Bristol Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Bristol.

Climate overview of Bristol

Bristol is best visited from late spring to early autumn when temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F) and the number of sunshine hours is at its peak.

During winter, temperatures rarely drop below zero. Like the rest of the UK, rain is prevalent throughout the year.

Bristol Weather by Month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Bristol - and find the best time to visit.

Monthly Temperature in Bristol

Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to chilly in Bristol. Average daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 22°C (72°F) in July. In January, the coolest month of the year, temperatures drop to a chilly 9°C (48°F).

At night, temperatures range from around 13°C (55°F) in July to 3°C (37°F) in January.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Bristol

Generally, Bristol has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 868 mm (34 in) of rain/snowfall annually. Despite minor fluctuations, Bristol enjoys fairly consistent precipitation throughout the year. In October, you can expect around 82 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation, while in March, Bristol receives about 61 mm (2.4 in). For more details, please visit our Bristol Precipitation page.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow

Sunshine Hours in Bristol

Bristol can be enjoyed more throughout the sunniest month of July under a blue sky, with approximately 7.3 hours of sunshine daily. In contrast, the city experiences much darker days in December, with only 1.8 hours of sunlight per day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Best Time to Visit Bristol

For comfortable weather, consider visiting Bristol in June, July and August. Conditions are usually least favourable in January, February and December.

Monthly ratings reflect general weather comfort, based on daytime temperature and rainfall. Swimming and winter conditions are highlighted separately where relevant.

  • Best overall: June, July and August
  • Warmest weather: July and August
  • Most sunshine: June and July
  • Fewer rainy days: February, June, July, August and September
  • Seasonal pattern: Warm summers and cold winters

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Bristol

What is the best time to visit Bristol?

June, July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Bristol. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Bristol has warm summers and cold winters.

What temperatures can I expect in Bristol?

Daytime highs range from 9°C (48°F) in January to 22°C (72°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from 3°C (37°F) to 13°C (55°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.

How much rain does Bristol get?

Annual rainfall is around 868 mm (34 in). October is the wettest month with 82 mm (3.2 in), while March is the driest with 61 mm (2.4 in).

How sunny is Bristol?

Bristol receives around 1,631 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 219 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 53 hours.

Bristol 3-Day Forecast

Bristol on the map

Bristol is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.

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