The climate of Brighton
Situated on the south coast of England,
Brighton falls into the Cfb climate classification according to the Köppen climate system, indicating a marine west coast climate with warm summers. This coastal city experiences humid conditions throughout the year with relative humidity hovering in the range from 79% to 85%.
Across the year, temperature variation is relatively moderate in Brighton; high temperatures steadily increase from 7.5°C (45.5°F) in
January to a warm peak at 19.7°C (67.5°F) in
August, and low temperatures rise progressively from 4.3°C (39.7°F) to 14.5°C (58.1°F) over the same period. Snowfall is uncommon with a negligible 2mm (0.08") in
March to a slight peak of 8mm (0.31") in January. Rainfall patterns show a marked transition from 44mm (1.73") in January to a low of 23mm (0.91") in
April, then climbing to the year’s peak at 59mm (2.32") in
November and
December.
Winds reach their greatest speed from November to January, with averages of 23.3km/h (14.5mph) to 24.6km/h (15.3mph), while the quietest period is from
May to August with a lower range of 16.8km/h (10.4mph) to 17.2km/h (10.7mph). Sunshine hours also fluctuate across the year, from 4.1 hours per day in November to a daily zenith of 9.3 hours in
July.
The best time to visit Brighton
The most favourable time to visit
Brighton is in the warmer months, when temperatures are at their zenith and the amount of sunshine is maximized. Ideally, from late spring to early autumn - that is, from
May to
September - when sea temperatures climb from 11.5°C (52.7°F) to 17.3°C (63.1°F), creating welcoming conditions for water activities. During this period, daylight hours also peak at 16.4 hours in
June, ensuring lengthy days for sightseeing and relaxation.
The worst time to visit Brighton
Brighton is least attractive to visitors during late autumn and winter, primarily from
November to
January, when the city endures its heaviest rainfall, plummeting temperatures, and brief daylight hours. With the advent of winter, sea temperatures also drop sharply to 9.3°C (48.7°F) in January, discouraging beach-related activities.
Spring weather in Brighton
Spring in
Brighton, running from
March to
May, ushers in warmer weather with high temperatures ramping up from 9.5°C (49.1°F) to 14.5°C (58.1°F) and low temperatures from 4.9°C (40.8°F) to 9°C (48.2°F). Rainfall decreases from 31mm (1.22") in March to a yearly low of 23mm (0.91") in
April before going up slightly to 31mm (1.22") in May. Wind speed drops steadily from 21.4km/h (13.3mph) in March to 17.2km/h (10.7mph) in May, making it more enjoyable to explore the outdoors.
Summer weather in Brighton
Summer in
Brighton spans from
June to
August, featuring the highest temperatures and longest sunlit days. High temperatures escalate from 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 19.7°C (67.5°F) while lows rise from 11.6°C (52.9°F) to 14.5°C (58.1°F). Rainfall remains stable at around 36mm (1.42") and sea temperatures range from 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 16.9°C (62.4°F), offering ideal conditions for water sports.
Autumn weather in Brighton
During autumn, from
September to
November,
Brighton experiences a roll back in temperatures and an increase in rainfall. High temperatures drop to 11.2°C (52.2°F) by November, while low temperatures simmer down to 8°C (46.4°F). Rainfall hits an annual peak in November with 59mm (2.32") and sea temperatures fall to 14.7°C (58.5°F).
Winter weather in Brighton
Winter weather in
Brighton encompasses
December to
February, with temperatures reaching their lowest and daylight hours pared back to between 8 to 10.1 hours. Rainfall and snowfall rise to yearly highs of 59mm (2.32") and 8mm (0.31") respectively in December, and sea temperatures descend to a chilly 8.8°C (47.8°F) by February. Wind speeds accelerate from 20.7km/h (12.9mph) in December to 23.8km/h (14.8mph) in February, adding to the crisp winter air.
Weather in January
When considering the weather in
Brighton,
United Kingdom,
January shows some diverse patterns. Although not the coldest, January is certainly not inviting for outdoor activities, as it tends to be quite chilly. Adding to the chill, Brighton experiences an intermittent rainfall with 44mm (1.73") falling over about 16.9 days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Rolling into
February,
Brighton gets a slight relief from the
January chill. However, do not stow the warm clothes away just yet. The modest increase in temperature is accompanied by a decrease in rainfall to 40mm (1.57") that spreads across fewer days than January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
When
March arrives in
Brighton, the weather starts to show signs of an approaching spring. March is warmer than
February and also drier. The rainfall decreases to 31mm (1.22") which is the lowest in a three-month period between
January and March.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Indeed,
April is a pleasant month for
Brighton, as spring truly starts to reveal itself. The weather gets noticeably warmer, and the town begins to come back to life. However, despite the improving conditions, sea temperatures remain too low to encourage swimming.
Weather in April »Weather in May
As
May rolls in,
Brighton embarks on a period of delightful weather. May presents the perfect conditions for enjoying the city's outdoor adventures, from strolling in gardens to exploring the cultural sites. The city comes into full bloom, and the increase in daylight hours allows more time to explore the city.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June delivers true summer weather in
Brighton. With warmer temperatures compared to
May, Brighton starts to fill with tourists drawn by the appealing weather. The increase in temperature is not quite extreme, but it is sufficient to trigger a beach frenzy.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer and comes with a series of exciting changes. In
Brighton, this month is notably the warmest with high temperatures rising to its peak at 19.5°C (67.1°F). The sea becomes incredibly alluring as temperatures rise to 15.5°C (59.9°F), causing an influx of beachgoers.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Following the trend of summer,
August continues to deliver warm temperatures, almost equalling those of
July. Still, the weather remains agreeable for outdoor events and activities. The sea yields an enticing warmth amidst a drop in rainfall and a consecutive decrease in day length.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the beginning of a transition as summer surrenders to the touch of autumn in
Brighton. While the warmth of summer still lingers, temperatures begin to cool noticeably as the month progresses. The land slowly morphs with golden hues of fall, signaling the end of beach season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October introduces the town of
Brighton to a full taste of autumn as temperatures continue to fall from
September. The change in season is marked by a considerably high level of rainfall of 44mm (1.73") across 15.8 days. The copious showers are somewhat mitigated by the vibrant fall colors that paint the city.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings with it a significant drop in temperature, indicating the nearing of winter in
Brighton. This makes it one of the colder months of the year. The city is dominated by cloudy skies as the daylight draws shorter. Rainfall levels rise dramatically to the highest mark of the year at 59mm (2.32"), making this the wettest month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Finally,
December welcomes the onset of winter with frosty temperatures. Snowfall becomes a common occurrence, albeit with only 5mm (0.2") of snow over 0.9 days. The cold penetrates the sea as well, bringing down its temperature significantly.
Weather in December »