Bristol Weather
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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 14 June 2026 by the Pressorbit weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
The UK’s maritime climate gives Bristol mild winters and cool summers, but the city’s position near the Severn Estuary means it often escapes the heaviest rain seen further west. The live forecast above shows today’s conditions, with Bristol averaging just over 800 mm of rain annually — notably less than nearby Cardiff.
What does the live forecast tell you about today?
The live conditions above give you the current temperature, wind speed and direction, and any active weather warnings. Bristol’s weather is driven by Atlantic fronts, so you will often see a band of cloud or rain moving through, followed by brighter, showery spells. Use the hourly breakdown to plan around the wettest windows, especially if you are heading towards the harbourside or the Clifton Downs.
Bristol climate through the year
Bristol sits in a temperate maritime zone, meaning winters rarely drop below freezing for long and summers stay comfortably below 25°C on average. The city’s annual mean temperature is about 10.5°C.
Spring (March to May)
Daytime highs climb from 10°C in March to around 17°C by late May. Night frosts are possible early on, but by April the chance of frost falls below 10 per cent. Spring is often changeable, with a mix of dry, settled spells and brisk showers from the west. Rainfall totals around 50-60 mm per month.
Summer (June to August)
Average highs sit near 21°C, though occasional heatwaves push temperatures above 30°C for a day or two. July is typically the warmest month. Rain falls on roughly 10-12 days per month, often as short, heavy downpours rather than all-day drizzle. Sunshine hours peak in June, with up to seven hours of sun per day.
Autumn (September to November)
September often brings pleasant, calm weather with highs still around 18°C. By November, daytime highs drop to 10°C and low-pressure systems become more frequent. October sees a noticeable increase in wind and rain, with monthly totals rising to about 80 mm. Fog can form in the Avon Gorge on still mornings.
Winter (December to February)
Daytime highs hover around 8°C, overnight lows average 2-3°C, and frost occurs on 10-15 mornings per season. Snow is infrequent — Bristol averages fewer than five days of lying snow each winter. When snow does fall, it tends to be light and melts quickly. The UK weather warnings page is worth checking if a cold spell is forecast, as ice and fog are more common than heavy snow.
Does Bristol have a local microclimate?
Yes. The city lies in a rain shadow cast by the Mendip Hills and Exmoor further south-west, so it receives less rainfall than Taunton or Weston-super-Mare. The Avon Gorge, which cuts through the city, can funnel wind, making exposed spots like the suspension bridge noticeably gustier. The harbourside and district of Bedminster also tend to be slightly warmer at night than elevated suburbs such as Stoke Bishop, due to the urban heat island effect.
Best time to visit Bristol and what to pack
Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer the best balance of mild weather, lower rainfall, and manageable crowds. For summer visits, pack layers, a light waterproof jacket and sun protection. In winter, a warm coat, gloves and waterproof shoes are sensible — check our UK weather hub for any active warnings. If you are interested in how other cities compare, the Liverpool Weather and Glasgow Weather guides provide useful benchmarks.
Is the weather in Bristol unusually changeable?
Not compared to the rest of the UK. Bristol’s location means it sits at the boundary between wetter south-western air and drier conditions to the east, so you may see four seasons in one day. However, the city’s rain shadow effect means the changeable feel is more about cloud and wind shifts than persistent downpours. The live forecast above gives you the immediate picture, while the 10-day forecast is a reliable guide for planning ahead.
What is the weather in Bristol tomorrow?
The live forecast above shows the detailed outlook for tomorrow, including hourly temperatures, wind speed and chance of rain. Tomorrow’s conditions in Bristol follow the same maritime pattern as today — expect a mix of cloud, sunny intervals and a risk of showers. Check the live widget for the most accurate local timing.
Can I rely on a weather in Bristol 10 days forecast?
A 10-day forecast for Bristol is useful for spotting broad trends, but accuracy drops noticeably after day 5-7. A bristol weather 14 days or 21 day weather forecast bristol is even less reliable due to the fast-moving Atlantic fronts. Use the 10-day outlook to plan activities, but check the live forecast near the time for rain timing and wind changes.
Does it rain a lot in Bristol?
Bristol receives about 800 mm of rain per year, which is below the UK average of roughly 1,150 mm. It rains on around 120-140 days annually, but the intensity is generally light to moderate. By comparison, Manchester and Glasgow are notably wetter. A bristol weather 30 days outlook will give you a rough idea of the seasonal pattern, but day-to-day variation is high.
How often does Bristol get snow?
Bristol experiences lying snow on fewer than five days each winter on average. A bristol weather snow event typically happens when a cold easterly flow collides with moisture from the Bristol Channel, but the city’s low altitude and urban warmth mean accumulation is rare. Check the UK weather warnings page during cold spells for the latest advice on ice and snow.
