The climate of Bristol
Bristol, a city in the
United Kingdom, has a Köppen climate classification of Cfb. This classification, known as marine west coast, with warm summers, represents the predominant climate conditions. Located in the southwestern region of the country, Bristol experiences cool winters and warmer summers with a consistent amount of rainfall throughout the year.
Analyzing the climatological parameters reveal an intriguing yearly trend. This city's weather features slight variations across the calendar. On the temperature spectrum, the coldest month is
January with a low average of 2.8°C (37°F), gradually rising towards
July, the warmest month, with an average high of 20.2°C (68.4°F).
One cannot discount the rainfall in Bristol's weather narrative. Rainfall is practically a constant companion to Bristol's residents, with monthly averages ranging from 12mm (0.47") to 22mm (0.87"). The wettest month is
November with 22mm (0.87") of rain.
A notable trend in the climatological data is the relatively stable indices of humidity, with relative humidity fluctuating mildy between 81% and 88%. Pressure stability is equally impressive, shifting marginally from a low of 1013.5mb in
February to a high of 1016.8mb in
September and
October. A unique pattern is the almost negligible snowfall, which only appears in minute quantities during
December, January and February.
The best time to visit Bristol
Although
Bristol's climate is relatively mild year round, the best time to visit largely depends on tourists' preference for temperature and activities.
June to
August is typically the favourable travel window for many, due to the warmer temperatures. Average highs range from 18.1°C (64.6°F) to 20.2°C (68.4°F), and these months also witness the longest daylight hours, boasting around 16 hours. With moderate averange rainfall, tourists can explore the city without frequent interruptions from downpours.
The worst time to visit Bristol
People who do not appreciate colder temperatures may find
December to
February less welcoming. Temperatures drop to a low average of 2.8°C (37°F) in
January and February. Rainfall is relatively high during these months and snowfall, albeit minor, adds to the chill in the air.
Spring weather in Bristol
March signals the onset of spring in
Bristol, a season characterized by mild temperatures and a fair amount of rainfall. Average high temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in March to 15.5°C (59.9°F) in
May. Rainfall averages 12mm (0.47") to 13mm (0.51") in these months, while wind speed slows down to around 14.2km/h (8.8mph) by May.
Summer weather in Bristol
Bristol heralds summer from
June and it extends to
August. Temperatures hit their peak in
July, with an average high of 20.2°C (68.4°F) and comparatively lower humidity levels. Only interrupted occasionally by waves of rainfall, averaging from 14mm (0.55") to 19mm (0.75"), the sun shines for about 15 to 16 hours daily, providing a lovely atmosphere for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Bristol
Autumn in
Bristol begins in
September and winds up in
November. This season is marked by cooling temperatures, descending from a high of 17.7°C (63.9°F) in September to a much cooler 10.3°C (50.5°F) in November. Rainfall levels fluctuate between 12mm (0.47") and 22mm (0.87"), with November being the month with the highest rainfall count.
Winter weather in Bristol
Commencing in
December,
Bristol's winter season brings colder temperatures and a fair share of rain and snow. While the average highs stay in a range of 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 7.2°C (45°F) for December and
January, the average lows dip to 4.1°C (39.4°F) in December and 2.8°C (37°F) in January. Rainfall is relatively consistent, averaging 20mm (0.79") in December and a slightly lower 12mm (0.47") in
February. Snowfall also makes a brief appearance within this season.
Weather in January
Bristol in
January is typically characterised by moderate cold and frequent precipitation. The average high of January, with 7.2°C (45°F), indicates the one of the coldest months of the year. Occasional snow also adds to the wintery mood with 3mm (0.12") of snow falling generally once during the month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Amid the end of winter,
February exhibits a slight increase in temperature. Compared to
January, February in
Bristol exhibits slightly more rain with average precipitation of 16mm (0.63") and increased snowfall of 4mm (0.16").
Weather in February »Weather in March
From
February to
March,
Bristol sees a gentle surge in temperature, inviting the onset of spring. Notably, snow virtually vanishes with a paltry amount of 1mm (0.04"), signifying the end of winter. Generally, weather remains cloudy, but an increase in sunshine and daylight hours is noticeable.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, clement weather prevails as temperatures rise further, embracing spring in
Bristol fully. With negligible snowfall, Bristol residents warmly welcome the first snowless month of the year. Increased daylight hours of 13.9 hours subtly hint at the approaching summer.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings forth a significant rise in temperature, making
Bristol delightfully warm. By this time, sunlight hours increase to 15.6 hours daily, further brightening the city. Frequent rain showers with an average rainfall of 13mm (0.51") do not dampen the arrival of summer.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June represents a steady climb in temperature, further warming
Bristol. Sights of sun become a daily routine with up to 16.5 daylight hours. Compared to
May, June suffers a substantial increase in average rainfall reaching 19mm (0.75").
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the zenith of summer in
Bristol with the year's highest temperature at 20.2°C (68.4°F). Despite this, July surprisingly witnesses increased rainfall, reaching an average of 14mm (0.55") of rain. The extravagant sunlight remains almost stagnant at 16.1 hours/day, ensuring bright and sunny days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer trend with significantly high temperatures. Parallel to
July, August also sees a rise in rainfall amounting to 19mm (0.75"). Sunshine duration dwindles a bit, signalling the impending arrival of autumn.
Weather in August » Weather in September
From
August to
September,
Bristol experiences a noticeable drop in temperature. September offers more wind, thereby increasing the wind speed to 13.9km/h (8.6mph). Slightly reduced daylight hours of 12.6 hours daily and a decrease in average rainfall to 12mm (0.47") indicates the onset of autumn.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October progressively cools down
Bristol, marking autumn's peak. Rainfall surprisingly intensifies compared with
September, hitting an average of 16mm (0.63"). The wind speed increments, increasing its pace to 15.6km/h (9.7mph). Concurrently, sunshine hours and daylight significantly decrease.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November presents the largest precipitation of the year with an average rainfall measure of 22mm (0.87"). Compared to
October, November experiences shadowy, cloudy days with 63% cloud cover. A decrease in temperature is felt throughout
Bristol.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December showcases traditional winter weather with a fall in temperature and increased precipitation. With snowfall of 1mm (0.04") reinstating, December is undeniably a wintry month in
Bristol. Interestingly, wind speed rises to its maximum value of 18.3km/h (11.4mph) for the year.
Weather in December »