The climate of Dundee
Dundee, positioned on the eastern coast of Scotland, experiences a Marine West Coast climate, also known under the Köppen climate classification as Cfb. This climate type signifies that the city witnesses mild temperatures all year round, with plentiful rainfall evenly distributed across the months.
The temperatures in Dundee fluctuate moderately from summer to winter. During the warmest months, mainly from
June to
August, day temperatures range from an average of 15.3°C (59.5°F) to a peak of 17.2°C (63°F) with nighttime temperatures hovering from 7.9°C (46.2°F) to 10.2°C (50.4°F). Throughout the colder months, primarily from
December to
February, the city records average daytime temperatures of between 4.8°C (40.6°F) and 5.8°C (42.4°F) and night temperatures lowering to 1.4°C (34.5°F) to 1.7°C (35.1°F).
In terms of rainfall, Dundee marks varied monthly totals, indicating the city's fairly rainy climate, though some months bring more water than others. The wettest period is during the summer when rainfalls tally up to 46mm (1.81") in
July and dip slightly to 39mm (1.54") in August. However, the least rainy month appears to be
April with only 16mm (0.63") of rainfall.
Humidity follows a uniform track with relative humidity levels remaining within a narrow band between 82% and 87% throughout the year. Monthly daylight hours range from 7 hours per day in December to up to 17.6 hours per day in June, offering ample sunshine during the summer period. Remarkably, snowfall in Dundee is minimal to negligible with the majority accumulating from
January to
March and sparing the city during the warmer months.
The best time to visit Dundee
Given the moderately temperate climate, the best time to visit
Dundee would be in the summer months, primarily from
June to
August. During this time, temperatures reach their peak, with average highs ranging from 15.3°C (59.5°F) to 17.2°C (63°F). The sea temperature also warms to a comfortable 13.9°C (57°F) in
July, extending swimming opportunities for visitors. With up to 17.6 hours of daylight in June and lower wind speeds, these months provide the longest and most pleasant days for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Dundee
Travelers looking to avoid cold, wet weather may find the winter months least appealing. From
December to
February, temperatures drop to an average high of 5.5°C (41.9°F), and daily sunshine dwindles to a minimum 4.3 hours in December. With rainfall adding up to 21mm (0.83") in
January, coupled with cold sea temperatures and higher wind speeds, outdoor activities could become less enjoyable during this time of the year.
Spring weather in Dundee
As temperatures gradually warm from
March to
May, spring shows a significant percentage increase in daylight hours from 11.9 to 16.4 hours a day. Average daytime temperatures rise from 7.8°C (46°F) in March to 13.2°C (55.8°F) in May and nighttime temperatures increase from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 5.6°C (42.1°F). Rainfall also remains manageable during this season contributing to a pleasant and comfortable weather suitable for sightseeing around the city.
Summer weather in Dundee
Throughout the summer months, from
June to
August,
Dundee enjoys its warmest and sunniest weather. Daytime temperatures soar between 15.3°C (59.5°F) and 17.2°C (63°F), while nights remain mild between 7.9 and 10.2°C (50.4°F). Despite being the season with the most rainfall, at up to 46mm (1.81") in
July, there are also more hours of daylight, reaching up to 17.6 in June. This offers tourists ideal conditions for exploring the city's landscape and coastal areas.
Autumn weather in Dundee
Autumn in
Dundee sees a gradual drop in temperatures with average highs decreasing from 14.9°C (58.8°F) in
September to 7.7°C (45.9°F) by
November. While rainfall totals rise to 35mm (1.38") in November, the city also experiences less daylight, with hours diminishing to 8.2 by November. Nevertheless, the changing foliage creates a picturesque urban setting, making it a visually pleasing time to visit.
Winter weather in Dundee
During winter months,
Dundee encounters its coldest weather with average high temperatures dipping to 4.8°C (40.6°F) in
January. Nights can become chilly as well, with lows dropping to 1.4°C (34.5°F) in the same month. Rainfall is relatively moderate around 21mm (0.83") in
December and January but turns to snowfall occasionally, especially in January when the city can receive upto 16mm (0.63") of snow. Although the cold could pose a challenge, the city's wintertime scenery offers a unique and enchanting sight.
Weather in January
January in
Dundee,
United Kingdom is marked by chill reminiscent of late winter, snow remains common despite the dwindling snowfall from
December's 11mm (0.43") to January's 16mm (0.63"). As the temperatures hover in the lower end of the scale, there's an observable dampness in the atmosphere, elevating the relative humidity.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February, conditions in
Dundee show a noticeable shift. Temperatures both on land and sea tend to rise slightly, providing just enough warmth to notice a change but still within the cool range. However, snowfall increases from 16mm (0.63") in
January to 23mm (0.91") in February, becoming the peak month for snowfall and creating a wintery spectacle.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March announces the beginning of spring in
Dundee, and with it comes a distinct change in the weather patterns. Snowfall declines rapidly to settle at a mere 4mm (0.16"), indicating the departure of winter. While conditions remain fairly cool, temperatures show a noticeable rise from the frigid months preceding it.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Dundee marks the clear transition from early to mid-spring, accompanied by a set of weather changes. Temperatures climb further, snowfall finally atrophies to 1mm (0.04"), and the landscape starts to defrost fully. The sea temperature progression continues, fueled by more generous sunshine hours and increasing daylight duration.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, summer starts to stake its claim in
Dundee. Temperatures continue their upward climb, sufficiently pleasant to welcome outdoor activities and meandering by the shoreline, marked by a palpable 1.8°C (35.2°F) rise in sea temperature from
April.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Dundee capitalizes on the momentum of warmth and sunshine from
May. The temperature peak at 15.3°C (59.5°F) signals the onset of summer, coupled with the sea temperature hitting 11.8°C (53.2°F), setting a conducive environment for beach outings.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With the warmest temperatures of the year at 17.2°C (63°F),
July is
Dundee's prime summer month. Sea temperatures peak, hitting an inviting 13.9°C (57°F), alluring both locals and visitors to the beach. Despite the peak heat, July is also the wettest month with rainfall accumulating to 46mm (1.81"), ensuring a balance between the summer heat and humidity levels.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Dundee carries the summer spirit, albeit with a slight shift. There's a marginal dip in temperature, still managing to stay in the warm spectrum, providing ample heat for a day out in the sun. Sea temperature also remains warm, consistently above 14°C (57.2°F), extending the beach season just a little bit more.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The onset of fall in
September brings about a noticeable change in
Dundee's weather pattern. With declining temperatures on land and sea, a clear shift from summer to fall is evident. Daylight duration and sunshine hours start to curtail, making way for lengthier, cooler evenings.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October characterizes the inflection point of autumn in
Dundee. A significant drop in temperature sets the tone for a more comfortable, cooler weather. Sea temperature follows suit, taking a dive from
September's comparatively warm days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With
November rolls in
Dundee's early winter weather. Temperatures dip further as the fall chill solidifies into a palpable cold, matched by a decrease in sea temperature. Daylight hours drop to their yearly low figures, carving out long, cold nights.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December in
Dundee rings in the classic British winter. Temperatures drop to their year-end low, whereas sea temperatures also slide down, mirroring the cooler environment. Snowfall reemerges at 11mm (0.43"), marking the return of winter's hallmark feature.
Weather in December » [Resources]