Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bristol, CT

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The climate of Bristol

Bristol, located in Connecticut, USA, is subject to a Humid continental climate, with no dry season and hot summers as per the Köppen climate classification for this area code Dfa. The region experiences conducive variations in weather conditions throughout the year. Acute distinctions can be identified in monthly average values that blend into distinctive weather alterations over the seasons.

The occurrence of mild to warmer periods transcends from the inauguration of the year with average temperature highs increasing from 32.5°F (0.3°C) in January to 82.4°F (28°C) in July. Likewise, the lows increase from 20.7°F (-6.3°C) in January to 63.1°F (17.3°C) in July depicting a uniform increase in warmth. This surge in temperature is accompanied by a simultaneous elevation in humidity, transitioning from 77% in January to a peak of 80% in February and remaining fairly consistent from then on.

While the climate does encompass drier segments, rainfall is irrespective of the season and is prevalent throughout the year, reflecting slight fluctuations in volume. Average rainfall ascends gently from 2.4" (61mm) in January and reaches the maximum of 3.43" (87mm) in October. Simultaneously, snowfall is confined from November to April with peak values being observed in February at 5.12" (130mm). Daylight and sunshine durations follow a predictable trajectory, with the longest day lengths experienced in summer and the short duration confined to winter.

Unique to Bristol is the duration of sunlight hours that shine over the land. Throughout the year, much of the area basks under radiant skies despite the varying seasons. From a low of 4.9 h in January, sunshine hours peak at a commendable 10.2 h in July and August.

The best time to visit Bristol

Arguably, the best time to visit Bristol is from late spring to early fall, specifically between May and September. During this time, the weather conditions are most pleasant with ample sunshine, and temperatures fluctuating between a high of 68.2°F (20.1°C) to 80.4°F (26.9°C) and lows ranging between 48.7°F (9.3°C) to 61.3°F (16.3°C). During these summer months, daylight hours are the longest - peaking at 15.2h in June—and rainfall is moderate, assuring clear skies and splendid outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Bristol

The least favorable season to visit Bristol falls between December and February. During these winter months, temperature falls dramatically with the mercury dropping to as low as 20.7°F (-6.3°C) in January. Along with lower temperatures, the city receives the most snowfall during this period with a peak of 5.12" (130mm) in February. Sustaining a daylight duration of less than 10h, winters also brings along limited visibility levels, further thwarting outdoor pursuits.

Spring weather in Bristol

With the departure of winters, Bristol welcomes spring in March, marked by warmer weather and longer daylight hours. Temperatures transition from a manageable high of 43.5°F (6.4°C) in March to 56.3°F (13.5°C) in April, and finally settling at 68.2°F (20.1°C) in May. Meanwhile, lows transform from a chilly 28.9°F (-1.7°C) in March to a much milder 48.7°F (9.3°C) in May. Spring also witnesses increased rainfall starting from 2.72" (69mm) in March and moving slightly up to 2.87" (73mm) in May. This period culminates with lengthier daylight hours and an increase in sunshine duration, which extends to 14.5 hours per day in May.

Summer weather in Bristol

Kicking off in June, the summer months till September in Bristol are characterized by the highest temperatures and prolonged daylight hours. Remaining mostly within the boundaries of 73.4°F (23°C) to 82.4°F (28°C), summer highs make the days hot but bearable. Summer nights stay relatively warm as well with temperatures lingering from 55.2°F (12.9°C) to 63.1°F (17.3°C). The increase in temperatures is accompanied by a slight but noteworthy elevation in rainfall, peaking at 3.31" (84mm) in July.

Autumn weather in Bristol

Autumn eases in by October, reducing the intense temperatures of summer with the mercury falling steadily throughout the season. From a high of 60.3°F (15.7°C) in October, temperature drops to 48.4°F (9.1°C) in November. Correspondingly, the nightly lows see a decrease from 46°F (7.8°C) to 34.9°F (1.6°C). The season also brings along the most abundant rainfall of the year with October averaging at 3.43" (87mm).

Winter weather in Bristol

Bristol’s winter season starting from December offers an interesting contrast from the rest of the year. The average high temperature falls to 38.3°F (3.5°C) by December and dips further down to 32.5°F (0.3°C) in January. Correspondingly, the lows drift downward as well, settling at 27.7°F (-2.4°C) in December, the coldest of the year. Winter in Bristol is adorned with snow, which adorns the terrain from November to April, peaking with 5.12" (130mm) in February. In spite of the cold, the sun continues to shine for up to 9.6 hours per day even in winter months, thus maintaining its mark on the city.

