The climate of Alderney
Alderney,
Guernsey, lays predominantly in the Köppen climate classification zone, wherein it experiences temperate weather, signified by warm summers and mild winters. Posited within the English Channel, the island maintains a persistent maritime influence, which prevents extreme variations in weather throughout the year.
On average, sea temperatures fluctuate between 9.3°C (48.7°F) during the cooler months and peak at 17.4°C (63.3°F) during warmer periods, providing a comfortable environment for marine life and facilitating pleasant coastal activities for visitors. The available daylight hours also demonstrate a noticeable shift from a minimum of 8.2 hours in winter to a maximum of 16.2 hours during the height of summer, significantly affecting the local lifestyle and tourism.
It's noteworthy that, irrespective of the season, Alderney experiences a consistent marine impact, furnishing the island with steady precipitation throughout the year. The variation in climatic factors makes the location interesting from a meteorological perspective as it provides unique weather patterns.
The best time to visit Alderney
Alderney proves most inviting to visitors during the summer period, specifically between
July and
August. During this time, sea temperatures reach an enticing 17.2°C (63°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F), making water-based activities an irrefutable draw. Furthermore, daylight extends to a generous 15.8 to 16.2 hours, empowering tourists with more time to explore the unparalleled landscapes. These factors align, forming a perfect canvas for locals and travelers to relish outdoor pursuits while basking in the bright summer.
The worst time to visit Alderney
Visitor numbers tend to dwindle during the freezing months of
January to
March. This period brings sea temperatures down to 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 10.1°C (50.2°F), limiting opportunities for water-based activities. Moreover, the scarcity of daylight, averaging from 8.2 to 10.1 hours, affects outdoor exploration, making this time less attractive to potential visitors.
Spring weather in Alderney
Spring in
Alderney is gradual and progressive, characterized by a steady rise in sea temperatures and daylight hours. From
March to
May, sea temperatures climb from 10.3°C (50.5°F) to 13.8°C (56.8°F), whereas daylight hours extend from 11.9 to 15.4 hours. This extended daylight and warming seas mark the onset of the outdoor activity season, enticing locals and visitors alike.
Summer weather in Alderney
Summers in
Alderney are relatively warm and long, further enriched by extended daylight hours. With sea temperatures peaking from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F) between
June and
August, it is the perfect time for swimming and water-based activities. Plus, the luxurious 15.8 to 16.2 daylight hours ensure ample time for exploration and relaxation in the island's natural beauty.
Autumn weather in Alderney
As autumn sets in,
Alderney witnesses a gradual decrease in sea temperatures and daylight hours. Between
September and
November, seas cool down from 17.4°C (63.3°F) to 14.5°C (58.1°F), and daylight hours are reduced from 12.6 to 9.1 hours. Despite the lowering temperatures, the landscape's vibrant autumnal hues provide an appealing backdrop for outdoor activities, making it an appealing season for nature lovers.
Winter weather in Alderney
Alderney’s winter periods are marked by the coldest sea temperatures and shortest daylight hours. From
December to
February, sea temperatures hover around 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 12°C (53.6°F), and daylight shrinks to merely 8.2 to 10.1 hours. Nonetheless, the mild temperate zone climate prevents harsh winter conditions, ensuring the island retains much of its charm even during this dormant season.
Weather in January
January in
Alderney,
Guernsey, sees notably reduced hours of daylight, plunging depths of winter. On average, a fairly brief stint of sunlight graces Alderney, as daylight hovers around 8.7 hours per day. Sea temperatures record a cooling trend from the preceding month, offering chilly waters for the brave.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
Alderney sees some change in
February. An increase in daylight hours infuses a spark of optimism despite the cold, with average hours reaching approximately 10.1 per day. The growth in daylight would serve as a harbinger to the impending spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Entering
March,
Alderney witnesses a further growth in daylight hours, casting a quieter winter aside as spring begins to bloom. Noticeably longer days set the stage for milder weather, with average daylight increasing to 11.9 hours.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Alderney is characterised by greater daylight availability signifying the arrival of the spring season in full swing. A significant jump in daylight hours is observed, with averages decreasing to 13.8 per day, further betraying the retreat of winter.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May carries forward the positive weather trends observed in
April in
Alderney. The city becomes bathed in sunlight for no less than 15.4 hours a day on average, manifesting the fullness of spring and the looming arrival of summer. An equally remarkable uptick occurs in sea temperatures surging to a more tepid 11.8°C (53.2°F), enhancing the allure of outdoor sea activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the onset of summer in
Alderney, graced with the longest daylight hours of the entire year. The city basks under the sun for a maximum of 16.2 daylight hours, lending to lovely bright and lengthy days. The sea temperature also cooperates with a pleasant rise to 13.8°C (56.8°F), further enhancing Alderney's summer appeal.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
The heart of summer in
Alderney ushers in
July, carrying forward the extended daylight hours from
June, though slightly reduced to 15.8 on average. However, what is noteworthy about July is the sea temperature reaching its highest annual level at a warm 15.7°C (60.3°F).
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Alderney perseveres with the trend of comfortable summer weather. There are still long stretch of hours under the sun, claiming a substantial 14.4 daylight hours on average. Sea conditions remain inviting, with temperatures hovering around 17.2°C (63°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
September begins to signify the end of summer, ushering
Alderney into the first hints of autumn. A marked drop is exhibited in daylight hours, coming down to an average of 12.6 per day. There's a minimal shift in sea temperature hovering at 17.4°C (63.3°F), exhibiting the highest sea temperature.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Cooler shades of weather start to settle in
Alderney as
October takes charge, signalling that autumn is in the air. Daylight hours calibrate down to nearly 10.8 per day, continuing the decreasing trend from
September. Sea temperatures also tune down to a cooler 16.3°C (61.3°F), correlating with the onset of chillier weather.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Alderney sees a dramatic reduction in daylight that foreshadows the advent of another winter season. The sunlight duration decreases further to a total of 9.1 daylight hours, resulting in a greater presence of cooler temperatures.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the onset of winter in
Alderney, noticeable through the significant drop in daylight hours. Alderney receives the least amount of daylight for the year in this month, playing host to just 8.2 hours. The frigid sea temperature further confirms winter’s arrival, falling to a brisk 12°C (53.6°F).
Weather in December »