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Contents
- The climate of Bristol
- The Best Time to Visit Bristol
- The Worst Time to Visit Bristol
- Spring Weather in Bristol
- Summer Weather in Bristol
- Autumn Weather in Bristol
- Winter Weather in Bristol
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Bristol
Located in the northeast of the United States, Bristol, Rhode Island possesses a Köppen climate classification of Cfa. This denotes a humid subtropical climate, wherein all 12 months have mean temperatures above freezing (over 32°F (0°C)), and rainfall ensues year-round. Situated on the eastern seaboard, the town is no stranger to seasonal variations in climate.
Throughout the year, Bristol experiences large variations in temperature. The annual high temperature averages from a chilly 36°F (2.2°C) in January, gradually warming to a peak of 79.3°F (26.3°C) in July, before tapering off to 42.1°F (5.6°C) in December. In tandem with the highs, the annual low temperature averages shift from 25.2°F (-3.8°C) in January, reaching 65.5°F (18.6°C) in July, then declining to 31.8°F (-0.1°C) in December.
Bristol exhibits no dry season, with significant rainfall all year round. The most copious rainfall occurs in April with 1.85" (47mm) on record, while September tends to be the driest month with just over an inch of rainfall.
Bristol also experiences days with noticeable snowfall, primarily in winter months. January and March register the highest snowfall with 1.61" (41mm) and 2.13" (54mm) respectively, while no snow is recorded between May and October.
Interestingly, cloud cover in Bristol stays relatively constant throughout the year, with slight variations only. It hovers around 45% for most of the year, implying partially cloudy sky on average. The wind speed also varies little from month to month, ranging between 7.3mph (11.7km/h) to 10.9mph (17.5km/h) and usually remaining below 11mph (17.7km/h).
Throughout the year, Bristol experiences large variations in temperature. The annual high temperature averages from a chilly 36°F (2.2°C) in January, gradually warming to a peak of 79.3°F (26.3°C) in July, before tapering off to 42.1°F (5.6°C) in December. In tandem with the highs, the annual low temperature averages shift from 25.2°F (-3.8°C) in January, reaching 65.5°F (18.6°C) in July, then declining to 31.8°F (-0.1°C) in December.
Bristol exhibits no dry season, with significant rainfall all year round. The most copious rainfall occurs in April with 1.85" (47mm) on record, while September tends to be the driest month with just over an inch of rainfall.
Bristol also experiences days with noticeable snowfall, primarily in winter months. January and March register the highest snowfall with 1.61" (41mm) and 2.13" (54mm) respectively, while no snow is recorded between May and October.
Interestingly, cloud cover in Bristol stays relatively constant throughout the year, with slight variations only. It hovers around 45% for most of the year, implying partially cloudy sky on average. The wind speed also varies little from month to month, ranging between 7.3mph (11.7km/h) to 10.9mph (17.5km/h) and usually remaining below 11mph (17.7km/h).
The Best Time to Visit Bristol
Choosing the best time to visit Bristol depends heavily on personal preferences and planned activities. For those who enjoy warm weather, the months from June to August offer average high temperatures between 72°F (22.2°C) and 79.3°F (26.3°C). Conversely, visitors who appreciate cooler weather might prefer the fall months of September to November when the average highs range from 61.7°F (16.5°C) down to 50.9°F (10.5°C). However, September to November also offer the least amount of rainfall, with under 2" (51mm) accumulated monthly.
The Worst Time to Visit Bristol
Travelers looking to avoid less pleasant weather conditions might want to consider avoiding Bristol from December to February. These winter months record the coolest temperatures, with lows averaging 25.2°F (-3.8°C) to 31.8°F (-0.1°C). Additionally, January and February experience the highest snowfall rates, with a peak at 1.61" (41mm) in January.
Spring Weather in Bristol
Bristol’s spring months from March to May typically manifests rising temperatures and heavier rainfall. Temperatures start in March at 43.7°F (6.5°C), increasing to 54.1°F (12.3°C) in April and finally reaching 64°F (17.8°C) in May. Meanwhile, rainfall also increases, starting with 1.61" (41mm) in March, peaking at 1.85" (47mm) in April, and subsequently dropping to 1.34" (34mm) in May.
