Bristol Monthly Rainfall & Precipitation

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Bristol, Somerset, United Kingdom. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Generally, Bristol has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 868 mm (34 in) of rain/snowfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm (0.01 in))

The wettest period in Bristol occurs in October, which receives around 82 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation. During the driest month, March, Bristol experiences moderate rainfall, totaling approximately 61 mm (2.4 in). The consistent precipitation levels throughout the year contribute to a relatively stable climate.

October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 15°C (59°F). The city receives 102 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 12°C (54°F). For more detailed insights into the city's temperatures, visit our Bristol Temperature page.

Bristol's average annual precipitation is 868 mm (34 in). Let's compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

New York City, USA, receives 1276 mm (50 in) of rainfall annually, with precipitation evenly distributed throughout the year.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm (59 in) of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

Perth, Australia, receives 565 mm (22 in) of rainfall annually, mostly during the winter months.

Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm (73 in) of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Precipitation has a very strong role in determining the local climate and ecosystem:

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

• Mawsynram in India is noted as being the wettest place on earth, with over 11 meters (36 feet) of rain falling every year.
• In contrast, Antofagasta in Chile is among the driest places on the planet, getting less than 0.1mm (0.004 inches) per year, with some years recording virtually no rainfall.
• Nearly 1,650 thunderstorm cells are estimated over the planet at any given time.

For more detailed information about Bristol's weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Bristol Climate page.