Climate and monthly weather forecastBristol, VA
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Bristol
Bristol, Virginia, USA, is placed within the Köppen climate classification "Cfa", indicating a Humid subtropical environment with no dry season. This signifies that Bristol typically exhibits hot and humid summers, along with cool winters, with no significant drying spell in any season.Annual weather fluctuations are not uncommon in Bristol. High temperatures fluctuate from a manageable 41°F (5°C), seen in January, to an intense 83.3°F (28.5°C) at the height of summer in July. On the other side, cool temperatures range from a brisk 26.4°F (-3.1°C) in January to a warm 60.4°F (15.8°C) in July. Combined with relative humidity levels that generally hover around 76% to 80%, Bristol experiences considerable moisture year-round.
Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, with the highest recorded average at 2.17" (55mm) in February and the lowest at 0.87" (22mm) in September. Furthermore, the city sees an average of 9.5 to 17.1 rainy days per month. In terms of snowfall, winter is the primary season, with the highest accumulation of 3.27" (83mm) in December. Besides, snowfall is rare to non-existent in other seasons.
The best time to visit Bristol
Given the pleasant temperatures, ample sunshine, and moderate rainfall, the months from May through September provide an appealing window for visiting Bristol. In this timeframe, highs fluctuate between 73.4°F (23°C) to 83.3°F (28.5°C), while lows remain between 51.6°F (10.9°C) to 60.4°F (15.8°C), offering perfect conditions for outdoor exploration and recreational activities.Additionally, this period witnesses extended daylight hours from 13.2 hours in May to 14.4 hours in July, coinciding with the highest UV index values of 6. It consequently gives tourists more daylight hours to explore the city's attractions and enjoy open-air events.
The worst time to visit Bristol
The first two months of the year, January and February, might not be the best time to visit Bristol, owing to considerably cold temperatures and high snowfall averages. The temperature often dips down to 26.4°F (-3.1°C) in January and only slightly rises to 29.7°F (-1.3°C) in February. Along with these low temperatures, the city experiences snowfall up to 2.05" (52mm) in February, potentially leading to transportation disruptions.Spring weather in Bristol
The onset of Spring in Bristol during March, April, and May comes with rising temperatures from 54°F (12.2°C) to 73.4°F (23°C) and a decrease in snowfall occurrence. Spring also sees an increase in daylight hours with a range from 12 hours in March to 14.1 hours in May. However, the season is not without rain, with an average rainfall from 1.46" (37mm) in March to 1.54" (39mm) in May. The UV index starts to rise during this period, moving away from moderate levels of 3 in March to high levels of 6 in May.Summer weather in Bristol
Summer, encompassing June, July, and August, is the warmest season in Bristol with high temperatures from 80.6°F (27°C) to 83.3°F (28.5°C). As is typical for a humid subtropical climate, summer's high humidity corresponds with high temperatures. Consequently, rainfall is slightly more prominent, with a peak at 1.93" (49mm) in July. Ample sunshine is granted with more than 14 hours of daylight at the beginning of the season, though slightly decreasing towards the end.Autumn weather in Bristol
Autumn in Bristol, during September, October, and November, offers a comfortable climate with declining temperatures from 77.9°F (25.5°C) in September to 54.1°F (12.3°C) in November. This season also experiences diminishing rainfall levels, from 1.38" (35mm) in September to 1.54" (39mm) in November. The daylight hours in autumn shrink to 10.2 hours by the end of November, signaling the impending arrival of winter.Winter weather in Bristol
In Bristol, winter sets in around December, and extends into January and February. The season is characterized by its lowest annual temperatures, dipping to 26.4°F (-3.1°C) in January. December receives the most snowfall with 3.27" (83mm) recorded on average. The average daylight hours are the shortest of the year, with a minimum duration of 9.7 hours in December. The winter typically has the least sunshine, averaging to approximately 5.3 hours in December. As such, the winter season in Bristol is comparatively cold and dark.Weather in January
