The climate of Southampton
Southampton is located on the southern coast of England, identifying with the Köppen climate classification as Cfb which is typical for a marine west coast climate with warm summers. The city experiences moderate weather conditions due to the influence of the Gulf Stream.
The overall weather throughout the year is relatively mild with temperatures ranging from 3.3°C (37.9°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F). However, these temperatures show a noticeable variation with
July being the warmest month with an average high of 20.7°C (69.3°F) while the coldest month registers in
January at an average low temperature of 3.3°C (37.9°F). The city is notably humid with relative humidity readings averaging between 79% and 87% with the highest recorded in
December and January and the lowest in July and
August.
Throughout the year, Southampton receives an average rainfall of between 27mm (1.06") and 61mm (2.4"). December experiences the highest amount of rainfall at 61mm (2.4") across 16.7 days, making it the wettest month. The driest period falls between
April and
May when the city receives 31mm (1.22") and 27mm (1.06") respectively. The number of snowfall days remains relatively low and negligible in the summer months. The most snowfall is recorded in January and December with up to 6mm (0.24") and 8mm (0.31") respectively.
Southampton has a consistent sea temperature range of 8.6°C (47.5°F) in
March to 17.3°C (63.1°F) in
September. The city portrays a decent daylight range from as low as 8 hours in December to a peak of 16.4 hours in
June. The sunshine duration is also significantly different across the months, with an average of 4.1 hours in January and December and up to 8.7 hours during July.
The best time to visit Southampton
Spring and Summer are generally the best times to visit
Southampton. During these periods, the temperatures are considerably mild and comfortable. For instance, in
May, the average high temperature reaches 15.7°C (60.3°F) with low temperatures averaging at 7.8°C (46°F). The rainfall is also relatively low during this period. On the other hand, the summer months of
June to
August provide an appealing time for tourists. The temperatures range from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 20.7°C (69.3°F), and the city gets ample sunshine, with the peak day reaching 8.7 hours in
July.
The worst time to visit Southampton
The periods between late autumn and winter may not be the most appealing for visitors due to the colder temperatures and increased rainfall.
November registers an increase in rainfall, peaking at 56mm (2.2"), and averaging at 6.8°C (44.2°F) for low temperatures.
December and
January follow suit with high rainfall, low temperatures, and fewer daylight hours.
Spring weather in Southampton
Spring months in
Southampton register a moderate weather pattern. The months of
March,
April, and
May witness a gradual increase in temperatures from 10.4°C (50.7°F) to 15.7°C (60.3°F). Rainfall during this period ranges from 31mm (1.22") in March to 27mm (1.06"), the least in the year, in April. Despite fewer rainfall days, spring provides ample daylight with an increase from 11.9 hours in March to 15.6 hours by the end of May.
Summer weather in Southampton
During the summer months of
June,
July, and
August,
Southampton experiences increased temperatures from average highs of 18.6°C (65.5°F) in June to 20.7°C (69.3°F) in July. Although rainfall increases to 38mm (1.5") in June, there is a decline in August, registering 33mm (1.3"). Days in summer are significantly longer with daylight hours peaking at 16.4 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Southampton
Autumn in
Southampton is relatively wet, with
October being the wettest month. The temperatures during this season range from 18.3°C (64.9°F) in
September to 11°C (51.8°F) by
November. Rainfall increases in October, peaking at 49mm (1.93") while daylight hours begin to decrease throughout the season, reducing to nearly 9 hours in November.
Winter weather in Southampton
Southampton experiences mild winters due to its coastal location. The months of
December,
January, and
February are the chilliest with temperatures ranging from 7.8°C (46°F) to 3.3°C (37.9°F). Winter also brings more rainfall with December having the highest rainfall at 61mm (2.4"). Despite the cold, daylight hours during this season are substantially shorter with December registering only 8 hours.
Weather in January
The new year begins with an atmospheric tone, as
January unfolds in
Southampton,
United Kingdom. Looking at the climatological data, temperatures hover between a low of 3.3°C (37.9°F) and a high of 7.4°C (45.3°F), maintaining a bearable coldness.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The weather progresses mildly in
February with slightly increasing temperatures, a hint of the upcoming warmth. A slight decrease in rainfall and humidity indicates the arrival of drier days. Amid these circumstances, the sea maintains its cool composure at 9°C (48.2°F), a decrease compared to the previous month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first whispers of spring become noticeable in
March. Temperature ranges escalate to between 4.1°C (39.4°F) and 10.4°C (50.7°F) showcasing a positional shift in the weather pattern. Wind speed drops to 17.5km/h (10.9mph), marking a calmer atmosphere as winter's gusty reign concludes.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a definitive arrival of spring in
Southampton, with inviting weather conditions. In comparison to
March, both daytime temperatures and sea temperatures begin to rise, signifying a more welcoming environment for outdoor pursuits.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May finds its place in the year as a time of growth and warmth. A noticeable spike in temperature, reaching upto 15.7°C (60.3°F), underscores the approach of summer. The sea warms up to 11.5°C (52.7°F), inviting marine activities to come alive.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Summer makes its grand entry in
June, establishing itself with prominent sunny patterns. There is a significant increase in overall temperatures and sea temperatures, reaching 18.6°C (65.5°F) and 13.6°C (56.5°F) respectively. The UV index steps up to 5, creating a bright, sunlit environment, perfect for outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the peak of summer in
Southampton, offering the sunniest and warmest days of the year. The distinction of being the hottest month is evident with maximum temperatures soaring up to 20.7°C (69.3°F). The warmth extends to the sea as well, making it suitable for maritime escapades.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, although a summer month, begins to demonstrate signs of a subdued climate. Notably, the sea temperature attains its highest level at 16.8°C (62.2°F), encouraging a variety of water activities. The decline in overall temperature and sunlight hours signify the onset of transition from summer to autumn.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September hails the advent of autumn, showcasing varying weather patterns. The swift reduction in temperature to 18.3°C (64.9°F) from
August’s 20.3°C (68.5°F) initiates the change towards cooler days. Although rainfall is relatively less, the humidity level persists, embodying classic autumn weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October embodies the heart of autumn, with weather conditions mirroring typical fall patterns. A stark dip in temperature to 15.1°C (59.2°F) and an increase in rainfall characterizes the month's climatic peculiarity. The sea responds to the changing patterns, lowering its temperature to match the ambient conditions.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As
November unfolds,
Southampton drifts deeper into autumn's grip, with noticeable drops in temperature to around 11°C (51.8°F). The fading sunlight intensity and shrinking daylight hours portray the advancing proximity of winter.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December sees
Southampton,
United Kingdom ushering in winter. The month stands out with the highest rainfall of 61mm (2.4") and the return of snowfall with an average of 8mm (0.31"). The near-freezing temperatures, coupled with the shortest daylight hours and limited sunshine, intensify the winter setting.
Weather in December » [Resources]