Bristol weather is amongst the warmest one can hope to find in the UK. Situated in the south of the country 120 miles west of London and 5 miles east of the Atlantic Ocean, Bristol is one of the UK’s largest cities and is also considered amongst its sunniest. Because of its exposure to the Atlantic, Bristol weather retains average temperatures that stay above freezing points throughout the year, with cold spells in winter often followed by frost, and sunny and warm summers.

Another determining factor of the weather in Bristol is the presence of the Exmoor and the Mendip Hills who shelter the city making one of the most unique in the UK in regards to weather patterns. While late summer and early autumn when the Atlantic is at its warmest are by far the wettest seasons in Bristol, late winter and early spring when the sea water reaches its lowest temperature are the driest.

All four seasons in Bristol are clearly defined. During the summer season the heat that builds up around the city’s central basin is somewhat cooled down by the sea breezes coming in through the Bristol Channel. July and August are without doubt the warmest months of the year, with temperatures regularly peaking at more than 25°C / 77°F. Obviously being part of the UK Bristol weather can be an unpredictable beast even during the summer season with days starting out overcast and damp, later on clearing out completely.

During the spring and autumn seasons, becomes an enticing travel destination as the humidity drops considerably and the weather is a lot more favourable and comfortable. However spring in Bristol is also considered an unsettled and easily changeable time, with winter snow and summer sunshine often alternating as the reigning factors.

Although intercepted with many fine, crisp days, winters in Bristol are rather cold, with the West Country renowned for its high rainfall. Winter frost is a likely eventuality, and snow can fall in the area from late November through mid-April. Again, the Atlantic plays a major part in the development of Bristol weather, preventing average temperature from regularly falling to freezing point, ensuring that conditions are such that any heavy snowfall is prevented.

More Information about Bristol Weather

Bristol weather is classified as moderate and is characterise by its changeability. Weather in Bristol is considered to be amongst the warmest found in England, a factor attributed to the city’s positioning on the south west of the country. The city is protected mainly by the Exmoor and the Mendip Hills, but the influence of the Atlantic moderates Bristol weather keeping temperatures above freezing throughout the year. It should also be noted that the city is open to the elements of the Severn Estuary and the Bristol Channel, each having an immense influence on the patterns of weather in Bristol. Average yearly low temperatures remain at between 10.2–12 °C.

Summer

Bristol weather during the summer season which commences in June and runs right through to September, is generally bright with abundant amounts of sunshine, remaining warm almost throughout.  Even the occasional overcast cloudy day that threatens to spoil the prevailing sense of fine weather tends to clear rather quickly. Strong Atlantic breezes blowing in from the Bristol Channel can offer a welcoming relief to the heat that built up in the central basin around which the city is built. Average sunshine is between 1,541–1,885 hours per year, average temperatures for the summer are between 20 °C and 23 °C. Undeniably, summer is the best time to visit Bristol.

Thanks to the fine weather patterns that dominate, during July the city comes alive courtesy of the Bristol Harbour Festival which attracts well over 200,000 visitors each year. Apart from an amazing display of ships from around the world that are docked at the city’s harbour, the festival offers a host of activities that covers everything between live music to water displays, and street theatre to fireworks. September sees the city’s skies become full of colour and shapes, as Bristol plays host to an International Kite Festival.

Winter

Bristol weather during winter (November right through to March) is characteristically cold, frosty and wet. Average temperatures are between lows of 3°C and highs of 7°C, snow fall is rare but does occasionally occur from mid-November through to mid-April.  However, if you happen to find yourself in Bristol when winter weather is at its absolute worst, take the time to visit the Bristol Storytelling Festival and find out about local legends and ghost stories. Alternatively, pay a visit to the six day Bristol Cider Festival for a change to taste a large number of different ciders and take in the atmosphere of the West County.

Average annual rainfall is around 741–1,060 mm, precipitation falls all year round, but autumn and winter are unquestionably the wettest seasons. Bristol weather during spring is unsettled and unpredictable; some might be confused in thinking that it is either winter or summer, as it has the tendency to change patterns rapidly.