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 »