The climate of Saint Helier
Saint Helier is nested within the geographic confines of
Jersey and primarily experiences a Cfb climate classification, as per the Köppen climate system. Boasting a uniquely marine-style west coast weather paired with warm summers, this region presents a medley of mild weather conditions throughout the year.
Despite modest temperature variations through the twelve months, the yearly average high temperature lingers around 13.8°C (56.8°F), with the warmest peaks felt in the heart of summer when the mercury can reach 18.2°C (64.8°F). In stark contrast, winter nights do not witness equivalent plunges with the coldest months still maintaining a comfortable level of 6.8°C (44.2°F).
Precipitation is an inherent feature of Saint Helier’s climate. The months of
November and
December are most susceptible to increased rainfall, recording 78mm (3.07") and 66mm (2.6"), respectively. Concurrently, precipitation is at its lowest between
May to
August, with an average of 31mm (1.22") of rain experienced per month. Snowfall, on the other hand, is a rare occurrence with only a maximum of 2mm (0.08") reported in
February.
One other notable aspect is the humidity which soars high at an average relative level of 80%, reinforcing the moistness of Saint Helier’s climate. This, coupled with persistent moderate winds averaging 32km/h (19.9mph) throughout the year and a generally cloudy sky that conceals the sun for about 40% of the time, underscores the slightly damp and wind-swept nature of Saint Helier's climate.
The best time to visit Saint Helier
Undoubtedly, the summer months from
June to
August are the best time to visit
Saint Helier. During this period, temperatures can hit their yearly peak, reaching 18.2°C (64.8°F) in August. Though accompanied by relatively high humidity levels of about 81%, the heat remains well within comfortable levels. Showers are intermittent, compared to the rest of the year, enhancing the overall desirability of this period.
Daylight hours are extensive during these months, extending up to 16.2 hours in June. A hefty dose of sunshine accompanies these expanded days, registering about 9.3 hours in June and
July. Avid beachgoers can partake in water activities, thanks to the sea temperature rising to a pleasant 17°C (62.6°F) in August.
The worst time to visit Saint Helier
Traveling to
Saint Helier is usually discouraged in late autumn to early winter, especially between
November to
December, due to the increasing precipitation levels culminating to 78mm (3.07") and 66mm (2.6"), respectively. The temperature also starts to dip from November, registering lows of 10.7°C (51.3°F).
The daylight hours witness a noticeable reduction, falling to 9.2 hours in November and 8.3 hours in December. This, combined with a sharp drop in sunshine hours to 4, along with sea temperatures down to 13°C (55.4°F) and 11°C (51.8°F), respectively, which makes water-related activities less enjoyable, makes it a less ideal time for tourists.
Spring weather in Saint Helier
Spring, occurring from
March to
May, is characterized by slowly rising temperatures, from 9°C (48.2°F) to 13.3°C (55.9°F). Relative humidity remains consistent, around 80%, and the brisk spring winds begin to recede from 27.9km/h (17.3mph) to 22km/h (13.7mph) by May. Rainfall shows a declining trend, descending from 37mm (1.46") in March to 26mm (1.02") in May, making it progressively drier. Sunshine hours linearly increase from 6.4 to 9.3, matching the daylight increments from 11.9 hours to 15.3 hours.
Summer weather in Saint Helier
Summers in
Saint Helier, from
June to
August, are comparatively mild, with temperatures hovering between 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 18.2°C (64.8°F). Rain slightly increases from 26mm (1.02") to 42mm (1.65") over these months. However, these wet days are evenly spread out with about 13 rainy days per month, ensuring plenty of dry intervals. Sunshine continues to dominate the sky with 9.2 to 9.7 hours visible each day, whilst the sea temperature escalates, reaching a peak of 17°C (62.6°F) in August.