Weather in January

As a starting point of the year, the weather in Bristol, Connecticut is characteristically cold with an average high of 32.5°F (0.3°C) and a chilling low of 20.7°F (-6.3°C). Winters are in full swing with noticeable snowfall in the month. Weather in January »

Weather in February

In February, the winters stay gripping Bristol, Connecticut with temperatures nearly holding steady from previous month. But there is a slight increase in the amount of rainfall compared to January, with a total of 2.48" (63mm) throughout the month. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Moving into March, Bristol, Connecticut starts to witness a transition from cold winter into early spring. The tides of transformation reflect in temperatures, with the highest soaring to 43.5°F (6.4°C). This month signals the retreat of frosty weathers as the days start growing longer. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April weather in Bristol, Connecticut is characterized by the onset of complete spring with a continued rise in temperatures. Daylight becomes increasingly plentiful, lasting for approximately 13.4 hours per day. The month is marked by substantial rainfall and the trees and flowers reach full bloom. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May flourishes with the full energy of spring in Bristol, Connecticut. Average high temperatures rise to 68.2°F (20.1°C). Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures start showcasing signs of the approaching summer. With no traces of snowfall, May brings various opportunities for outdoor entertainment activities. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June welcomes summer in Bristol, Connecticut, pushing temperatures further upward and bringing the maximum daylight hours of 15.2. Abundant sunshine provides ample opportunity for sight-seeing and attending seasonal events. The month is a great time for summer activities, from picnics in Bristol’s beautiful parks to attending concerts and local farmer’s markets. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July witnesses the peak summer in Bristol, with the highest average temperatures of 82.4°F (28°C). The city basks in the warmth and extended sunshine, reaching maximum UV index readings of 6. Despite occasional rainy days, the month predominately maintains clear skies. Weather in July »

Weather in August

Although August continues the summer streak in Bristol, it ushers in the initial signs of its retreat. The mercury in the city hovers around a high of 80.4°F (26.9°C). Thankfully, the generous sunlight and clear weather result in favourable conditions for outdoor activities. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September begins the transition from summer to fall in Bristol, Connecticut. The average maximum temperature cools down to 73.4°F (23°C). Early signs of fall color start appearing by mid-September, spreading a hearty, colorful vibe. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Bristol, Connecticut, is well into the fall season and demonstrates a significant drop in temperatures, down to a cool 60.3°F (15.7°C) at the high. Amidst pumpkin-spice everything, the city remains dressed in shades of orange and red, with leaf-peeping at its best. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November ushers in the cold weather in Bristol, Connecticut, as temperatures dip to an average maximum of 48.4°F (9.1°C). With a significant drop in temperatures and daylight hours reduced to 9.9, November marks the onset of winter. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December closes the year with a full-blown winter in Bristol Connecticut, with the mercury dropping to a chilling average low of 27.7°F (-2.4°C). The weather gets rather harsh with snowy conditions becoming a common sight. With days as short as 9.2 hours, December nights appear long and cold. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 16, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest?

Bristol, Connecticut, reaches its average lowest temperatures in January, measuring 32.5°F (0.3°C) at the peak and 20.7°F (-6.3°C) at the lowest.

How many days does it rain?

Throughout the year, there are 170 rainfall days, and 35.43" (900mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow?

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December.

How many days does it snow?

In Bristol, during the entire year, snow falls for 33.9 days and aggregates up to 18.43" (468mm) of snow.

What is the month with the lowest UV index?

The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month is February, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

What is the snowiest month?

February is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 9.3 days and accumulates 5.12" (130mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Bristol?

February has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 4.5h of sunshine.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

What is the least humid month?

The least humid month is April, with an average relative humidity of 72%.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 12min of daylight.

What are the months with the highest UV index?

June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.

What month is the hottest?

With an average high-temperature of 82.4°F (28°C) and an average low-temperature of 63.1°F (17.3°C), July is the warmest month.

What is the month with the most sunshine?

July and August, with an average of 10.2h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.

What is the driest month?

The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 13.6 days and typically collects 2.24" (57mm) of precipitation.

What is the wettest month?

The month with the most rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 11.7 days and typically aggregates up to 3.74" (95mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days?

With an average of 9h and 12min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year.

Average temperature
Bristol, CT

Average temperature - Bristol, CT

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (82.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (32.5°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (63.1°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (20.7°F).

Average pressure
Bristol, CT

Average pressure - Bristol, CT

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

Average wind speed
Bristol, CT

Average wind speed - Bristol, CT

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (8.4mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (5.2mph).

Average humidity
Bristol, CT

Average humidity - Bristol, CT

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (72%).

Average rainfall
Bristol, CT

Average rainfall - Bristol, CT

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (3.74").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (2.24").

Average rainfall days
Bristol, CT

Average rainfall days - Bristol, CT

The months with the highest number of rainy days are May and July (18.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (9.3 days).

Average snowfall
Bristol, CT

Average snowfall - Bristol, CT

The month with the highest snowfall is February (5.12").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Bristol, CT

Average snowfall days - Bristol, CT

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is February (9.3 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Bristol, CT

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Bristol, CT

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 12min).

The months with the most sunshine are July and August (Average sunshine: 10h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is February (Average sunshine: 4h and 30min).

Average sunshine days
Bristol, CT

Average sunshine days - Bristol, CT

The month with the most sunshine days is January (16.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10 days).

Average UV index
Bristol, CT

Average UV index - Bristol, CT

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).

Average visibility
Bristol, CT

Average visibility - Bristol, CT

The months with the highest visibility are January, April, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are February, March, May, June, July, August and September (5mi).

Bristol, Connecticut, USA

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