Last updated: January 18, 2025
St Sampson, located in Guernsey, exhibits a Cfb climate classification characterized by temperate maritime conditions. The region experiences a minimum temperature of 0°C (32°F) in March, while the average annual temperature hovers around 13°C (55°F). The warmest month, August, sees a maximum temperature of 22°C (72°F), highlighting the area’s mild summers and relatively cool winters. This climate fosters a unique environment, influencing both local ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.
In St Sampson, Guernsey, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal variations, with mild winters gradually transitioning into warm summers. The year begins with January and February experiencing minimums around 0°C to 3°C and average temperatures of approximately 9°C, while March maintains similar conditions. As spring arrives, temperatures rise slightly, with April seeing averages climb to 10°C and maximums reaching 15°C. By late spring and into summer, temperatures continue to warm, peaking in August with averages of 17°C and a maximum of 22°C. The transition to autumn brings a cooling trend, with September through November reflecting average temperatures between 12°C and 17°C. Throughout the year, the climate remains moderate, supporting a stable yet dynamic ecosystem.
Saint Sampson experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) in March to a maximum of 22°C (72°F) in August. For a detailed overview of the monthly temperatures, you can refer to monthly temperatures in Saint Sampson.
St Sampson, Guernsey experiences a seasonal variation in precipitation, with a notable peak during the late autumn and winter months. January begins the year with a significant 94 mm (3.7 in) of rainfall spread over about 14 days, followed closely by February with 86 mm (3.4 in) over 16 days. As spring arrives in March, precipitation diminishes to 73 mm (2.9 in), followed by a marked drop in April, where rainfall significantly reduces to 34 mm (1.3 in), making it the driest month of the year. This pattern continues into the early summer, with May and June recording 55 mm (2.2 in) and 59 mm (2.3 in), respectively.
However, the trend reverses as the country moves into the autumn months, particularly October, which sees a dramatic increase in precipitation at 144 mm (5.7 in) over 17 days, making it one of the wettest months. November and December also contribute to the wet season, with precipitation measuring 126 mm (5.0 in) and 163 mm (6.4 in) respectively. This seasonal distribution underscores the maritime influence on St Sampson's climate, resulting in a relatively damp environment, especially during the latter part of the year.
In St Sampson, Guernsey, the duration of sunshine exhibits a clear seasonal trend, characterized by a gradual increase from winter through summer. Starting the year with a modest 107 hours of sunshine in January, the sunlight begins to increase noticeably, with February receiving 163 hours. By March, this upward trend accelerates as daylight extends to 238 hours, heralding the arrival of spring. April marks a significant leap to 359 hours, setting the stage for the peak summer months when sunshine hours reach their zenith. May and June continue this trend, featuring 414 hours and 416 hours, respectively, while July stands out as the sunniest month with an impressive 436 hours, offering the longest days of the year.
As the summer wanes, a gradual decline in sunshine hours occurs, with August still basking in 396 hours before transitioning into September, which records 338 hours. The fall months see a marked decrease, with October providing 270 hours, followed by a further drop to 181 hours in November, and finally, just 130 hours in December. This seasonal variation emphasizes the distinct differences between the sun-drenched summer and the dimmer winter months, reflecting St Sampson's maritime influence on its climate and daylight availability throughout the year.
The UV Index in St Sampson, Guernsey showcases a pronounced seasonal variation, reflecting the changing sun angles and daylight hours throughout the year. In the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low, peaking at 2 in January and rising to 3 in February, which corresponds to a low to moderate exposure category. As spring begins, March experiences an increase to 4, maintaining a moderate level of intensity. However, this trend accelerates into the summer, where April sees the UV Index spike to 6, classified as high, and May reaches 7 with the same classification, indicating an urgent need for skin protection.
The summer months present the highest risks, particularly in June and July, when the UV Index reaches 9 and 8, respectively, both categorized as very high, necessitating protective measures with just 15 minutes of burn time before skin damage can occur. The intensity begins to drop in August, when it falls back to 7 (high), and gradually decreases further into September (6), October (4), and down to the low levels again in November (2) and December (1). This annual pattern emphasizes the importance of sun safety practices during the summer months in St Sampson, where UV radiation poses significant risks for skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
In St Sampson, Guernsey, daylight duration displays a clear seasonal pattern, characterized by a gradual increase from winter to summer. January begins the year with approximately 8 hours of daylight, which slowly extends to 10 hours in February. As spring arrives, March brings more light, offering 11 hours, and this trend continues into April with 13 hours. The sustained increase culminates in the peak summer month of June, where daylight lasts for an impressive 16 hours, creating optimal conditions for outdoor activities and natural growth.
As summer transitions to fall, daylight duration starts to decrease, with July still enjoying 15 hours, followed by a gradual decline in August (14 hours) and September (12 hours). This reduction becomes more pronounced in the subsequent months, with October providing only 10 hours of daylight, which continues to dwindle to 9 hours in November and returns to 8 hours in December. This seasonal ebb and flow of daylight highlights the importance of adapting activities and lifestyle in St Sampson according to the annual light cycle, ensuring residents make the most of the sunlit hours, particularly during the longer days of summer.
Saint Sampson, Guernsey experiences a temperate maritime climate characterized by mild temperatures and varying precipitation throughout the year. Winter months see average highs around 9-14°C (49-57°F), while summer peaks reach up to 22°C (72°F) in August. Rainfall is most frequent in the fall and winter, with December receiving the highest at 163 mm (6.4 in), while April tends to be the driest month at 34 mm (1.3 in). The sunshine is abundant in late spring and summer, with June averaging 416 hours of sunshine, making it a pleasant time to visit. For more details, visit the Saint Sampson climate.
In conclusion, St Sampson, Guernsey, experiences a diverse and dynamic climate, characterized by distinct seasonal trends in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The temperate maritime climate fosters mild winters and pleasantly warm summers, while the precipitation pattern showcases a wet season in autumn and winter, varying significantly throughout the year. Increased sunshine during the warmer months illuminates the landscape, juxtaposed with the higher UV Index, emphasizing the need for sun safety during peak summer. As daylight hours fluctuate significantly, residents and visitors alike can adapt their activities accordingly, making optimal use of the sunlit days. This holistic understanding of the climate and environmental conditions in St Sampson enhances appreciation for its natural rhythms and contributes to sustainable living practices within the community.