Last updated: March 17, 2025
January in Bristol, United Kingdom, is characterized by chilly temperatures and frequent rainfall, making it a quintessential winter month. The maximum temperature reaches a mild 14°C (58°F), while the average hovers around a brisk 5°C (42°F), dipping as low as -4°C (25°F) during colder nights. With 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, residents and visitors can expect a damp atmosphere, complemented by high humidity levels of 88%. As the city embraces the winter chill, it offers a unique charm and cozy ambiance for those willing to explore its vibrant streets and rich history.
In January, Bristol, United Kingdom, experiences a crisp winter chill with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), resulting in an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). This month marks the beginning of the year with the coldest nights often dipping into negative figures, while days gradually warm as the sun rises higher in the sky. As the month progresses toward February, temperatures see a mild increase, with averages inching up to 6°C (44°F), and even warmer highs reaching 18°C (64°F). Notably, this shows an emerging trend of Atlantic influences that begin to soften the winter's grip, suggesting a gradual transition toward the coming spring. The months following January indicate a steady warming trend, with March and April displaying average temperatures that rise consistently, setting the stage for a vibrant spring with longer, milder days.
In January, Bristol experiences modest precipitation with an average of 56 mm (2.2 in) spread over approximately 10 rainy days. This sets the stage for the wetter months ahead, as February and March see increased rainfall, peaking at 74 mm (2.9 in) in March. The trend of escalating rainfall continues into the spring, with April delivering a brief respite before the summer months bring a mix of slightly lower totals but consistent showers. October emerges as the wettest month, hitting 101 mm (4.0 in), signaling the onset of the autumn deluge. Overall, January marks the beginning of a dynamic precipitation cycle, leading into the wetter and more variable months that characterize Bristol's climate.
In January, Bristol experiences a high humidity level of 88%, a trend that continues into February, maintaining the same moisture-rich atmosphere. As spring approaches, the humidity dips slightly to 86% in March and further to 84% in April, indicating a gradual decrease as temperatures rise. By the time May and June arrive, the humidity stabilizes at 80%, providing a refreshing yet comfortable climate. As summer peaks in July, the humidity drops notably to 70%, creating more pleasant outdoor conditions. However, as autumn sets in, humidity levels begin to climb again, reaching 79% by September, and spiking back to 89% in October. The chill of winter returns in November, pushing humidity even higher to 90%, before rounding off the year with 89% in December. Overall, January symbolizes the start of a cycle marked by high humidity, easing as spring approaches, then rising again toward winter’s end.
In January, Bristol experiences a low UV Index of 1, allowing for safe outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. As the months progress, the UV Index gradually increases, peaking at 8 in both June and July, marking a shift to a very high exposure category with a significantly reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. This trend reflects the change in seasonal sunlight, transitioning from the mild brightness of winter to the intense rays of summer. By September, the index begins to taper off, indicating a return to high exposure, before settling back into the low exposure zone by November and December. For detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, check out Bristol UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In January, Bristol experiences a modest 89 hours of sunshine, a stark contrast to the emerging warmth of February, which welcomes 142 hours of light and hints at the gradual lengthening of days. As spring approaches, March sees an impressive jump to 194 hours, while April dazzles with 308 hours, painting the city in vibrant hues. The sunshine peaks in July with a radiant 395 hours, offering residents the longest days of the year. As summer wanes, August still bathes Bristol in 347 hours of light, although the gradual decline begins in September with 284 hours. By the time winter returns, the sunshine dips down to 131 hours in November and a mere 108 hours in December, illustrating a cyclical journey from the fullness of summer to the quiet introspection of winter.
In January, Bristol experiences a modest 21% chance of sunny weather, a statistic that remains consistent with February, indicating a continued winter gloom. As we transition into spring, the likelihood of sunshine gradually increases, peaking at 52% in April. This upward trend highlights the shifting climate in the region, with March offering a slight improvement at 28% and May maintaining a decent 34% before summer settles in. Interestingly, from June to August, the percentage fluctuates, suggesting that while the summer months do promise more sun, they can also bring variability. Overall, January stands as one of the cloudier months, making those rare moments of sunshine even more cherished in the heart of winter.
