Best Time to Drive: Memphis, TX to Houston, TX
The best overall window to drive from Memphis, TX to Houston, TX is April to September. May is especially comfortable, and 8 AM to 11 AM is usually the easiest departure window.
Best overall window
April to September
This stretch gives the steadiest mix of comfort, daylight, and lower weather friction.
Easiest departure pattern
8 AM to 11 AM
Mid-morning is usually the steadiest all-around departure window.
Most challenging stretch
December
February is one of the harder months for this route because the weather friction stacks up faster.
Why This Route Scores Differently
This route is long enough that weather comfort across the whole day matters more than just departure conditions.
The current best window is April to September, when the drive is more likely to feel steady end to end.
This score uses multiple NOAA sample points along the route instead of a single state-wide climate average.
Month-by-Month Driving Conditions
Average Conditions by Month
January
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Rain disruption is usually limited compared with wetter months.
February
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Rain disruption is usually limited compared with wetter months.
March
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
April
Best departure
8 AM to 11 AM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
May
Best departure
8 AM to 11 AM
Daytime temperatures usually stay in a comfortable driving range.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
June
Best departure
8 AM to 11 AM
Daytime temperatures usually stay in a comfortable driving range.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
July
Best departure
8 AM to 11 AM
Daytime temperatures usually stay in a comfortable driving range.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
August
Best departure
8 AM to 11 AM
Daytime temperatures usually stay in a comfortable driving range.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
September
Best departure
8 AM to 11 AM
Daytime temperatures usually stay in a comfortable driving range.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
October
Best departure
8 AM to 11 AM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
November
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Weather is mixed enough that departure timing still matters.
December
Best departure
9 AM to 12 PM
Temperatures are workable, but not as easy as the best shoulder-season windows.
Rain disruption is usually limited compared with wetter months.
Best Departure Time by Season
Spring
8 AM to 11 AM
Mid-morning is usually the steadiest all-around departure window.
Summer
8 AM to 11 AM
Mid-morning is usually the steadiest all-around departure window.
Fall
8 AM to 11 AM
Mid-morning is usually the steadiest all-around departure window.
Winter
9 AM to 12 PM
Waiting for a little daylight and warmer pavement usually makes the drive easier.
How This Score Was Built
Source
Route-sampled NOAA climate normals
High confidence. Built from 4 NOAA-backed route checkpoints rather than a single statewide estimate.
Origin zone
Great Plains
Destination zone
Great Plains
Route sample points
Late route
Late route checkpoint
TX MEMPHIS (0.2 mi away)
Late route
Late route checkpoint
TX HENRIETTA (7.3 mi away)
Late route
Late route checkpoint
TX FERRIS (6.7 mi away)
Destination
Houston, TX
TX HOUSTON 2.1 NNE (2.4 mi away)
Ready to plan? See the full trip plan from Memphis, TX to Houston, TX with stops, fuel costs, and directions.
Considering flying instead? Compare driving vs flying for this route.