Southend-on-Sea Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Southend-on-Sea.

Climate overview of Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea, Essex, United Kingdom, sees big temperature differences between seasons, with August peaking at 22°C (72°F) and January dropping to 9°C (48°F).

Southend-on-Sea sees a moderate amount of rainfall, totalling around 766 mm (30 in) per year. It experiences pleasant summers and cold winters, creating some seasonal variation. The most sunshine falls in July, with an average of 7.0 hours of daily sunshine.

Southend-on-Sea Weather by Month

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

Monthly Temperature in Southend-on-Sea

Visitors to Southend-on-Sea can expect significant temperature changes throughout the year. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a pleasant 22°C (72°F) in August, the warmest time of the year, to a chilly 9°C (48°F) during cooler months like January.

At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in August to around 4°C (39°F) during January.

Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.

Temperature ranges by month

Rainfall in Southend-on-Sea

Generally, Southend-on-Sea experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 766 mm (30 in) yearly. Year-round, Southend-on-Sea has a balanced climate with minimal variation in precipitation. The difference between the wettest month, December, with 75 mm (3 in), and the driest month, March, with 50 mm (2 in), is minimal. For more details, please visit our Southend-on-Sea Precipitation page.

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

Sunshine Hours in Southend-on-Sea

Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Southend-on-Sea. While July receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 7.0 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 1.6 hours of sunlight per day.

Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Data from: Chelmsford, the United Kingdom (27 KM, 16 Miles).

Daily hours of sunshine

Data from: Chelmsford, the United Kingdom (27 KM, 16 Miles).

Best Time to Visit Southend-on-Sea

The most comfortable overall weather for exploring Southend-on-Sea is usually found in July and August. Conditions are generally least comfortable 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: July and August
  • Warmest weather: July and August
  • Most sunshine: July and August
  • Seasonal pattern: Pleasant summers and cold winters

Frequently asked questions about the climate in Southend-on-Sea

What is the best time to visit Southend-on-Sea?

July and August typically offer the most optimal weather in Southend-on-Sea. In contrast, January, February and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Southend-on-Sea has pleasant summers and cold winters.

What temperatures can I expect in Southend-on-Sea?

Daytime highs range from 9°C (48°F) in January to 22°C (72°F) in August. Nighttime lows range from 4°C (39°F) to 15°C (59°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.

How much rain does Southend-on-Sea get?

Annual rainfall is around 766 mm (30 in). December is the wettest month with 75 mm (3 in), while March is the driest with 50 mm (2 in).

How sunny is Southend-on-Sea?

Southend-on-Sea receives around 1,609 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 211 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 49 hours.

Southend-on-Sea 3-Day Forecast

Southend-on-Sea 3-Day Forecast

Southend-on-Sea on the map

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