The climate of Swindon
Swindon's overall climate falls under the Köppen climate classification Cfb, known as Marine west coast with a warm summer. Positioned in the
United Kingdom, the town experiences cool to mild conditions throughout the year. Temperatures consistently register in the moderate range with the highest average peak at 20.5°C (68.9°F) in
July and descending to a cooler average low extremes of 1.4°C (34.5°F) in
January.
The year also presents a fairly high level of relative humidity, remaining well above 80% for every month. Rainfall is another constant feature of Swindon's climate, with month-to-month precipitation showing a relatively small range from a low of 22mm (0.87") in
September to a maximum of 39mm (1.54") in
June. Rainfall days also closely track total precipitation with the highest number recorded in July with 18.7 days and the least in
February with 10.8 days.
Unique to Swindon is the town's experience with snowfall which is largely restricted to early part of the year. January records the heaviest snowfall of 14mm (0.55") over 2.6 days, after which snowfall drops off sharply to just 6mm (0.24") in
March with a mere 1.2 snowfall days. Beyond March, the snowfall drops to nil, reaffirming zero snowfall days before rebounding in
November with 4mm (0.16") over 0.5 day and rising to 9mm (0.35") in
December over 1.6 days. The daylight hours display a marked seasonal trend with nearly double the amount of daylight in June compared to December, 16.6 hours versus 7.9 hours respectively.
The best time to visit Swindon
The best time to visit
Swindon depends largely on visitor preference and the type of activities one seeks to enjoy. However, when considering both temperature and precipitation, the late spring to early summer months of
May to
July offers ideal weather. During this period, temperatures range from 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F), while rainfall remains fairly constant around the 30-34mm (-1.34") mark.
The worst time to visit Swindon
Visitors looking for warm weather and minimal rain would find the period from
November to
February less appealing. Below-average temperatures register between 1.4°C (34.5°F) to 6.9°C (44.4°F), with an uptick in rainfall, especially in
December at 38mm (1.5"). Combined with reduced daylight hours, this time of year may not be favorable for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Swindon
Spring in
Swindon sees a gradual rise in temperature from 9.9ºC in
March, to 12.8ºC and 15.4ºC in
April and
May respectively. Meanwhile, the corresponding low temperatures for these months are 2.5ºC, 4ºC, and 6.4ºC. Rainfall remains consistent, fluctuating between 23mm (0.91") - 31mm (1.22"), with 12.6 to16 rain days per month on average. The increase in daylight hours from 11.9 hours in March to 15.6 hours in May, coupled with an increase to 7 hours of daily sunshine by May, makes for pleasant spring weather.
Summer weather in Swindon
Swindon's summer, encompassing
June,
July, and
August, offers warm temperatures ranging between 18.1°C (64.6°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F), with lows ranging from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 12°C (53.6°F). Rainfall increases in this period, peaking at 39mm (1.54") in June, while the number of rain days also heightens to a yearly maximum of 18.7 days in July. Sunshine hours remain steady at approximately 7 hours per day, alike the daylight hours which plateau at just over 16 hours.
Autumn weather in Swindon
Autumn reveals a decline in temperature from a high of 17.7ºC in
September to 9.5ºC by
November with concurrent low temperatures dropping from 9.8ºC to 4.9ºC. Rainfall characterizes autumn weather starting from 22mm (0.87") in September and gradually increasing to 35mm (1.38") in November with an associated increase in rain days from 12 to 13 over the same period.
Winter weather in Swindon
Winter temperatures in
Swindon oscillate from a high of 7.2ºC in
December to a low of 6.3ºC in
January and back to a high of 6.9ºC in
February. The analogous low temperatures for these months are 2.7ºC, 1.4ºC, and 1.7ºC respectively. Rainfall is highest in December at 38mm (1.5") with the number of rain days peaking to 11.7 for the same month. The daylight hours are at their lowest during December at 7.9 hours, increasing steadily to 10 hours by February. Winter in Swindon also implies the return of snow with January recording the highest snowfall of 14mm (0.55") over 2.6 days.
Weather in January
January ushers the start of the year in
Swindon with relatively low temperatures, at a high of 6.3°C (43.3°F) and a low of 1.4°C (34.5°F). The bitter chill brings abundant humidity, with a relative rate of 90%. While the short daylight hours urge locals to stay indoors, the month is also characterized by a substantial amount of cloud cover.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Swindon, weather in
February experiences gradual warming from the preceding month, but temperatures remain decidedly low. Snowfall is frequent due to the prevailing cold conditions. A relative humidity of 88% can bring about foggy mornings, making the sight of the rare sun a welcome one.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March paves the way for warmer weather in
Swindon, albeit slowly. The duration of daylight hours begins to extend, hinting at the arrival of the awaited spring. However, icy conditions can still be expected, as evidenced by the minimal snowfall of 6mm (0.24").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April,
Swindon transitions from winter to the mild conditions of spring. Snowfall ceases entirely, signaling the advent of more favorable weather. Longer daylight hours invite outdoor activities, while the rising pressure produces tranquil weather conditions.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Weather in
May is characterized by increased warmth in
Swindon, pointing towards the full bloom of spring. Rainfall becomes frequent, nurturing the lush verdant spaces within the city. A little more sunshine is seen compared to the previous months, and with fewer clouds in the sky, visibility is generally higher.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June signals the onset of summer in
Swindon, and with the arrival of this season, the city's weather exhibits distinctly milder characteristics. Daylight hours reach their peak, offering ample opportunity for a multitude of outdoor pursuits.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July holds the title as the warmest month in
Swindon, with average temperatures soaring to a high of 20.5°C (68.9°F). The city also benefits from the longest hours of daylight, despite the persistent prevalence of clouds. Additionally, a decrease in wind speed from the preceding months ensures milder breezes and overall more serene climatic conditions. July, with its high-temperature average of 20.5°C (68.9°F) and a low-temperature average of 11.8°C (53.2°F), is the warmest month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In contrast to
July,
August in
Swindon experiences a small dip in average temperature. Additionally, an increase in rainfall characterizes this month. However, despite these characteristics, August still embodies the essence of summer, boasting extended daylight hours and plentiful sunshine. As Swindon transitions from July to August, the average high-temperatures adjust to a comfortable 19.8°C (67.6°F), nearly the same as the previous 20.5°C (68.9°F).
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Swindon ushers in the fall season, with declining temperatures and shorter days. The close of summer is evident from the somewhat lower pressure levels. Owing to the decreased temperature, the relative humidity also takes a dip.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a pronounced autumn chill to
Swindon, with decreased daylight hours and falling temperatures. The month's wind speeds amplify this effect, making the overall climate noticeably cooler. Cloud cover increases extensively, with an average of 60% cloudiness, coupled with more frequent rain showers. The beginning of October in Swindon,
United Kingdom, brings a slight decrease in the average high-temperature, transitioning from a comfortable 17.7°C (63.9°F) in
September to a still refreshing 13.9°C (57°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
Swindon in
November is dominated by lower temperatures, increased rainfall, and higher relative humidity levels. The first traces of snow can be detected, suggesting the return of winter. Foremost among November's climatic highlights is the first snowfall of 4mm (0.16"), signaling the onset of the frosty season. In November, the average high-temperature marginally drops from a refreshing 13.9°C (57°F) in
October to a frosty 9.5°C (49.1°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the final month of the year in
Swindon, is characterized by wintry conditions, with low temperatures and increased snowfall. The decline in temperature from
November is marked, signalling the full swing of winter. Longer nights prevail, and the decrease in daylight hours characterizes the arrival of the winter solstice.
Weather in December »