The climate of Leicester
Settled in the heart of the
United Kingdom,
Leicester falls into the Köppen climate classification of Cfb, best known as a marine west coast climate with warm summers. Throughout the year, the weather shows a unique blend of varying conditions - mildness, humidity, rainfall, and unmistakable seasonal character.
Upon examining the annual weather patterns in Leicester, high temperatures range from a cool 5.8°C (42.4°F) in the winter months to 20.5°C (68.9°F) in the height of summer. The low temperatures vary seasonally as well, exhibiting a span from 1.3°C (34.3°F) to 12.3°C (54.1°F). These reflect the typical moderate weather of the region, with no extreme heat or cold.
Humidity in the city tends to be on the higher side, with relative humidity remaining between 79% to 91% throughout the year. Rainfall, an integral aspect of the Leicester climate, is fairly distributed across months. The region sees an annual range of 23mm (0.91") to 49mm (1.93"), with the heaviest fall documented in summer and lightest in spring. Snowfall, a less frequent occurrence, is primarily concentrated in the winter months, with the highest volume of 28mm (1.1") in
February.
The city greets extended daylight from
May to
August, experiencing upto 16.8 hours, which contracts to a mere 7.7 hours by
December. Sunshine hours are relatively consistent, with a light variation from 3.7 hours in February to 7.5 in August, complementing the daylight hours.
Unique weather features include moderately strong winds, with average speeds shifting between 12.8km/h (8mph) to 18.5km/h (11.5mph). Moreover, maximum wind speeds registered at 19.6km/h (12.2mph) in December. The impressive visibility in Leicester falls between 8km (5mi) to 9km (5.6mi), relatively steady throughout the year.
The best time to visit Leicester
The finest time to visit
Leicester often coincides with the summer months of
June,
July, and
August. These months promise warm temperatures, with highs up to 20.5°C (68.9°F) and lows rarely dropping below 11.8°C (53.2°F). While this period does see substantial rainfall of up to 49mm (1.93") in June, it does not significantly disrupt outdoor activities, thanks to the extended daylight hours of up to 16.8 hours.
The worst time to visit Leicester
Winter, covering
December,
January, and
February, might not be the ideal time to visit
Leicester. While it doesn't get bitterly cold, with temperatures averaging between 1.3°C (34.3°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F), the shorter days, with daylight limited to a mere 7.7 hours by December, limit exploration possibilities. A higher incidence of snowfall, notably 28mm (1.1") in February, may make travel conditions unfavorable.
Spring weather in Leicester
March till
May marks the spring in
Leicester. The weather remains temperate, with highs ranging from 9.6°C (49.3°F) to 15.3°C (59.5°F) and lows from 2.2°C (36°F) to 6.5°C (43.7°F). The months see moderate rainfall, going up to 29mm (1.14") by May. The days start to extend, offering between 11.9 hours to 15.8 hours of daylight. Humidity remains relatively low, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Leicester
Summer spans
June to
August, delivering warm weather with highs escalating to 20.5°C (68.9°F) and lows sticking around a comfortable 12.3°C (54.1°F). Rainfall also peaks in summer, with June recording 49mm (1.93"), before subsiding to 40mm (1.57") by August. Yet, the long daylight hours, touching 16.8 hours, and the generous sunshine, promote a lively, vibrant atmosphere in the city.
Autumn weather in Leicester
Autumn graces
Leicester from
September until
November, bringing mild temperatures that dip down between 9.2°C (48.6°F) to 17.6°C (63.7°F). Rainfall hovers between 23mm (0.91") to 32mm (1.26"), while daylight hours see a reduction, dropping to 8.8 hours by November. Autumn’s mild and wet climate forms a striking backdrop for the colorful foliage in the city.
Winter weather in Leicester
Winter in
Leicester, from
December through
February, features a cool climate, with highs descending to 5.8°C (42.4°F) and lows to 1.3°C (34.3°F). The region witnesses snowfall, especially in February, which sees about 28mm (1.1") of coverage. Daylight hours are noticeably shorter, reaching around 8.3 hours in the winter months. Despite striking a colder note, Leicester’s winter has a distinct charm of its own.
Weather in January
Although
January isn't the coldest month in
Leicester, it does bring a significant amount of snowfall with a total of 17mm (0.67"). Those venturing outdoors might find January's weather to be damp, often with a considerable amount of cloud cover.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February witnesses a radical shift in the weather pattern of
Leicester, with snowfall increasing to 28mm (1.1"). As the city transitions into February, the dull, grey skies are replaced by the sun for longer durations. This month's daylight duration extends to nearly 9.9 hours, illuminating the snow-blanketed landscapes beautifully.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weatherwise,
March comes with a breath of fresh air in
Leicester, as the snowfall level dramatically drops to 6mm (0.24") while the temperature starts to rise. The city begins to witness the first signs of spring, with increasing daylight hours and decreased snowfall.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Leicester marks the advent of spring in full bloom, characterized by a complete absence of snowfall. The city witnesses an increase in temperature, signaling the end of the frozen winter months. Nature enthusiasts would particularly enjoy this time as it's the perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Leicester embraces warmer temperatures, ranging from 6.5°C (43.7°F) to 15.3°C (59.5°F). The increase in warmth is accompanied by the city blooming into a palette of refreshing spring colors. A pleasant feature of May is the balance between rainfall and sunshine, which enhances the lushness of Leicester's greenery while maintaining adequate brightness.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the beginning of the summer in
Leicester, with an average high temperature reaching 18°C (64.4°F). Summers in Leicester are pretty mild and comfortable, and June exemplifies that best. The sun's presence in the sky for almost 16.8 hours might sound intimidating, but it only adds to the appeal of the summer season.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the height of summer in
Leicester, boasting its maximum average temperatures of the year, from 11.8°C (53.2°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F). This marks the transition from the pleasant summers to a slightly warmer phase. The sun graces the city with its bright light and warmth, compensating for the increased humidity.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August's weather in
Leicester is characterized by temperatures similar to
July, ranging from 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 20°C (68°F). Although it shares similarities to the previous month in terms of temperature, August does witness quite a bit of rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Even as temperatures start to fall in
September,
Leicester remains under the influence of mild weather, making it a comfortable period for the inhabitants. The transition from summer to autumn manifests through a noticeable drop in the temperature.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Leicester in
October is graced with the glorious colours of autumn, though the weather starts to get noticeably colder. The arrival of October heralds the beginning of gloomier days and chillier nights as compared to previous periods, ahading a sense of mystique to the cityscape.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November Leicester’s weather takes a dramatic turn as the temperatures drop from 7.7°C (45.9°F) to 4.5°C (40.1°F), signaling the transition towards the beginning of winter. The month of November is representative of the poetic melancholy of late autumn.
Weather in November »Weather in December
Leicester's weather turns quite chilly in
December with temperatures plummeting to a range from 2.5°C (36.5°F) to 6.7°C (44.1°F). As the city moves into the heart of winter, snowfall returns, accumulating a total of 14mm (0.55") for the month.
Weather in December » [Resources]