Snowfall is not uncommon in January, with Bristol, Virginia, resting under an average of 1.89" (48mm) of snow, making January one of the coldest months of the year. Shrouding the snow-capped city, cloud cover stands prominent, shielding most of the sunlight, as the days often start foggy, leading to decreased visibility. Weather in January »Weather in February
Perfect for snow-lovers, February brings an additional 2.05" (52mm) of snow in Bristol, Virginia, setting a velvety white coat across the landscape. Although the weather remains cold, the city witnesses a subtle increase in daylight hours from January, building a path towards the spring. Weather in February »Weather in March
With a considerable shift in climate, March witnesses a significant reduction in overall snowfall with about 0.83" (21mm) attributed to this month. The higher temperatures experienced than the preceding winter months and the declining snowfall indicate the onset of Spring in Bristol. Weather in March »Weather in April
The weather in April differs considerably from previous months, with only an insignificant 0.12" (3mm) of snow accounted for. Bristol enjoys an evident shift in temperature by the time April rolls in, marking a decisive ingress into the much-anticipated spring season. Weather in April »Weather in May
May transitions into the warmth, with the last snow departing and leading to a significant rise in the temperature, reaching up to 73.4°F (23°C). Sunshine dominates and the blooming Bristol landscape is refreshed by moderate downpours, setting a lively atmosphere of sprouting greens. Weather in May »Weather in June
True summer in Bristol begins in June with a significant increase in temperature, peaking up to 80.6°F (27°C). The season exhibits ample sunlight, trickling through the less cloud-filled skies that blanket the city. It's a splendid time for communal outdoor activities and taking advantage of the impeccable weather conditions. Weather in June »Weather in July
July emerges as the warmest month in Bristol, with the highest temperature reaching approximately 83.3°F (28.5°C). This period witnesses the maximum daylight hours, saturated with the sunny essence of peak summertime. The city, under the clear, blue sky, offers a range of activities thriving in the mild, predictable weather, devoid of any snowfall. Weather in July »Weather in August
With a marginal decrease in temperatures peaking at around 82.8°F (28.2°C), August offers a slight escape from July’s intensity. The weather continues being highly predictable without any trace of snowfall and maintains summer's vibrant charm. Weather in August »Weather in September
September witnesses a further drop in average highs, with temperatures recorded at approximately 77.9°F (25.5°C). The month edges closer to autumn, with its shorter daylight hours and reduced sunshine, painting Bristol in golden hues. Weather in September »Weather in October
A significant plunge in temperature down to an average high of 65.7°F (18.7°C) announces the arrival of October. As the season changes from summer to fall, the humidity also shows variance, adding a tang of freshness to the air in Bristol. Weather in October »Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in Bristol, is also a fresh month, with an average temperature varying between 35.8°F (2.1°C) and 54.1°F (12.3°C). Bristol's weather changes with the onset of November, slightly falling from a comfortable 65.7°F (18.7°C) in October to a fresh 54.1°F (12.3°C). Weather in November »Weather in December
December’s gloomy skies drops the temperature further to an average high of 45.9°F (7.7°C), ushering in the official start of winter. With the most rainfall observed and snowfall clocking 3.27" (83mm) in Bristol, December transforms into a winter wonderland. Weather in December »Updated: Aug 30, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
January, marked by an average high-temperature of 41°F (5°C) and a low-temperature of 26.4°F (-3.1°C), is the coldest month.
Throughout the year, there are 159.3 rainfall days, and 18.9" (480mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
January through April, October through December are months with snowfall.
Throughout the year, there are 31.4 snowfall days, and 9.37" (238mm) of snow is accumulated.
With an average of 4.9h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.
January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index.
The most humid month is February, with an average relative humidity of 80%.
February is the month with the most rainfall in Bristol. Rain falls for 11.3 days and accumulates 2.17" (55mm) of precipitation.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.
