December 2025 Climate Report for Memphis, TN

The first half of December was well below normal temperature-wise with only two days above average through the 16th. The coldest temperatures followed a cold front on the 13th with lows dropping to the mid teens the next two mornings.

The latter half of the month was generally much warmer than normal with highs in the 70s Christmas week, resulting in a top 4 warmest Christmas on record. Highs reached 74 on the 23rd (which broke a record from 2015) and 76 on the 24th (tying a record from 2015). To end the month, a cold front moved through on the 28th with the high that day of 73, dropping to 28 the following morning.

Overall, temperatures were around 0.5 degrees above normal, thanks to the distribution of cooler than normal temps during the first half of the month and warmer than average for the latter half of the month.

Not much rain fell in December. In fact, half of the total rain for the month fell on the first (the wettest day of the month) and only a half inch fell after the 4th. In sum, rainfall was nearly four inches below normal for the month. No thunderstorms or severe weather occurred during the month.

Also on the first day of the month, a trace of snow fell as temperatures dropped below freezing. It was the only snow recorded for the month.

With a lack of precipitation, drought conditions returned to the area after climbing out of a drought in late fall. The metro was officially in D1 (abnormally dry) conditions to end the month.

Average temperature: 45.2 degrees (0.4 degrees above average)
Average high temperature: 53.6 degrees (0.2 degrees above average) 
Average low temperature: 36.8 degrees (0.6 degrees above average) 
Warmest temperature: 76 degrees (24th)
Coolest temperature: 16 degrees (15th)
Heating Degrees Days: 613 (15 below average)
Cooling Degree Days: 8 (6 above average)
Records set or tied: Record high set on the 23rd (74) and tied on the 24th (76).
Comments: None

Monthly total: 1.52″ (3.97″ below average)
Days with measurable precipitation: 5 (5.2 days below average) 
Wettest 24-hour period: 0.75″ (1st) 
Snowfall: Trace
Records set or tied: None
Comments: Snow flurries fell on the 1st. Only one day recorded more than a half-inch of rain for the month.

Peak wind: NW/51 mph (28th)
Average wind: 8.5 mph
Average relative humidity: 69%
Average sky cover: 60%

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Memphis International Airport.

Average temperature: 44.5 degrees
Average high temperature: 53.7 degrees
Average low temperature: 35.1 degrees
Warmest temperature: 77.0 degrees (24th) 
Coolest temperature: 13.8 degrees (15th)
Comments: None

Monthly total: 1.49″ (automated rain gauge), 1.71″ (CoCoRaHS rain gauge) 
Days with measurable precipitation: 5
Wettest date: 0.58″ (1st) (via automated gauge) 
Snowfall: None
Comments: None

Peak wind: NW/28 mph (10th)
Average relative humidity: 75% 
Average barometric pressure: 30.15 in.
Comments: None

Click here for a daily statistical recap for Bartlett, TN.

Average temperature error: 2.41 degrees
Forecast temperatures within 2 degrees of actual: 61%
Average dewpoint error: 2.52 degrees
Forecast dewpoints within 2 degrees of actual: 71%

MWN’s forecasts extend out five periods (2.5 days, or roughly 60 hours). Historical accuracy statistics can be found here

Richard Hoseney
MWN Meteorologist


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