In January, Bristol greets the new year with only 8 hours of daylight, a reminder of the lingering winter chill. However, as the month transitions into February, daylight begins to increase, adding an extra hour, and the promise of brighter days ahead becomes more palpable. By March, daylight extends to 11 hours, heralding spring and the vibrant blooms it brings. This upward trend continues into April with 13 hours and peaks in June and July at a generous 16 hours, inviting outdoor activities and longer evenings. As summer gives way to autumn, daylight gradually diminishes, leaving us with 14 hours in August and gently tapering to 12 hours in September. By October, we’re back to 10 hours, and as November and December roll in, daylight dwindles to a mere 8 and 7 hours respectively, closing the year on a dimmer note. This annual cycle in Bristol not only marks the change in seasons but also influences the rhythms of daily life, as residents eagerly await the return of longer days and the warmth of summer.
In January, Bristol's winds gently whisper through the crisp winter air, with an average speed of 4.3 m/s (10 mph). This moderate breeze sets the stage for a month that sees wind conditions much like those of March, exhibiting a consistent character that is both familiar and refreshing. As the season progresses, February ushers in a slight uptick to 5.1 m/s (12 mph), signaling a shift towards stronger gusts. However, by April, the wind wraps around the city in a softer embrace, falling to 3.3 m/s (7 mph), and continues to compellingly fluctuate throughout the spring and summer months. Notably, the wind's gentle temperament returns in the latter part of the year, consistently hovering around 4.2 m/s (10 mph) in both October and December. Overall, January's wind reflects a broader trend of moderate breezes, offering a taste of Bristol's dynamic climate as it transitions from the chill of winter to the warmth of spring.
The weather in Bristol changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Bristol and find detailed weather information for every month.
January and February exhibit somewhat similar weather patterns, but February tends to be slightly milder overall. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), with an average temperature of 5°C (42°F). Conversely, February sees a drop in minimum temperatures to -5°C (23°F) but boasts a higher average of 6°C (44°F) and can peak at a more comfortable 18°C (64°F). Precipitation also increases in February, reaching 67 mm (2.6 in) over 13 days, compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) across 10 days. Both months share high humidity levels at 88%, contributing to a damp feel. For more specifics on February weather, check out Bristol weather in February.
In January, the weather in Bristol is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while maximums reach up to 14°C (58°F). The month sees around 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 88%.
By contrast, March brings a notable shift as temperatures begin to rise, with minimums dropping slightly to -6°C (22°F), an average of 7°C (46°F), and maximums soaring to 21°C (71°F). Precipitation increases to 74 mm (2.9 in) over about 14 days, while humidity remains relatively stable at 86%. This transition illustrates the gradual warming and increased moisture of early spring. For more specific details, you can explore Bristol weather in March.
January and April present distinct contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (25°F) at their lowest to a mild 14°C (58°F) at their peak, with an average of 5°C (42°F). The month also sees a notable amount of precipitation, totaling 56 mm (2.2 inches) over 10 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 88%. In comparison, April experiences a more moderate temperature range, with minimums around -3°C (27°F) and maximums soaring to 23°C (74°F), averaging 9°C (49°F). While April has slightly less precipitation at 50 mm (2.0 inches) over 8 days, the humidity decreases to 84%. For a closer look at April weather, check out Bristol weather in April.
In January, the weather is notably cooler, with average temperatures hovering around 5°C (42°F) and minimums dropping to -4°C (25°F). The month sees a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 56 mm (2.2 in) over about 10 days, coupled with high humidity levels averaging 88%. In contrast, May brings a significant warming trend, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) to a delightful maximum of 26°C (79°F) and an average of 12°C (55°F). While May experiences slightly more rainfall at 73 mm (2.9 in) and over 11 days, the humidity is lower at 80%. Overall, May offers a much more temperate and pleasant climate compared to the stark cold of January. For more details on specific weather patterns, check out Bristol weather in May.
