The climate of Barnstaple
Located in the
United Kingdom,
Barnstaple experiences a Marine west coast climate, labeled as Cfb under the Köppen climate classification. This type of climate is characterized by overall mild temperatures and reasonably even precipitation year-round. In Barnstaple, temperatures on average fluctuate between lows of 3.9°C (39°F) in
February to highs of 18.8°C (65.8°F) in
July.
As for precipitation, it is safe to ascertain that Barnstaple is quite a rainy place, featuring on average between 14.2 days with measurable rainfall in
March to 19.3 days in
November. Rainfall volume varies from 29mm (1.14") in
May to 72mm (2.83") in
December. Notably, from November to
January, the rainfall days and volume peak, indicating a wet winter season.
Occasional snowfall can be seen from December through March, with a small peak of 19mm (0.75") in January. The town also enjoys relative sea temperature changes from 8.3°C (46.9°F) in March to 17.2°C (63°F) in
August. Daylight hours range from 8 hours in December and January to 16.5 hours in
June, with an average cloud cover fluctuating between 49% in
April and May, and 65% in November. Barnstaple's unique marine west coast climate assures less drastic weather swings and a relatively steady array of conditions throughout the year.
The best time to visit Barnstaple
The ideal time for visiting
Barnstaple depends on the visitor's preferences. However, considering temperature, sea temperature, rainfall, and sunlight hours, the stretch from
May to
September can be viewed as the most favourable time. During this period, the average high temperatures range from 14.8°C (58.6°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F). Also, the relative sea temperatures are generally comfortable between 11.6°C (52.9°F) and 17.2°C (63°F), enabling seaside activities. Additionally, rainfall is relatively moderate with volume ranging from 29mm (1.14") in May to 51mm (2.01") in
June. Sunshine hours peak at 7.8 hours in May and June, providing plenty of daylight for outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Barnstaple
The time from
December to
February can be envisaged as the less favourable period to visit
Barnstaple. During these months temperatures lumber between a low of 3.9°C (39°F) (February) and a high of 7.9°C (46.2°F) (December). Furthermore, sea temperatures are cold, from 8.4°C (47.1°F) in February to 11.3°C (52.3°F) in December. With a relative high precipitation of 54mm (2.13") to 72mm (2.83") during these months and relatively fewer daylight hours with 8-hour days in December and
January, it may prove less conducive to sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Barnstaple
Spring in
Barnstaple, from
March to
May, is a time of warming temperatures and moderate rainfall. Average high temperatures increase from 9.8°C (49.6°F) in March to 14.8°C (58.6°F) by May, while low temperatures increase steadily from 4.3°C (39.7°F) to 7.8°C (46°F) in the same period. Rainfall during spring is moderate with 43mm (1.69") in March to 29mm (1.14") by May. Sea temperatures also begin to warm and ranges from 8.3°C (46.9°F) in March to 11.6°C (52.9°F) in May, while daylight begins to lengthen with 11.9 hours in March to an appreciable 15.6 hours by May.
Summer weather in Barnstaple
The summer period,
June through
August, is the warmest time in
Barnstaple with average high temperatures varying between 17.3°C (63.1°F) and 18.8°C (65.8°F). The low temperatures remain comfortable, from 10.3°C (50.5°F) in June to 12.8°C (55°F) in August. Rainfall is slightly higher with 51mm (2.01") in June and 37mm (1.46") in
July but slightly increases to 50mm (1.97") in August. The sea temperature is at its warmest from 14°C (57.2°F) in June to 17.2°C (63°F) in August. Visitors can enjoy long days with daylight hours peaking at 16.5 hours in June before slightly decreasing to 14.5 hours by August.
