The best time to visit Bristol is June, July and August, when average highs land in the comfortable low-20s — 19.4 °C in June, 21 °C in July and 20.5 °C in August — paired with the year's longest sunshine, around 11.1 hours a day. July and August fall within the school-holiday peak, so expect busier streets and pricier stays around Clifton Suspension Bridge and the harbourside. Winter is the quiet, low season, with short days and highs of just 7.5 °C in January.
Best months JuneJulyAugust
Bristol month by month
Average highs and lows (°C), 2016–2025. Highlighted bars are the best months.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.5 °C | 2.3 °C | 13 | 3.9 h |
| February | 8.8 °C | 3.3 °C | 12 | 5 h |
| March | 10.4 °C | 3.9 °C | 15 | 6.6 h |
| April | 13.1 °C | 4.9 °C | 11 | 9.3 h |
| May | 16.6 °C | 8.4 °C | 12 | 10.9 h |
| June | 19.4 °C | 11.7 °C | 13 | 11.1 h |
| July | 21 °C | 13.6 °C | 12 | 11.1 h |
| August | 20.5 °C | 13.4 °C | 13 | 9.9 h |
| September | 18.2 °C | 11.3 °C | 14 | 8 h |
| October | 14.6 °C | 9 °C | 14 | 5.9 h |
| November | 10.5 °C | 5.5 °C | 14 | 4.4 h |
| December | 8.7 °C | 4.3 °C | 15 | 3.3 h |
How the months are picked.A month qualifies when its average high sits in the comfortable 20–28 °C band (scored down towards 9 °C and 37 °C), rain days are few and sunshine hours are high — at least 78 % of the city's best-scoring month. July and August are then set aside as peak season (school-holiday crowds and prices) whenever at least three other months qualify; where summer is the only comfortable window they stay. Figures are ten-year averages (2016-01-01 to 2025-12-31) from ERA5 reanalysis data via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) for the city centre coordinates.
When to go, and what to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
A pleasant, greener option for those who want mild days without summer prices.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
The clear pick for warmth, long evenings and festival season — book ahead.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September still feels mild; later autumn suits low-key city breaks.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
For festive markets and museums rather than outdoor sightseeing.
Notable events
- August
- Bristol Balloon Fiesta
- July
- Bristol Harbour Festival
- July
- St Paul's Carnival
- November to December
- Bristol Christmas Market
Frequently asked
Is August too hot in Bristol?
No. August averages a high of 20.5 °C, comfortably in the pleasant-summer range, with 9.9 hours of sunshine and 13 rain days — warm but rarely oppressive.
What is the rainiest month in Bristol?
March, December and August all see the most wet days at around 15, though showers are spread across the year. Bristol has no truly dry season, so a light waterproof is always worth packing.
Is winter worth visiting Bristol?
It's the quiet, low season. Highs sit at 7.5 °C in January with only 3.3 hours of sunshine in December, so it suits Christmas markets, museums and cosy pubs rather than long walks by the harbour.
Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Bristol area guide →
Areas of Bristol
Best time to visit near here
Sources
- Open-Meteo historical weather API — monthly climate normals, 2016–2025 (CC BY 4.0)
- ERA5 reanalysis (ECMWF / Copernicus) — the underlying temperature, precipitation and sunshine data
- ReasonStay methodology — how the best months are computed and checked
An independent guide to Bristol — honest, verified, no invented data. Climate figures: ERA5 via Open-Meteo, 2016–2025 averages; the best months are computed from them, not opinion.