In January, temperatures in Bristol are notably chillier, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). The weather is often damp, as evidenced by the 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days, coupled with high humidity levels at 88%. In stark contrast, June offers a more inviting climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (44°F) to a pleasant maximum of 31°C (88°F), and an average temperature of 16°C (61°F). Although June sees slightly more precipitation at 72 mm (2.8 in) over 12 days, the humidity is lower at 80%, making it feel significantly more comfortable. For a closer look at what to expect during this lively month, check out Bristol weather in June.
In January, the weather is characterized by cold temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (25°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F), while maximums reach only 14°C (58°F). This month also sees significant precipitation, totaling 56 mm (2.2 in) over approximately 10 days, coupled with high humidity at 88%. In contrast, July brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (46°F) to a comfortable average of 18°C (64°F), peaking at 30°C (87°F). Precipitation slightly increases to 68 mm (2.7 in) over 11 days, but the humidity drops to a more moderate 70%. For more detailed information about Bristol's weather in July, visit Bristol weather in July.
In January, the weather is notably colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F) and an average of 5°C (42°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 88%, along with 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation spread over 10 days. In contrast, August brings much warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (46°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), averaging 17°C (63°F). Although August sees slightly more precipitation at 78 mm (3.1 in) over 12 days, the humidity is lower at 73%. For more details on the August climate, you can visit Bristol weather in August.
January and September present contrasting weather conditions. In January, temperatures can drop to a minimum of -4°C (25°F), with an average of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 14°C (58°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 88% and receives about 56 mm (2.2 in) of precipitation over 10 days. Conversely, September enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F), an average of 15°C (59°F), and a maximum of 29°C (84°F). The humidity is noticeably lower at 79%, and the precipitation is slightly less at 55 mm (2.2 in) over 9 days. For a more detailed look at September weather, you can visit Bristol weather in September.
In comparison to January, October boasts milder temperatures, with averages ranging from a minimum of -1°C (31°F) to a maximum of 23°C (73°F), compared to January's colder temperatures of -4°C (25°F) to 14°C (58°F). The average temperature in October is significantly higher at 12°C (53°F), compared to January’s 5°C (42°F). However, October experiences more rainfall, with 101 mm (4.0 in) over 14 days, compared to January’s 56 mm (2.2 in) over just 10 days. Humidity levels are fairly consistent between the two months, with January slightly lower at 88% compared to October's 89%. For more detailed information, check out Bristol weather in October.
January and November offer contrasting weather experiences, with January generally being colder. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of -4°C (25°F) to a maximum of 14°C (58°F), while November experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 16°C (62°F). Precipitation levels are also noteworthy, with January receiving 56 mm (2.2 in) over approximately 10 days, compared to November's 66 mm (2.6 in) over 13 days. Humidity is slightly higher in both months, at 88% in January and 90% in November. For more detailed insights, check out Bristol weather in November.
In comparing January and December weather, January tends to be slightly milder in terms of average temperature, with lows around -4°C (25°F) and highs reaching up to 14°C (58°F), while December sees a minimum temperature of -5°C (24°F) with a similar maximum. However, December experiences more precipitation, totaling 90 mm (3.5 in) over 15 days compared to January's 56 mm (2.2 in) across 10 days. Both months maintain high humidity levels, with January at 88% and December slightly higher at 89%. For a more detailed look at December conditions, you can visit Bristol weather in December.
As you explore the January weather in Bristol, you'll notice a distinct chill in the air that sets it apart from the milder months. With average temperatures hovering around 5°C and humidity levels reaching a notable 88%, the city experiences a transitional phase with frequent rainfall—about 10 days of precipitation contributing to approximately 56 mm overall. This wintery month sees temperatures dip well below freezing at times, creating a brisk atmosphere ideal for warm drinks and cozy indoor activities. Despite the cooler climate, January offers a chance to enjoy Bristol's charm in a different light. For more insights on year-round conditions, visit Bristol Climate.