The climate of Isle of Wight
Located off the southern coast of England, the
Isle of Wight experiences a Marine West Coast, warm summer climate, recognized by the Köppen climate classification as Cfb. This predominates over the island, leading to generally mild temperatures all year round, with higher rainfall during the autumn and winter months.
Throughout the year, mean maximum temperatures fluctuate from a wintery 8°C (46.4°F) to 18.8°C (65.8°F) during the summer months, giving an indication of the island's mild, temperate climate. Similarly, the average minimum temperatures vary from a nippy 5.1°C (41.2°F) in the winter to a pleasing 14.3°C (57.7°F) during the summer. The relative humidity levels on the Isle of Wight remain fairly constant across the year, hovering between 79% and 83%.
Rainfall patterns showcase a marked degree of variability. While the summer months see the least rainfall with 24mm (0.94"), the amounts rise significantly during the autumn and winter months, peaking at 63mm (2.48") in
November. The number of rainfall days also varies considerably, increasing from around 12 days per month in the summer to almost 20 days in November.
A fascinating aspect of the Isle of Wight's weather is the incidence of snowfall. This is one of the few locations in the
United Kingdom where snowfall is recorded even in the spring months, albeit minimal, at around 1mm (0.04") to 3mm (0.12"). Snowfall days are minimal and primarily occur in the winter months.
The best time to visit Isle of Wight
Considering the weather parameters, the optimal time to visit the
Isle of Wight is during the summer months of
June,
July, and
August. During this time, visitors can expect to experience pleasantly warm temperatures ranging between 16.8°C (62.2°F) and 18.9°C (66°F), coupled with the maximum average daily sunshine hours stretching from 8.9 hours to 9.5 hours. Relative humidity stays comfortable, ranging between 81% to 82%, while rainfall is at its lowest annual levels ranging between 24mm (0.94") to 32mm (1.26") distributed over 13 to 15 days of the month. The summer also offers the longest daylight hours, extending up to 16.4 hours in June.
The worst time to visit Isle of Wight
The months of
November and
December are typically regarded as the least appealing time to visit the
Isle of Wight, primarily due to the weather conditions. During these months, the island experiences its maximum average rainfall amounts, reaching up to 63mm (2.48") in November. Additionally, the temperatures drop to their lowest levels, registering minimum temperatures of around 8.7°C (47.7°F) and 6.5°C (43.7°F), and maximum temperatures averaging between 11.5°C (52.7°F) and 9.4°C (48.9°F). The availability of sunshine during these months is also at its minimum, with average daily sunshine hours dropping to around 4.2 hours in November and 4.4 hours in December.
Spring weather in Isle of Wight
Distinctly characterized by a gradual warm-up, the spring months in the
Isle of Wight range from
March to
May. Beginning in March, the average high temperature taps at 9.5°C (49.1°F), escalating to 14.3°C (57.7°F) by May. Low temperatures shift from a cooler 5.7°C (42.3°F) to a mild 9.6°C (49.3°F) during this period. Rainfall totals show a steady decrease, with 30mm (1.18") in March down to 24mm (0.94") by May. Furthermore, sunshine hours exhibit a noticeable increase, starting at about 6.2 hours per day in March up to 8.9 hours in May.
Summer weather in Isle of Wight
The
Isle of Wight experiences summer from
June to
August. Average high temperatures during these months oscillate between 16.8°C (62.2°F) and 18.9°C (66°F) while the lowest temperatures vacillate between 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 14.9°C (58.8°F). Rainfall figures record slightly rising trends through the summer ranging from 24mm (0.94") in June to 38mm (1.5") in August. The daily sunshine hours remain relatively high during this time, hovering between 8.9 hours and 9.5 hours.
Autumn weather in Isle of Wight
The autumnal months of
September,
October, and
November witness a steady decline in temperatures and a significant increase in rainfall. The average high temperatures transition from 17.7°C (63.9°F) in September to 11.5°C (52.7°F) in November, while the average low temperatures fall from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 8.7°C (47.7°F). Rainfall levels surge from 30mm (1.18") in September to a peak of 63mm (2.48") in November. Notably, sunshine hours decrease, fluctuating from 8.3 hours in September to 4.2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Isle of Wight
December through
February marks the winter months on
Isle of Wight. During these months, the island experiences its coldest temperatures of the year, with average lows dropping to between 6.5°C (43.7°F) and 5.1°C (41.2°F), and average high temperatures shifting from 9.4°C (48.9°F) to 8.2°C (46.8°F). Rainfall remains relatively high, at 59mm (2.32") in December and 45mm (1.77") in February. Despite the wintry conditions, sunshine hours are relatively moderate, ranged from 4.2 hours to 4.4 hours per day.
Weather in January
January brings the refreshing chill of the new year to
Isle of Wight, UK, with winter at its peak. Wintery showers intermittently pervade the atmosphere, with the highest snowfall of 3mm (0.12"), felt about 1.2 days during this month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February in
Isle of Wight, UK, continues to contrast the freshly bloomed spring in other parts of the globe. Compared to
January, the month witnesses a marginal rise in temperature. With the occasional light snowfall continuing from January, rain replaces snow as it becomes the major form of precipitation.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
March approaches,
Isle of Wight starts experiencing noticeable changes in its weather. The receding winters take with them the low temperatures of
February, making space for more sunlight that shines for close to 12 hours a day.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Isle of Wight witnesses a splendid display of spring at its best. From
March, temperatures rise considerably, reaching up to nearly 12°C (53.6°F). April days get significantly longer, and sunshine is more regular and lasting.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the transitional phase from spring to summer in
Isle of Wight. Proving true to the old adage, '
April showers bring May flowers', the rainfall retreats, paving the way for sunnier skies. The weather in May holds out the promise of upcoming sunny days with temperatures in the pleasant mid-teens.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June brings the sunny summer season to
Isle of Wight. An increase in temperature characterises the month, with mercury levels soaring up to a welcoming level of 16.8°C (62.2°F) from
May’s 14.3°C (57.7°F). The increase in temperature is met with an equally pleasing increase in sunshine hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July stands as the hottest month in
Isle of Wight, with the highest temperature peaking at 18.8°C (65.8°F). The sun can be sighted for a maximum of 16 hours, gleaming over the island in all its magnificence. Clear, radiant days outline most of July, i.e.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Isle of Wight experiences a sweltering wave in the UK as the summer continues. With the highest of temperatures matching that of
July at 18.9°C (66°F), this month marks the end of the summer season. Weather conditions remain consistent: prolonged sunshine hours and prevalent warmth.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Isle of Wight signifies a gradual farewell to summer and a subtle hello to autumn. The noticeable drop in temperature from
August's heat brings back cool evenings. This month’s weather features lesser sunshine and shorter days, reflective of autumn's onset.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Isle of Wight presents colorful hues of autumn that paint landscapes in a reddish-brown tint, maintained under a sky with substantial cloud cover. Cooler temperatures start setting in and days become significantly shorter.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November weather in
Isle of Wight takes a cold turn as winter starts settling in. This month witnesses the rainfall record as the highest for the year at 63mm (2.48"). Wrap-around temperatures mean winter clothing becomes essential for outdoor activities.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Isle of Wight, UK, enjoys the merry spirit of winter holidays. The weather presents the second coldest month of the year with temperatures plunging to 6.5°C (43.7°F). Snowfall returns to the scene after a long gap, adding to the Christmas charm that pervades the island.
Weather in December »