Shaftesbury Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Shaftesbury.
Climate overview of Shaftesbury
Shaftesbury, Dorset, United Kingdom, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 22°C (72°F) in July, while winters cool to 9°C (48°F) in January.
With around 840 mm (33 in) of annual rain/snowfall, the city has moderate precipitation levels. October is the wettest month and March the driest. It also has warm summers and cold winters. July is the sunniest month, averaging 7.5 hours of sunshine per day.
Shaftesbury Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Shaftesbury - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Shaftesbury
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to chilly in Shaftesbury. Typically, average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 22°C (72°F) in July to a chilly 9°C (48°F) in the coolest month, January.
Nights vary from 13°C (55°F) in July to around 3°C (37°F) during the colder months.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Shaftesbury
Generally, Shaftesbury has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 840 mm (33 in) of rain/snowfall annually. Precipitation levels in Shaftesbury remain relatively steady throughout the year. October has the most rain, with 81 mm (3.2 in) over 16 days. In the driest month March, this drops slightly to 58 mm (2.3 in), making the city's climate fairly predictable. For more details, please visit our Shaftesbury Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Shaftesbury
For those who appreciate different seasons, Shaftesbury serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in July with an average of 7.5 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in December, offering only 1.8 hours of daily sunlight.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Best Time to Visit Shaftesbury
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: July
- Seasonal pattern: Warm summers and cold winters
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Shaftesbury
What is the best time to visit Shaftesbury?
June, July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Shaftesbury. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Shaftesbury has warm summers and cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Shaftesbury?
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 Shaftesbury get?
Annual rainfall is around 840 mm (33 in). October is the wettest month with 81 mm (3.2 in), while March is the driest with 58 mm (2.3 in).
How sunny is Shaftesbury?
Shaftesbury receives around 1,674 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 225 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 55 hours.
Shaftesbury 3-Day Forecast
Shaftesbury 3-Day Forecast
Shaftesbury on the map
Shaftesbury is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
Popular this month
Where to go in July - average daytime high across popular destinations.
London
23°C (73°F) Bath22°C (72°F) York22°C (72°F) Manchester
21°C (70°F) Edinburgh
19°C (66°F) Glasgow19°C (66°F) Torquay20°C (68°F) Blackpool19°C (66°F) 
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