Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bristol, TN

Falling under the Cfa category of the Köppen climate classification, Bristol, Tennessee experiences a humid subtropical climate with no dedicated dry season. The city is geographically situated at the juncture of the southern and midwestern United States, providing a unique mix of weather characteristics throughout the year.

In unraveling the overall weather pattern, an analysis of monthly averages unveils a diverse range of temperatures and precipitation levels. The high temperatures fluctuate from 43.7°F (6.5°C) in the cooler months to a toasty 84.6°F (29.2°C) in the warmest part of the year. Meanwhile, the low temperatures vary from a chilled 24.3°F (-4.3°C) to a milder 64.1°F (17.8°C) across seasons.

Rain is a consistent companion in Bristol, with about 3 to 5" (127mm) pouring down monthly. There is no real dry season, although October sees the least precipitation with 2.1" (53mm). On the other hand, July experiences the most rainfall with 4.7" (119mm). As for snow, wintry months can witness up to 5.2" (132mm) of snow specifically in January, but between May and October, the city enjoys a snow-free environment.

Following the lunar patterns, daylight hours in Bristol range from a low of 9.7 hours in winter to a high of 14.6 hours in summer. September observes a notable swift decline in daylight hours - from 13.5 to 12.4 hours between August and September.

Given the weather trends, the ideal period to visit Bristol would be from May to October. During this span, the city basks in high temperatures stretching from 67.4°F (19.7°C) to 84.6°F (29.2°C) and low temperatures remaining between 51.6°F (10.9°C) to 64.1°F (17.8°C). These warmer months offer extended daylight hours to take advantage of, ranging from 14.1 to 14.6 hours. Additionally, visitors will appreciate the absence of snow during this window.

The months of December through February can prove more challenging for visitors, with the coldest temperatures circling between 24.3°F (-4.3°C) to 26.8°F (-2.9°C). Furthermore, daylight hours are at their shortest during these months, slipping to under 11 hours. January, in particular, brings the highest level of snowfall with 5.2" (132mm), making travel and outdoor activities problematic.

Bristol ushers in spring with a discernible rise in temperatures, gradually increasing from 35.4°F (1.9°C) in March to 43°F (6.1°C) by April, and reaching up to 51.6°F (10.9°C) in May. This season is relatively wet, mirrored by rainfall averages varying from 3.4" (86mm) to 3.8" (97mm). Daylight hours rise consistently, reaching around 14 hours by the end of spring.

Summers in Bristol are warm and humid with high temperatures soaring between 75.2°F (24°C) and 84.6°F (29.2°C), and lows resting in the upper 50s°F or lower 60s°F. Rainfall is at its heaviest in July with 4.7" (119mm) on average, but retreats to 3.5" (89mm) by August. The city benefits from the longest daylight periods, peaking at 14.6 hours in June.

Autumn sees a steady decline in temperatures with highs dropping to 69.1°F (20.6°C) in October and 58.2°F (14.6°C) by November. Lows follow a similar pattern, lowering to between 56.6°F (13.7°C) to 35.9°F (2.2°C) as autumn progresses. Rainfall lessens to approximately 2.1" (53mm) in October, increasing to 3.1" (79mm) in November. Daylight hours gradually decrease, dwindling to 10.2 hours by November.

Winters in Bristol are chilly, with high temperatures dipping to 43.7°F (6.5°C) in December and bottoming out at 48.1°F (8.9°C) by February. Low temperatures are much cooler, averaging from 24.3°F (-4.3°C) to 28.2°F (-2.1°C) across the season. The city receives the bulk of its snowfall in this period, reaching its peak at 5.2" (132mm) in January. The shortest daylight period is found in winter, with roughly 9.7 hours in December.

Bristol, Tennessee, at the start of the year, is in the middle of winter. The city experiences low temperatures and short days as expected during this season. The contrast between average high and low temperatures is significant, approximately from 43.7°F (6.5°C) to 24.3°F (-4.3°C), making layers of clothing necessary when going outdoors. Weather in January »

Bristol’s weather in February gradually becomes milder than the previous month. While the short winter daylight hours of 10.9 hours add to the cool factor, snowfall decreases to an average of 4.2" (107mm). The slight ramp up in temperature often leads to rainfall, accounting for 3.6" (91mm). Weather in February »

March in Bristol heralds the arrival of spring, along with some unpredictable weather patterns. Winter loosens its grip as daylight hours increase to 12 hours, higher than the previous two months. Temperatures moderately improve with highs reaching 58.9°F (14.9°C) and lows around 35.4°F (1.9°C), a significant increase from the previous months. Weather in March »

The shift in season becomes clear by April in Bristol as the city begins to relish in the charm of spring. The blossoming of flowers is aided by a rather consistent rainfall of 3.3" (84mm). There's a substantial increase in temperature from 67.4°F (19.7°C) to 43°F (6.1°C), encouraging locals to spend more leisure time outdoors in the longer daylight hours of 13.2. Weather in April »

May signals the beginning of warmer temperatures in Bristol, making it a delightful month for those who love being outdoors. With longer daylight hours of 14.1 hours, the city radiates summer vibes. Bristol becomes rainier with 3.8" (97mm) of rainfall, the highest since the year began. Weather in May »

Summer reaches its peak in June in Bristol, with long, sunlit days stretching up to 14.6 hours. It's also a month known for its warmth - temperatures reach up to 82.2°F (27.9°C) and do not drop below 59.9°F (15.5°C). Rainfall continues to be abundant though slightly less compared to May, with total precipitation measured at 3.9" (99mm). Weather in June »

July signals the pinnacle of summer in Bristol, with the highest temperatures of the year. Average temperatures fluctuate between a notable high of 84.6°F (29.2°C) and a comforting low of 64.1°F (17.8°C). The rainfall is at its peak with 4.7" (119mm) spread over several days in the month. Weather in July »

August in Bristol offers the essence of late summer, characterized by a blend of warm weather and intermittent rainfall. Another noticeable aspect is the shortening daylight hours, down to 13.5 from 14.4 in July. While temperatures hold steady, with highs recording 84.1°F (28.9°C) and lows maintaining 63.1°F (17.3°C), rainfall decreases to 3.5" (89mm). Weather in August »

September marks the beginning of fall in Bristol, accompanied by milder temperatures and scarcer rains. There's a noticeable dip in daily high temperatures, now averaging 79.1°F (26.2°C), while the low hovers around 56.6°F (13.7°C). Weather in September »

October brings crisp fall weather to Bristol. Temperatures slide from the warmth of the summer months to cooler averages, perfectly reminiscent of the autumn season. Rainfall is noticeably less, just 2.1" (53mm) - a sign that the wet season is starting to taper off. Weather in October »

Bristol transitions towards winter in November. A distinct chill characterizes the weather with temperatures sinking as low as 35.9°F (2.2°C) and not crossing 58.2°F (14.6°C) on warmer days. Rainfall increases slightly to 3.1" (79mm), with an occasional snowfall of about 0.9" (23mm) heralding the imminent winter. Weather in November »

Bristol rounds out the year with a complete return to winter. December remains cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping to an average low of 28.2°F (-2.1°C) and the city experiencing about 2.6" (66mm) of snowfall. Rainfall holds steady at 3.4" (86mm), almost matching November's levels. Weather in December »