Summer Weather in Bristol
Summer in Bristol, running from June through August, is characterized by the warmest temperatures and consistent rainfall. The average high temperature fluctuates slightly from 72°F (22.2°C) in June, peaking at 79.3°F (26.3°C) in July, before cooling marginally to 78.6°F (25.9°C) in August. Rainfall during the summer holds steady, with June and July seeing identical rainfall amounts of 1.77" (45mm) and 1.61" (41mm) respectively, and August receiving 1.5" (38mm).
Autumn Weather in Bristol
The autumn season in Bristol is marked by declining temperatures and varying levels of rainfall. September sees average high temperatures of 72.1°F (22.3°C) which dip to 61.7°F (16.5°C) in October and further cool to 50.9°F (10.5°C) in November. This season also presents varying levels of rainfall - from 1.06" (27mm) in September, going up to 1.97" (50mm) in October, and finally tapering off to 1.26" (32mm) in November.
Winter Weather in Bristol
Bristol's winter, spanning from December through February, is distinguished by the coolest temperatures and frequent snowfall. December commences the winter season with an average high temperature of 42.1°F (5.6°C), dropping to 36°F (2.2°C) in January and slightly rising to 37.9°F (3.3°C) in February. This season is also notable for snowfall, with accumulations around 1.61" (41mm) in December, peaking to 2.13" (54mm) in January and declining to 1.02" (26mm) in February.
Weather in January
The winter chill settles firmly over Bristol, Rhode Island in January, drying out the air as the humidity drops to 76%, the third-lowest level of the year. The city faces a wintry landscape blanketed in 1.61" (41mm) of snow for nearly six out of the 31 days. Weather in January »
Weather in February
Given the climatologic shift between January and February, Bristol undergoes subtle transformations in its weather patterns. The snowfall moderately lessens to 1.02" (26mm), providing relief, albeit slight, from the severe conditions of last month. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March sees a noticeable shift in the weather in Bristol as the harsh winter segues into spring, with temperatures escalating from February's chill. There is a surge in rainfall to 1.61" (41mm), replacing a significant portion of February's snow. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April's weather continually transforms, with the freshness of spring bringing an array of changes over Bristol. The city witnesses peak rainfall during this month at 1.85" (47mm) as April showers usher in the blooming of flora around the region. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May marks a break in Bristol's weather, presenting a balmy milieu as the city gradually moves towards summer. The city's environment matures with a subtle rise in temperature from the moderate degrees of April. However, a distinct characteristic of May is its visibility. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June fosters Bristol's gradual transition into the sultry embrace of summer, shedding the refreshing mildness of May weather. A significant rise in sunshine hours to 9.3 hours daily shapes the sun-drenched landscape. The summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year, confers upon the city an abundance of daylight. Weather in June »
Weather in July
The weather in July firmly anchors itself in the summer zone as Bristol experiences its warmest ambiance of the year, with temperature peaks at 79.3°F (26.3°C). Combined with the toasty weather conditions, the city witnesses a slight reduction in rainfall, which decreases to 1.61" (41mm). Weather in July »
Weather in August
In August, the weather in Bristol continues to bask in the glory of summer, barely showing any shift from July's heat pattern. The unique charm of August lies in its sunshine, boasting a notable 10.6 hours of radiant sun on average. Weather in August »
Weather in September
As September arrives in Bristol, signs of the impending autumn become increasingly apparent. A significant change is noticeable in the temperature, plunging from summer's sweltering heat to the moderate digits of early fall. September experiences a decrease in sunlight hours as the equinox endorses the beginning of shorter days. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers the vibrant aura of autumn into Bristol, painting the city with splashes of yellows, oranges, and reds. A drastic fluctuation in weather patterns occurs as rainfall increases to its yearly high at 1.97" (50mm). The city echoes with the rustling of leaves, a constant reminder of the season's special charm. Weather in October »
Weather in November
As Bristol moves further into late autumn in November, the temperature further descends, creating a crisper contrast against October's moderate climate. The city welcomes its first snowfall since March, measuring approximately 0.39" (10mm). Weather in November »
Weather in December
Winter officially sets in Bristol in December, bringing with it a clear drop in temperature levels leading to a markedly colder ambient of 42.1°F (5.6°C). A notable increase in snowfall to 1.42" (36mm) forecasts the revival of the winter wonderland that the city transforms into each year. Weather in December »
Updated: Jul 20, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What are the coldest months?
January is the month when Bristol sees the average lowest temperatures, with a high of 36°F (2.2°C) and a low of 25.2°F (-3.8°C).
