The best time to visit Bristol is from May to September. For a first visit, I’d choose June: you’ll have long days for strolls around the harbour and a trip to Clifton, and you won’t have to squeeze all your outdoor activities into the morning.

Bristol has a mild maritime climate. Winters are cold and damp, whilst summers are generally pleasant for walking around the city. Rain can occur in any month, so I’d pack a waterproof jacket even in summer.

Do you already know your travel dates? When choosing a weekend, be sure to compare accommodation prices too.

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Bristol’s weather at a glance:

• For walks and a first visit: May to September.
• The warmest month: July.
• For the hot-air balloon festival: August, depending on the specific year’s dates.
• For museums and cafés: all year round, though keep outdoor activities to a minimum in winter.

Weather and temperatures in Bristol throughout the year

The temperatures given are rounded average daily maximums, i.e. afternoon temperatures.

Weather in January

Daytime temperatures average around 8 °C. Pack a warm jacket and shoes suitable for wet pavements.

I’d spend a January weekend visiting museums, cafés and going for short walks. If you want to explore the waterfront and Clifton, spread it over two days and head out in the morning.

Weather in February

Average daily highs reach 8–9 °C. Compared to January, there’s more daylight, but you’ll still need warm clothing.

I’d consider February for a short stay, including a visit to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. Tailor your walk around the city to the forecast and save one continuous outdoor circuit for the drier part of the day.

Weather in March

Expect an average daytime temperature of 11 °C. For a full day exploring the city, I’d wear several layers and pack a waterproof jacket in my rucksack.

March offers more scope for combining museum visits with walks. You could plan a day exploring the historic centre and Harbourside, and another day in Clifton.

Weather in April

Average daily highs rise to 14 °C. According to long-term data, April has the lowest monthly rainfall, but showers are still something to factor into your plans.

It’s a good time to explore the city, provided you don’t mind wearing a jacket. I’d save a trip to the Clifton Suspension Bridge for a day with better visibility.

Weather in May

Daytime temperatures average around 17 °C. I’d rank May amongst the best months for a first visit to Bristol.

I’d focus more on the harbour, the parks and Clifton. Light layers are fine for long walks, but pack a jumper or jacket for an evening by the water.

Weather in June

Average daily highs reach 20 °C. June offers the longest days of the year, which is a great advantage if you’re on a short stay.

If I had to choose just one month to visit Bristol, I’d pick June. You can alternate sightseeing and museum visits with longer walks and save the waterfront for the evening. Do, however, make sure you have a plan B in case of rain.

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Weather in July

July is the warmest month, with average maximum temperatures of around 22 °C. For city breaks, it’s a good alternative to the sweltering cities of southern Europe.

For your stay, I’d focus mainly on outdoor activities and keep the museums as a backup. Before you set off, check for any heatwaves; air conditioning might come in handy when booking your room.

Weather in August

Afternoon temperatures average 21 °C. August is a good time for exploring the city and enjoying outdoor events, though dry weather isn’t guaranteed.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta takes place in August. If you want to see hot-air balloons over the city, check the dates on the festival’s official website. Take-offs depend on the weather and may be cancelled even on a seemingly fine day.

Weather in September

Daytime temperatures average around 19 °C. Alongside May and June, I’d rank September amongst my top choices for a city break.

Plan walks around the harbour, the historic centre and Clifton. Take an extra layer for the evening and gradually shift longer outdoor walks to the first part of the day.

Weather in October

Average daytime highs drop to 15 °C. I’d intersperse your outdoor activities with more indoor stops.

October is ideal for a weekend combining sightseeing, museums and good food. Start with a walk if the forecast promises a dry morning, and save a visit to an art gallery or St Nicholas Market for later.

Weather in November

Expect an average daytime temperature of 11 °C. Take a waterproof jacket for walks and be prepared for short days.

I’d mainly choose November for a trip focused on museums, restaurants and cafés. Include the viewpoints and Clifton depending on the current weather. For a weekend with a mainly outdoor programme, I’d prefer late spring or summer.

Weather in December

Average daily maximum temperatures reach 8–9 °C. Plan your outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon.

I’d consider December for a pre-Christmas weekend with shorter walks and indoor stops. Before the festive season, check the opening times of specific attractions and museums. You can still enjoy the winter atmosphere without spending the whole day walking in the cold.

When does it rain the most in Bristol?

The rainiest part of the year is in autumn and early winter, particularly from October to December. Spring and early summer tend to be drier. However, rainfall is spread throughout the year, so even a summer visit may not be rain-free.

In Filton, there are around 10–11 days of rainfall per month in spring and summer, and around 13–15 days from October to December. These are days on which at least 1 mm of rainfall is recorded.

Does it rain all day in Bristol?

It can, but a rainy day does not automatically mean rain all day long. The same statistics include both a day with a brief shower and a day with persistent rain.

When planning your itinerary, an hourly forecast is therefore more useful than just the rain icon. In summer, there may be showers, whilst autumn and winter weather fronts can bring longer periods of continuous rain.

What to do in Bristol when it’s raining

On a rainy day, you can plan a few indoor stops:

• M Shed: a museum of the city’s history right by the harbour. Admission to the permanent exhibitions is free.
• Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: art, Egyptian collections and natural history exhibits. Admission to the permanent collections is also free.
• Bristol Cathedral: a short visit that you can combine with a stroll through the city centre and the area around College Green.
• SS Great Britain: you can explore the cabins and museums even in the rain, though part of the ship and the grounds are outdoors.

Check the opening days before your visit. Save the best part of the weather forecast for the viewpoints and a longer stroll along the waterfront.

During the rainier months, I’d place great importance on the hotel’s location. From the Old City or the Millennium Square area, you can take shorter walks and return to your room in between.

Personally, I stayed at the ibis Bristol Centre near Millennium Square. In my view, it offers very good value for money and is close to the city centre. You’ll find other areas and hotel recommendations in the section ‘Where to stay in Bristol’.

What to pack for Bristol

I’d take a waterproof jacket and comfortable closed-toe shoes whatever the season. On walks by the water or in Clifton, a jacket also comes in handy against the wind.

• December to February: a warm jacket, jumper or hoodie, long trousers and waterproof shoes.
• March to May and September to November: several layers, a hooded jacket and a small rucksack for clothes you’ll take off during the day.
• June to August: light clothing, a hoodie for the evening, a light waterproof jacket and sun protection.

A folding umbrella will come in handy in the city centre. If it’s windy, I’d opt for a hooded jacket.

Does it snow in Bristol?

It can snow, but a continuous blanket of snow isn’t a common feature of a winter stay. When planning your trip, it’s more practical to expect wet weather, wind and the possibility of morning frost.

Even temperatures above zero may not mean a pleasant day for a long walk. Damp and windy weather is a good reason to break up your outdoor activities into shorter sessions.

Weather forecast for Bristol

Before you set off, I recommend checking the latest forecast for Bristol from the Met Office.

When planning your day, pay particular attention to:

• Hourly rainfall: this will help you choose the right time to visit Clifton and the waterfront.
• Wind and gusts: important for the viewpoints and the hot-air balloon festival.
• Feels-like temperature: this will make it easier to decide how many layers to wear.