In Bristol, snow does not fall in May through September.
May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.
June has the longest days of the year, with an average of 14h and 36min of daylight.
June and August, with an average of 10.5h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine.
With its average high temperature of 83.3°F (28.5°C) and a low of 60.4°F (15.8°C), July is regarded as the warmest month.
September is the month with the least rainfall in Bristol. Rain falls for 12.5 days and accumulates 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation.
The least humid month is November, with an average relative humidity of 75%.
December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 5.5 days and accumulates 3.27" (83mm) of snow.
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.
Average temperature
Bristol, VA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (83.3°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (41°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (60.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (26.4°F).
Average pressure
Bristol, VA
- Average pressure in January:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.11"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.1"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30.01"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.99"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in August:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.16"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.14"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.99"Hg).
Average wind speed
Bristol, VA
- Average wind speed in January:
6.7mph - Average wind speed in February:
6.7mph - Average wind speed in March:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
6.9mph - Average wind speed in May:
5.6mph - Average wind speed in June:
4.8mph
- Average wind speed in July:
4.3mph - Average wind speed in August:
3.9mph - Average wind speed in September:
4.2mph - Average wind speed in October:
5.2mph - Average wind speed in November:
5.3mph - Average wind speed in December:
6mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (6.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is August (3.9mph).
Average humidity
Bristol, VA
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (80%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is November (75%).
Average rainfall
Bristol, VA
- Average rainfall in January:
1.54" - Average rainfall in February:
2.17" - Average rainfall in March:
1.46" - Average rainfall in April:
1.77" - Average rainfall in May:
1.54" - Average rainfall in June:
1.69"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.93" - Average rainfall in August:
1.42" - Average rainfall in September:
0.87" - Average rainfall in October:
1.38" - Average rainfall in November:
1.54" - Average rainfall in December:
1.61"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (2.17").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (0.87").
Average rainfall days
Bristol, VA
- Average rainfall days in January:
11.6 days - Average rainfall days in February:
11.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
14.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
14.3 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.9 days - Average rainfall days in June:
15.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
17.1 days - Average rainfall days in August:
13.9 days - Average rainfall days in September:
12.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
10.9 days - Average rainfall days in November:
9.5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
11.2 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (17.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is November (9.5 days).
Average snowfall
Bristol, VA
The month with the highest snowfall is December (3.27").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Bristol, VA
- Average snowfall days in January:
8.6 days - Average snowfall days in February:
8.3 days - Average snowfall days in March:
4.7 days - Average snowfall days in April:
0.8 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.1 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.7 days - Average snowfall days in November:
2.7 days - Average snowfall days in December:
5.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (8.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Bristol, VA
- Average daylight in January:
10h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 54min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 12min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 6min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 36min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 24min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 30min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 24min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 12min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 12min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 42min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 42min).
- Average sunshine in January:
4h and 54min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 42min - Average sunshine in March:
6h and 48min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 42min - Average sunshine in May:
9h and 42min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 30min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 24min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 30min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 36min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 42min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 18min
The months with the most sunshine are June and August (Average sunshine: 10h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 4h and 54min).
Average sunshine days
Bristol, VA
- Average sunshine days in January:
13.8 days - Average sunshine days in February:
10.6 days - Average sunshine days in March:
11.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
13.6 days - Average sunshine days in May:
11.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
11.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
11 days - Average sunshine days in August:
13.5 days - Average sunshine days in September:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in October:
17.8 days - Average sunshine days in November:
17 days - Average sunshine days in December:
14.4 days
The month with the most sunshine days is October (17.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (10.6 days).
Average UV index
Bristol, VA
The months with the highest UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Bristol, VA
The month with the most cloud cover is February (Cloud cover 53).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 30).
Average visibility
Bristol, VA
The months with the highest visibility are April and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, May, June, July, August, September, October and December (5mi).