How much does it rain?
In Bristol, during the entire year, the rain falls for 135.4 days and collects up to 18.31" (465mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow?
January through May, November and December are months with snowfall.
How many days does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 21.2 snowfall days, and 7.17" (182mm) of snow is accumulated.
What are the months with the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index in Bristol are January through March and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
What are the months with the least sunshine?
February and December, with an average of 4.9h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
When does it snow the most?
March is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 5.2 days and accumulates 2.13" (54mm) of snow.
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?
With an average relative humidity of 73%, April is the least humid month.
What is the most humid month?
With an average relative humidity of 80%, June is the most humid month.
When it does not snow?
June through October are months without snowfall.
When are the longest days in Bristol?
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 15h and 12min of daylight.
When is the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
What is the warmest month?
Temperature records mark July as the warmest month, with highs averaging 79.3°F (26.3°C) and lows at 65.5°F (18.6°C).
What month has the most sunshine?
August has the most sunshine of the year in Bristol, with an average of 10.6h of sunshine.
What is the driest month?
September is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 11.2 days and accumulates 1.06" (27mm) of precipitation.
What is the rainiest month?
October is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 11.5 days and accumulates 1.97" (50mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days?
The month with the shortest days in Bristol is December, with an average of 9h and 12min of daylight.
Average temperature
Bristol, RI
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (36°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (25.2°F).
Average pressure
Bristol, RI
- Average pressure in January:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in February:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.93"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.03"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.07"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).
Average wind speed
Bristol, RI
- Average wind speed in January:
10.9mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.9mph - Average wind speed in March:
10.9mph - Average wind speed in April:
10.1mph - Average wind speed in May:
8.8mph - Average wind speed in June:
8mph
- Average wind speed in July:
7.5mph - Average wind speed in August:
7.3mph - Average wind speed in September:
8.2mph - Average wind speed in October:
9.5mph - Average wind speed in November:
10mph - Average wind speed in December:
10.3mph
The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are January, February and March (10.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (7.3mph).
Average humidity
Bristol, RI
The month with the highest relative humidity is June (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (73%).
Average rainfall
Bristol, RI
- Average rainfall in January:
1.46" - Average rainfall in February:
1.14" - Average rainfall in March:
1.61" - Average rainfall in April:
1.85" - Average rainfall in May:
1.34" - Average rainfall in June:
1.77"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.61" - Average rainfall in August:
1.5" - Average rainfall in September:
1.06" - Average rainfall in October:
1.97" - Average rainfall in November:
1.26" - Average rainfall in December:
1.73"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (1.97").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.06").
Average rainfall days
Bristol, RI
- Average rainfall days in January:
7.7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
6.9 days - Average rainfall days in March:
11 days - Average rainfall days in April:
14.1 days - Average rainfall days in May:
13.7 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
15 days - Average rainfall days in August:
11.8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
11.2 days - Average rainfall days in October:
11.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
8.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
9.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (15 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (6.9 days).
Average snowfall
Bristol, RI
- Average snowfall in January:
1.61" - Average snowfall in February:
1.02" - Average snowfall in March:
2.13" - Average snowfall in April:
0.51" - Average snowfall in May:
0.08" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is March (2.13").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August, September and October (0").
Average snowfall days
Bristol, RI
- Average snowfall days in January:
5.9 days - Average snowfall days in February:
4.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
5.2 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0.9 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0 days - Average snowfall days in November:
0.9 days - Average snowfall days in December:
3.3 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (5.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August, September and October (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Bristol, RI
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 1min
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).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 5min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 4min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 2min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 2min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 5min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 2min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 3min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 5min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The months with the least sunshine are February and December (Average sunshine: 4h and 54min).
Average sunshine days
Bristol, RI
- Average sunshine days in January:
17.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
16.5 days - Average sunshine days in March:
15.9 days - Average sunshine days in April:
13.6 days - Average sunshine days in May:
15.1 days - Average sunshine days in June:
13.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
13.8 days - Average sunshine days in August:
16.1 days - Average sunshine days in September:
15.9 days - Average sunshine days in October:
17.6 days - Average sunshine days in November:
19.2 days - Average sunshine days in December:
17.6 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (19.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (13.6 days).
Average UV index
Bristol, RI
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 and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Bristol, RI
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 48).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 29).
Average visibility
Bristol, RI
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
Bristol, Rhode Island, USA
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