Autumn weather in Saint Helier
Autumn from
September to
November brings a steady decrease in temperature, from 17.5°C (63.5°F) in September to 12.7°C (54.9°F) in November. Rainfall sharply increases in November to 78mm (3.07"), from a much lower 31mm (1.22") in September, marking the beginning of the wet season. Daylight and sunshine hours gradually decrease from 12.6 to 9.2 hours, and from 8.6 to 4 hours respectively during this period, in tandem with falling temperatures.
Winter weather in Saint Helier
Winter in
Saint Helier, spanning from
December to
February, results in lower temperatures, reaching their lowest at 6.8°C (44.2°F) in February. Though light snowfall is a possibility, registering 2mm (0.08") and 1mm (0.04") in
January and February respectively, it is by no means a constant feature. Rainfall is heavy at 66mm (2.6") in December but decreases to 48mm (1.89") by February. The amount of sunshine dwindles to 4 hours a day in December and January, while daylight hours slump to their annual low of 8.3 hours in December.
Weather in January
Starting the year in
Saint Helier,
January displays typical winter conditions. It is the period when frigid winds from the eastern half sweep across the city, making the weather exceptionally cold and blustery. Snowfall remains minimal with a record of only 2mm (0.08").
Weather in January »Weather in February
Moving into
February, the weather remains consistent with
January's cold pattern, albeit with slightly warmer temperatures. As the city is still within the wintry season, frosty winds continue to batter
Saint Helier. Despite being a winter month, snowfall is lower than January with only 1mm (0.04") recorded.
Weather in February »Weather in March
By
March, spring starts to nudge its way into
Saint Helier. Temperatures rise steadily, making the climatic conditions more pleasant compared to the preceding months. The thawing effect becomes more prominent with the snowfall almost reaching the verge of extinction with a measly 1mm (0.04").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April, the full bloom of spring unravels in
Saint Helier, showing up plum blossoms against the backdrop of clear blue skies. The climate is comfortable, with an absence of snowfall. The combination of manageable temperatures and increased sunlight hours creates an idyllic setting.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the definitive end of cold weather in
Saint Helier. The spring weather starts transitioning into summer, brewing a mild and enjoyable climate. A significant decrease in the rainfall amount is observed, decreasing from 32mm (1.26") in
April to 26mm (1.02") in May.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the onset of summer in
Saint Helier, characterized by higher temperatures and extended daylight hours. Despite being the start of the hotter season, Saint Helier still retains its charm with manageable temperature levels.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Saint Helier experiences the peak of summer. The city enjoys its warmest month with the mercury hitting the maximum level of 17.6°C (63.7°F). The rainfall amounts drop, making July one of the driest months. The increased daylight and sunlit hours further amplify summer's appearance.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August carries forward
July's warm trend but with slightly decreasing temperatures. The city remains firmly within the grip of summer. Despite the reduction, rainfall amounts increase to 42mm (1.65"). As expected, daylight hours start to reduce but remain sufficient for outdoor activities.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September initiates the transition to Autumn in
Saint Helier. Despite this, temperatures remain pleasantly warm, offering an extended opportunity to enjoy the city's outdoor beauty. The rainfall volume decreases considerably from
August's 42mm (1.65") to September's 31mm (1.22").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, the palpable arrival of autumn in
Saint Helier brings cooler conditions. The pleasant heat of
September gives way to chillier weather, making the mornings crisp and afternoons cool. The rainfall level sees a significant rise, almost doubling from 31mm (1.22") in September to 60mm (2.36") in October.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November marks the transition into winter again in
Saint Helier. As temperatures continually drop, the first signs of a more frigid season are evident. Rainfall reaches its peak with a recorded 78mm (3.07"), making it the wettest month of the year.
Weather in November » Weather in December
By
December, winter firmly settles in
Saint Helier. The temperatures drop further, and the city becomes cold with the advent of the new season. The snowfall, although a marginal 1mm (0.04"), returns, rendering a festive backdrop to the city.
Weather in December »