Weather in Southampton

Get the most up-to-date information about the weather in Southampton! In this section, you will find current reports, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you plan your day.

Southampton has a typical temperate maritime climate, characteristic of the southern coast of the United Kingdom. This means there are no extreme temperatures here: winters are relatively mild, and summers are warm but not sweltering. Be prepared for the weather to be changeable, with precipitation being a frequent occurrence at any time of the year.

There are four distinct seasons in Southampton. Winter (December-February) is cool, with average temperatures around 5-7°C, and frequent, though judging by the data, not always heavy rains. Spring (March-May) brings gradual warming, days become longer and sunnier, although morning frosts are still possible at the beginning of the season. Summer (June-August) is the warmest time of the year, with average temperatures of 16-18°C, perfectly suitable for walks and outdoor activities. Autumn (September-November) is characterized by gradual cooling and an increase in the number of rainy days, especially in October, which stands out as the wettest month in terms of days with precipitation.

One of the key features of Southampton's climate is the high probability of precipitation throughout the year. Although monthly rainfall amounts, according to the provided data, may seem small, the number of rainy days remains significant (from 10 to 16 days per month). Therefore, when planning a trip, do not forget to take an umbrella or a raincoat to be ready for the whims of the local weather and to fully enjoy your stay in this historic port city.

Southampton experiences a moderate temperature regime throughout the year, without sharp extremes. The warmest months are typically July and August. In July, the average temperature is around 17.8°C, with maximum values reaching 21.5°C, while minimum night-time temperatures stay at the level of 14.1°C. August is very similar, with an average temperature of 17.5°C, a maximum of up to 21.0°C, and a minimum of up to 13.9°C. Conversely, the coolest months are considered to be January and February. In January, the average temperature is around 5.3°C, with minimum night-time figures around 2.9°C and daytime highs up to 7.8°C. February is slightly warmer: average temperature 6.5°C, minimum 3.8°C, and maximum 9.2°C.

The summer months in Southampton – June, July, and August – are characterized by comfortable warm weather, ideal for exploring the city and its surroundings. Average temperatures during this period range from 16.0°C in June to 17.8°C in July. Daytime highs are usually in the range of 19.9°C to 21.5°C, creating pleasant conditions for active leisure without exhausting heat. Nights also remain relatively warm, with minimum temperatures rarely dropping below 12.0°C - 14.1°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are approximately 7-8 degrees, ensuring a pleasant coolness in the evening after a warm day.

Winter in Southampton, covering December, January, and February, is distinguished by its mildness and the absence of severe frosts typical of a continental climate. Monthly average temperatures during this period vary from 5.3°C in January to 6.9°C in December. During the day, the thermometer usually rises to 7.8°C - 9.2°C, and at night it drops to 2.9°C - 4.8°C. Although night-time temperatures can approach zero, especially in January, strong and prolonged frosts are rare here. The difference between day and night temperatures in winter is less pronounced than in summer, amounting to about 4-5 degrees, which indicates a more stable, albeit cool, temperature background during the cold season.

Precipitation in Southampton is a fairly evenly distributed phenomenon throughout the year, which is typical for the maritime climate of the UK. There is no pronounced dry season or season of torrential rains here. Rather, one should expect frequent, but generally not too heavy precipitation. Judging by the data, the amount of precipitation in millimetres is low, however, the number of rainy days remains significant in almost every month. This suggests that the rain is likely to be in the nature of light drizzle or short showers, rather than prolonged heavy rains.

If we look at the annual cycle, we can note a slight increase in the amount of precipitation and the number of rainy days in autumn. October stands out as the wettest month, when an average of 4 mm of precipitation falls and there are about 16 rainy days. September, November, and December also show a slightly higher amount of precipitation (3 mm) compared to other months. The smallest number of rainy days occurs in April and June (10 days each), although the probability of rain remains even in these months. From January to August, the monthly precipitation norm remains stable at 2 mm.

Thus, when planning a trip to Southampton at any time of the year, it is worth being prepared for the likelihood of rain. The number of days with precipitation ranges from 10 to 16 per month, which means that roughly every second or third day may be rainy. Although winter does not bring heavy snowfall (considering the average temperatures), precipitation in the cold season also falls mainly in the form of rain. A light raincoat or umbrella will become your reliable companions for a comfortable exploration of this seaside city.

When planning a trip to Southampton, it is important to remember the changeable maritime weather characteristic of the south of the UK. A key element of your wardrobe at any time of the year should be a waterproof jacket or raincoat, as well as a compact umbrella, since rainy days are a frequent occurrence here, even if the total amount of precipitation is small. Regardless of the season, choose comfortable walking shoes, preferably water-repellent, as you will surely want to explore the city on foot. The principle of layering in clothing is your best ally: it will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.

In summer (June-August), it is usually warm in Southampton, but not hot. You will need light items such as t-shirts, shorts, or light trousers, but don't forget to take a sweater or light jacket for evening walks or cooler days. Sunscreen and sunglasses will also come in handy on clear days. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather can be quite unpredictable. Pack jumpers, cardigans, trousers, and don't forget about waterproof outerwear. In winter (December-February), the temperature stays above zero, but it feels cool and damp. A warm winter jacket (preferably windproof and waterproof), sweaters, a hat, a scarf, and gloves will help you feel comfortable while walking around the city.