The climate of York
York,
United Kingdom, is seated in a temperate marine west coast climate, classified as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification. With this classification, York experiences mild summers and cool winters. The geographical position of York, slightly inland from the west coast, moderately influences the overall climate, leading to a somewhat drier climate than might typically be expected of a marine climate.
Examining the climate data, temperature variations could be noticed throughout the year, although the differences are not at the extremes. High temperatures range from 5.7°C (42.3°F) in
January to 20°C (68°F) in
July, while the low temperatures vary between 1.3°C (34.3°F) in January and 12°C (53.6°F) in
August. With moisture in mind, relative humidity remains fairly consistent throughout the year, oscillating between a high of 90% in
December and a low of 79% in August.
Precipitation fluctuates as well, with the highest rainfall occurring in
June at 46mm (1.81"), and the lowest in
April, measuring 16mm (0.63"). Notably, there are no months without rainfall, emphasizing the continual moist conditions. Snowfall is sparse, primarily concentrated in the winter months, with the highest of 18mm (0.71") in January.
The best time to visit York
Visitors looking for optimal weather conditions should consider coming to
York between
May and
August. During these months, high temperatures fluctuate between 15.2°C (59.4°F) and 20°C (68°F), providing a pleasantly warm environment. While rainfall peaks in
June,
July and August show a slight reduction in rainfall with values of 44mm (1.73"), ensuring more dry days to explore this historic city. Additionally, daylight lasts longer during these months, peaking at 17 hours in June and providing lengthy days for sightseeing.
The worst time to visit York
The least favorable season to visit
York would be the winter, from
December to
February. During this period, the temperatures drop substantially with high temperatures lingering around 5.7°C (42.3°F) to 6.8°C (44.2°F), and lows dipping between 1.3°C (34.3°F) and 1.7°C (35.1°F). Moreover, these months witness significant cloud cover, with percentages ranging from 56% to 62%, reducing overall sunshine hours and visibility.
Spring weather in York
Spring season in
York, extending from
March to
May, witnesses a gradual increase in temperatures, with highs escalating from 9.6°C (49.3°F) in March to 15.2°C (59.4°F) in May. The lows, as well, register a steady rise from 2.3°C (36.1°F) to 6.3°C (43.3°F) during these months. Rainfall varies from 24mm (0.94") in March up to 31mm (1.22") in May, and the days grow longer, with daylight hours extending from 11.9 to 16 hours.
Summer weather in York
Summers in
York, spanning
June to
August, bring the warmest climate of the year. High temperatures during this period range from 17.8°C (64°F) in June to a peak of 20°C (68°F) in
July, before lowering slightly to 19.9°C (67.8°F) in August. Low temperatures follow a similar pattern, increasing from 8.6°C (47.5°F) to 11.1°C (52°F) between June and July, and marginally decreasing to 12°C (53.6°F) in August. Rainfall during this period peaks at 46mm (1.81") in June, and tapers off slightly in July and August, with 44mm (1.73") each.
Autumn weather in York
The autumn months of
September to
November in
York witness a gradual dip in temperatures. High temperatures decrease from 17.4°C (63.3°F) in September to 9°C (48.2°F) in November. Similarly, low temperatures drop progressively from 9.7°C (49.5°F) to 4.3°C (39.7°F) during these months. Rainfall displays an upward trend, moving from 26mm (1.02") in September to peak at 40mm (1.57") in
October, before slightly decreasing to 36mm (1.42") in November.
Winter weather in York
Winter in
York is the coldest season, lasting from
December to
February. High temperatures during these months fluctuate between 5.7°C (42.3°F) and 6.8°C (44.2°F), while low temperatures hover between 1.3°C (34.3°F) and 1.7°C (35.1°F), maintaining a regular chilly atmosphere. December brings the highest relative humidity of the year at 90%. Rainfall decreases from 36mm (1.42") in
November to 25mm (0.98") in December. Additionally, snowfall is present, peaking in
January with a notable 18mm (0.71"). The length of daylight shrinks as well, contracting from 8.6 hours in December to 7.5 hours in January.
Weather in January
The weather in
York,
United Kingdom, during
January is usually cold and humid, marked with snowfall. On colder days, temperatures can drop to about 1.3°C (34.3°F) whilst humidity levels peak at 89%, which is relatively high compared to other months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February, whilst still a winter month, shows the onset of a subtle climatic transition with a slight increase in temperature and daylight hours. The city experiences a marginal rise in temperature levels to a high of 6.8°C (44.2°F) and a low of 1.7°C (35.1°F) from those in
January.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
York, the weather in
March is often associated with the arrival of milder, spring-like conditions. Temperatures show a notable increase from
February, peaking at 9.6°C (49.3°F), but still with damp conditions. However, the tranquility of the spring season is offset slightly by a wind speed of 15.1km/h (9.4mph), which is lower than in prior or subsequent months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
York typically shows clear signs of spring, with increased sunshine hours and mild temperatures. The month also maintains a relatively high atmospheric pressure at 1015.4mb, a change from the lower pressures of winter. Those in York can now enjoy their evenings under the setting sun for longer, as daylight lasts up to 14.1 hours.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The weather in
May brings with it warmer temperatures and more sunshine, signaling that summer is just around the corner. Residents witness a significant leap in temperatures, with highs averaging about 15.2°C (59.4°F). This marks the start of the sunnier season, but the increased humidity of 80% brings frequent, yet light, rainfall.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of summer in
York, with longer days and higher temperatures. Intriguingly, June records some of the smallest wind gust speeds with a top score of just 17.9km/h (11.1mph). With 17 hours of daylight and relatively high temperatures, June is an ideal month for sightseeing and various outdoor leisure activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is typically the warmest month in
York and coincides with the peak tourist season. With the highest temperature and daylight hours of the year, topping out at 20°C (68°F) and 17h respectively, the city is full of life. Despite the heat and light, the Summer is not dry, and July sees a maximum rainfall of 44mm (1.73").
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August progresses,
York experiences a minor decrease in average temperatures and humidity levels from
July. The cooler, yet still warm, temperature at 19.9°C (67.8°F) offers visitors a more comfortable exploration of the city.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
York proposes a gentle recede from the intense summer with declining temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The dropping temperatures, averaging about 17.4°C (63.3°F), mirror the onset of autumn. Erratic rain showers punctuate the month, characterized by a reasonable 26mm (1.02") precipitation.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks the full-blown arrival of autumn in
York, with a significant drop in temperatures for the first time since the end of winter. The onset of the colder season is marked with average temperatures dropping to 13.5°C (56.3°F), a notable decline from the previous month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
York in
November experiences a further decrease in temperatures, officially welcoming the cold season. Comparatively, temperatures dwindle to a low of 4.3°C (39.7°F), making November one of the colder months. Along with lower temperatures, the shorter daylight hours, around 8.6h, add to the arrival of the winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
York is renowned for its festive spirit, accentuated by the chilly weather. The city ushers in the winter season officially with the lowest, nearly freezing, temperatures of 6.2°C (43.2°F). In stark contrast to the rest of the year, December in York witnesses a resurgence of snowfall, totaling approximately 12mm (0.47") over 1.6 days.
Weather in December » [Resources]