Weather in Bristol

Heading to Bristol or just want to stay updated on the weather? Here you will find the most up-to-date information, including forecasts and useful weather charts to help you plan your day.

The climate in Bristol, located in the United Kingdom, can be described as temperate maritime. This means there are no extreme temperatures, neither intense heat nor severe frost. The weather is generally mild but quite changeable, which is typical for the British Isles.

There are four distinct seasons in Bristol. Summer (June-August) is usually warm, with average temperatures around 15-17°C, while maximum values can reach 20-21°C. Winters (December-February) are mild and cool, with the average temperature hovering around 5-6°C, rarely dropping significantly below freezing. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and variable weather.

One of the characteristic features of the weather in Bristol is the relatively even distribution of precipitation throughout the year, although the total amount is small (2-4 mm per month). However, the number of rainy days is quite significant, varying from 11 to 16 days per month. This means that light rain or drizzle can be a frequent occurrence, so it is worth being prepared for this at any time of the year. The highest number of rainy days occurs in March, October, and December.

Bristol experiences a temperate maritime climate with noticeable seasonal temperature changes. The annual temperature range is quite mild. The hottest month is usually July, when the average temperature reaches 17.3°C, and maximum values can rise to 21.1°C. It is slightly cooler in August with an average temperature of 16.9°C. The coldest month typically turns out to be January, with an average temperature of about 5.0°C and minimum night-time temperatures dropping on average to 2.4°C.

Summer months in Bristol are characterized by pleasantly warm weather. From June to August, daytime temperatures fluctuate mainly between 19.5°C and 21.1°C, creating comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor activities. Nights remain quite fresh, with temperatures around 11.5°C - 13.4°C. This is not exhausting heat, but rather moderate summer warmth, typical for the south-west of the United Kingdom.

Winter in Bristol is relatively mild, without severe frosts. From December to February, average daytime temperatures stay in the range of 7.7°C to 9.2°C, while night-time temperatures drop to 2.4°C - 4.2°C. Frosts are possible, but strong and prolonged cold spells are rare. Throughout the year, moderate temperature fluctuations between day and night are observed, averaging from 5°C to 8°C, which is most noticeable in the spring and summer months when the difference between the maximum day and minimum night temperature can reach 8°C.

Although it is difficult to distinguish a clearly defined dry or rainy season in Bristol due to the relatively even distribution of precipitation, some months still stand out in terms of intensity and frequency. The highest amount of precipitation, about 4 mm, falls in October, when it rains on average for 15 days. March and December also stand out by the number of rainy days: precipitation is recorded for approximately 16 days during these months, although the total amount is about 3 mm. During these periods, the likelihood of encountering overcast weather with light rain is higher.

On the other hand, the lowest total amount of precipitation, only about 2 mm per month, occurs in January, April, May, June, July, and August. Among these months, April is distinguished by the lowest number of rainy days – on average there are 11. This makes the spring and summer months potentially drier, although even at this time, light precipitation is not uncommon, happening on average every 2-3 days.

In general, Bristol, like many regions of the United Kingdom, is characterized by frequent but usually not heavy precipitation in the form of drizzle or light rain throughout the year. Even in months with minimal rainfall, rainy weather remains likely. Therefore, regardless of the season, tourists are recommended to carry an umbrella or a raincoat to be ready for the changeable British weather.

When planning a trip to Bristol, it is important to consider the changeable weather characteristic of the UK. The key principle when packing your suitcase should be layering. Even in the summer months, when the average temperature ranges from 15.5°C to 17.3°C (June-August), evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater will be very useful. Given that the number of rainy days per month ranges from 11 to 16, a waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella are mandatory items in your luggage at any time of the year. Also, do not forget comfortable walking shoes, as Bristol is a city that is pleasant to explore on foot.

In the cold season, from December to February, average temperatures hover around 5.0°C - 6.4°C, dropping to 2.4°C - 3.4°C. Therefore, warm clothes such as sweaters, fleece tops, an insulated waterproof jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves will be absolutely necessary. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather can be quite unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from 7.2°C to 14.8°C. During these periods, it is also recommended to dress in layers, having both light and warmer items with you, and, of course, protection from the rain. In summer, despite higher temperatures, you should not neglect a light windbreaker or raincoat.

Regardless of the season, it is worth bringing clothes that are easy to combine. T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, or comfortable trousers will be a good foundation for your wardrobe. For the summer months, you can add shorts or skirts, but always have something warmer with you in case the weather changes. Sunscreen and sunglasses may come in handy on sunny days, especially in summer. The main thing is to be prepared for the fact that the weather in Bristol can change several times during the day.