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Jackson

Jackson travel guide

Capital and largest city of Mississippi, United States

Best time to visitOctober
Nearest airportHKS · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population153,701

About Jackson

Jackson is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Mississippi. The city sits on the Pearl River and is located in the greater Jackson Prairie region of Mississippi. Along with Raymond, Jackson is one of two county seats for Hinds County. The city had a population of 153,701 at the 2020 census, a decline of 11.42% from 173,514 since the 2010 census, representing the largest decline in population during the decade of any major U.S. city. The Jackson metropolitan area is the largest metropolitan area located entirely in the state and the tenth-largest urban area in the Deep South, with 592,000 residents in 2020.

Places to visit in Jackson

  1. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

    Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

    Museum

    An immersive museum telling the story of the civil rights struggle in Mississippi through personal accounts, artifacts and multimedia galleries. It is a moving and essential stop for understanding the state's history.

  2. Museum of Mississippi History

    Museum of Mississippi History

    Museum

    Sharing a building with the Civil Rights Museum, this museum traces the state's past from Native American cultures to the modern era. Combine both for a fuller picture of Mississippi's story.

  3. Mississippi State Capitol

    Mississippi State Capitol

    Landmark

    A Beaux-Arts capitol building with a gilded eagle atop its dome and an ornate interior of marble and stained glass. Free guided tours explain the building and the workings of state government.

  4. Eudora Welty House

    Eudora Welty House

    Historic · 2 mi from centre

    The preserved Tudor Revival home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, kept much as she left it with thousands of books. Guided tours and her restored garden give insight into her life and writing.

  5. Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument

    Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument

    Historic · 3 mi from centre

    The modest family home where civil rights leader Medgar Evers was assassinated in his driveway. Now a national monument, it offers a powerful, personal connection to the movement's history.

  6. Old Capitol Museum

    Old Capitol Museum

    Museum

    A Greek Revival building that served as the state capitol for much of the nineteenth century, now a museum about the building and the political history that unfolded inside its chambers.

  7. Mississippi Museum of Art

    Mississippi Museum of Art

    Museum

    Downtown's main art museum, with a permanent collection centered on Mississippi artists and rotating national exhibitions. Its outdoor garden is a pleasant public space for a break between sights.

Where to stay in Jackson

Popular hotels in Jackson, out of 86 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Jackson

Best time to visit Jackson

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Jackson is October, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 34° – 53° 11
Feb 44° – 65° 8
Mar 50° – 70° 11
Apr 58° – 77° 9
May 65° – 83° 17
Jun 70° – 89° 13
Jul 74° – 91° 15
Aug 72° – 91° 11
Sep 68° – 86° 9
Oct 58° – 80° 6
Nov 51° – 71° 7
Dec 43° – 62° 9

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Jackson weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 81° 51° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 83° 62° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 83° 61° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 80° 60° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 80° 59° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 81° 60° 0%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Jackson

These are the airports closest to central Jackson. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • HKS Hawkins Field3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
  • JAN Jackson-Evers International Airport6 mi (10 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Jackson

Getting around Jackson

JTRAN, the city transit system, has buses from Union Station six days a week until shortly after 5PM each day. Their phone number is: +1 601-948-7140 Pick up route schedules at the JATRAN office, open weekdays inside Union Station.

Jackson travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Jackson?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Jackson is October, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 6 days a month.

What is the weather like in Jackson?

August is usually the warmest month in Jackson, with average highs of 91°F (33°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 34°F (1°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 249 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Jackson?

Hawkins Field (HKS) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Jackson. Other nearby airports include Jackson-Evers International Airport (JAN, 6 mi).

What time zone is Jackson in?

Jackson uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Jackson?

JTRAN, the city transit system, has buses from Union Station six days a week until shortly after 5PM each day. Their phone number is: +1 601-948-7140 Pick up route schedules at the JATRAN office, open weekdays inside Union Station.

What are the best places to visit in Jackson?

Top sights in Jackson include Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Museum of Mississippi History, Mississippi State Capitol and Eudora Welty House. An immersive museum telling the story of the civil rights struggle in Mississippi through personal accounts, artifacts and multimedia galleries. It is a moving and essential stop for understanding the state's history.

Where should I stay in Jackson?

Popular areas for hotels in Jackson include Brookhaven, Downtown and Ridgeland. Well-reviewed options include Rodeway Inn & Suites and Quality Inn Brookhaven.

How many hotels can I book in Jackson?

Destina Holidays currently lists 86 properties in and around Jackson, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.