Autumn weather in Barnstaple
Autumn in
Barnstaple,
September to
November, comes with declining temperatures and rising rainfall. High temperatures decrease from 16.8°C (62.2°F) in September to 10.5°C (50.9°F) by November. Low temperatures also decrease, from a moderate 11.2°C (52.2°F) in September to the cooler 7°C (44.6°F) by November. Rainfall increases, with 37mm (1.46") in September to 62mm (2.44") incidents by November, indicating rainier conditions. Sea temperatures range from a warm 16.9°C (62.4°F) in September to cooler 13.8°C (56.8°F) in November, and daylight hours significantly reduce from 12.6 hours in September to 8.9 hours by November.
Winter weather in Barnstaple
Winter unfolds in
Barnstaple from
December to
February, bearing cooler temperatures and relatively higher precipitation. Average high temperatures hover between 7.8°C (46°F) in February and 8.9°C (48°F) in December, while low temperatures range from 4°C (39.2°F) in
January to 5.2°C (41.4°F) in December. December witnesses high precipitation of 72mm (2.83"), with reduced values of 54mm (2.13") by February. Also, sea temperatures drop from 11.3°C (52.3°F) in December to 8.4°C (47.1°F) by February. Days are shortest with 8 hours of daylight in December and January, and 10 hours in February. The colder sea temperatures and shorter days make winters less conducive for outdoor activities and tourism.
Weather in January
Weather in February
As
Barnstaple segues from
January to
February, there's a thinly marked difference in weather conditions. The air is still crisp and cold, necessitating warm clothing for outdoor excursions. Subtle improvements start to reshape the weather towards the end of February, with longer daylight hours marking the coming transition.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March with the advent of spring in
Barnstaple presents a milder contrast to the chilled tones of
February. The mercury begins to elevate slowly, signifying the gateway to a warmer period of the year. Amidst the transformation, the town experiences typically less rainfall and cloud cover, enhancing visibility and allowing the region’s natural beauty to shine.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The arrival of
April in
Barnstaple contributes to the evolving spring atmosphere, notably warmer than the preceding month,
March. The terrain starts to echo with the sounds of chirping birds, blooming flowers, and calmer sea tides, making the month incredibly pleasant.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Barnstaple witnesses the culmination of Spring progressing into the early stages of Summer. With temperatures continuing to rise, the town is awash with sunshine, greenery, and a sense of rejuvenation. The navigable climate makes this month suitable for outdoor activities, strengthening the lure of Barnstaple's picturesque setting.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June signifies the onset of summer in
Barnstaple; days become longer and warmer, merging into wonderfully lit evenings. This balmy ambience following the mildness of
May invites visitors to partake in the myriad of outdoor attractions that Barnstaple provides.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Barnstaple in
July is at the heart of summer; this period marks the time of the year when the sun dominates the sky. Town's local beaches and waterfronts become lively with visitors capitalizing on the high temperatures. Swimming or sunbathing become prevalent activities, driven by the enticing warmth of the atmosphere.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Barnstaple typically mimics the weather conditions of
July, adhering to the warm tones of summer. Although there is a slight drop in the average duration of daily sunlight, the overall climate remains predominantly mild and pleasant.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings the commencement of autumn in
Barnstaple, marking a mild transition from the heat of
August. The atmosphere tends to cool down, albeit gradually preserving the warm traces of summer. While cooler evenings hint at the forthcoming autumn, long daylight hours ensure the continuation of outdoor activities.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
October rolls out in
Barnstaple, remnants of summer recede, making way for typical autumn weather. The landscape undergoes a transformation; the green foliage gives way to a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Shorter daylight hours and a reduction in overall temperature highlight the progressing shift towards winter.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Barnstaple sees a radical adjustment in weather with winter gradually setting in. As the town transitions from the colourful spectacle of
October, the air begins to cool sharply. The onset of early dark evenings underlines the reality of forthcoming cold months.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings the chill of the winters to
Barnstaple, fully phased into the cold season from the transitional
November. With shorter daylight hours and an overall dip in temperature, the town tends to acquire a frosty hue. Despite the chilling weather, Christmas festivity paints the town in joyous hues, turning Barnstaple into a lively holiday destination.
Weather in December »