid than inland spots. Highs usually reach the mid-80s °F, and lows stay in the low 70s °F.
The Gulf’s water temperature hovers near 80°F, so beach trips are possible, but the air can get sticky.
Rainfall is heavier here than in the center of the state. May brings about 4–5 inches, but showers are often brief and scattered.
Afternoon thunderstorms show up a lot, but they clear out pretty fast.
Muggy days top 20 in May, so expect high humidity almost every day. Winds are stronger on the coast, averaging 8–9 mph, which helps a bit but can make boating or fishing less predictable.
Northern Mississippi Climate Variations
Northern Mississippi, including places like Tupelo, runs a few degrees cooler than the rest of the state around Memorial Day. Highs often settle near the low 80s °F, and lows dip into the low 60s °F.
Evenings feel more comfortable here compared to the coast or central Mississippi.
Rainfall averages 4–5 inches in May, spread across 9–11 days. Storms can be intense, with heavy rain and lightning, but they’re usually quick to pass.
Humidity is lower than in Biloxi or Jackson, but late May still brings some muggy afternoons. Winds average 6–7 mph, so you’ll get a little cooling effect.
This area feels less oppressive, making hiking or camping outdoors a bit easier.
Daylight Hours and Seasonal Changes
Late May brings long days to Mississippi, with early sunrises and late sunsets. You’ll notice way more daylight than in winter, and this marks the shift into summer.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Around Memorial Day, the sun rises early across Mississippi. In Jackson, sunrise usually comes close to 6:00 AM.
Up north in Tupelo, it might be a few minutes earlier. Along the Gulf Coast near Biloxi, sunrise times are about the same, maybe just a touch later.
Sunset stretches well into the evening. The sun usually sets near 7:50–8:00 PM across most of the state.
That gives you long evenings, perfect for outdoor activities, events, or travel.
Exact times vary a little by city, but not by much—maybe 15 minutes at most. These longer days give you a nice window for sightseeing, fishing, or evening gatherings without having to rush before dark.
Length of Daylight Around Memorial Day
By late May, Mississippi gets about 13.5 to 14 hours of daylight each day. That’s almost the longest stretch of the year, which comes in late June.
In Jackson, daylight lasts about 13 hours 50 minutes. Tupelo gets a few extra minutes, while Biloxi sees a bit less.
The difference is small, but it can matter if you’re planning things down to the minute.
This long daylight period signals the move toward summer. You’ll notice warmer mornings, extended evenings, and more time to enjoy being outside.
The extra daylight also means humidity climbs later in the day, so doing things earlier or later can make them a bit more comfortable.
Travel Considerations for Memorial Day
Late May in Mississippi often brings a mix of heat, humidity, and scattered storms that can throw a wrench in your travel plans. You’ll want to plan around both busy holiday traffic and the chance of sudden weather changes.
Best Times to Visit Mississippi in Late May
If you’d rather skip the worst heat, aim for mornings or early evenings for your outdoor plans. Afternoons usually bring higher humidity and a better shot at thunderstorms.
Traveling a few days before Memorial Day can help you avoid the worst traffic. Highways headed into Jackson, Hattiesburg, and the Gulf Coast get crowded during the holiday weekend.
Most days, you’ll see temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s, with cooler evenings in the 60s or 70s. Rain shows up, but it’s usually in short bursts, not all-day storms.
That makes it possible to fit in sightseeing or outdoor events if you stay flexible.
Weather-Related Travel Tips
You should keep an eye on local forecasts since the weather can shift quickly from hot and dry to stormy. The National Weather Service often puts out updates about severe weather risks, like strong winds, hail, or even the rare tornado.
If you’re driving, give yourself extra time for delays from heavy rain or traffic. Wet roads can get slick, especially outside the cities.
In towns, sudden downpours might cause quick street flooding.
Flying into Mississippi airports like Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International? Expect possible delays if storms roll through.
It never hurts to have a backup plan for connections or rental cars, just in case things change.
Packing Recommendations for the Holiday
Pack clothing that works for both hot afternoons and those cooler, rain-cooled evenings. I’d go with light, breathable fabrics like cotton—they just feel better in the heat.
Toss in a light jacket or sweater in case showers drop the temperature into the 70s. You’ll thank yourself later.
Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes that can handle wet sidewalks or muddy patches. Sandals? Eh, maybe skip them if you’ll be wandering through outdoor sites or grassy fields.
You might want to bring:
- Umbrella or lightweight rain jacket
- Reusable water bottle so you don’t get thirsty
- Sunscreen and hat for all that outdoor time
- Bug repellent if you’re hanging out near rivers or woods
A few tweaks like these really help your holiday trip go a lot smoother.
Weather Trends and Historical Data
Memorial Day in Mississippi usually brings warm temperatures and at least some chance of rain. The weather can swing from year to year, but if you check historical records, you’ll see what’s most likely across the state.
Year-to-Year Variability
Late May in Mississippi typically means highs in the low to mid-80s °F. Some years, though, the thermometer jumps into the 90s.
At night, lows often hang out in the 60s. Occasionally, cooler years dip into the upper 50s.
Rainfall changes a lot. Some years, you’ll get dry skies, but others bring passing thunderstorms. The Gulf Coast usually ends up wetter than northern Mississippi, so location really matters if you’re planning something outdoors.
Humidity? Oh, it can get sticky. Some Memorial Days, the air just clings to you with dew points in the 60s. Other years, it feels less muggy. The mix of Gulf moisture and inland heat keeps things unpredictable.
Long-term data shows temperatures don’t swing too wildly, but rainfall and humidity sure do. So, plan for warm weather, but keep an eye on those storm chances.
Recent Memorial Day Weather Records
Historical records from cities like Jackson, Biloxi, and Tupelo tell a pretty interesting story. Let’s take a look:
| City | Warmest Memorial Day (°F) | Coolest Memorial Day (°F) | Wettest Memorial Day (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | 94 | 63 | 2.1 |
| Biloxi | 92 | 66 | 3.5 |
| Tupelo | 91 | 60 | 1.8 |
Over the last few decades, Memorial Day usually feels warm and humid. Scattered storms tend to pop up in the afternoon.
Coastal spots like Biloxi get more rain since Gulf moisture drifts in. Up north in Tupelo, it’s a bit cooler, but you’ll still run into showers sometimes.
These numbers show that extreme cold almost never happens. Still, heavy rain events can crash your outdoor plans before you know it.
If you’re heading out for Memorial Day, expect it to be warm. Maybe bring an umbrella, especially if you’re close to the coast.