Climate and monthly weather forecast
Bristol, VA

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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

The last month of the autumn, November, is also a fresh month in Bristol, Virginia, with temperature in the range of an average high of 54.1°F (12.3°C) and an average low of 35.8°F (2.1°C). In Bristol, entering November brings a temperature decrement, reducing from October's comfortable 65.7°F (18.7°C) to a cool 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 »
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Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Bristol?

January, with its high-temperature average of 41°F (5°C) and a low-temperature average of 26.4°F (-3.1°C), is the coldest month in Bristol.

How much does it rain in Bristol?

Throughout the year, in Bristol, Virginia, there are 159.3 rainfall days, and 18.9" (480mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Bristol?

Months with snowfall in Bristol are January through April, October through December.

How much does it snow in Bristol?

Throughout the year, there are 31.4 snowfall days, and 9.37" (238mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Bristol?

With an average of 4.9h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year in Bristol, Virginia.

When is the lowest UV index in Bristol?

The months with the lowest UV index in Bristol are January, February and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.

What is the most humid month in Bristol?

The most humid month is February, with an average relative humidity of 80%.

What is the rainiest month in Bristol?

February is the month with the most rainfall in Bristol, Virginia. Rain falls for 11.3 days and accumulates 2.17" (55mm) of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Bristol?

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.

When it does not snow in Bristol?

May through September are months without snowfall in Bristol.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Bristol?

May through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Bristol, Virginia.

When are the longest days in Bristol?

With an average of 14h and 36min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Bristol, Virginia.

What is the month with the most sunshine in Bristol?

The months with the most sunshine are June and August, with an average of 10.5h of sunshine.

What is the hottest time of year in Bristol?

July is the warmest month of the year in Bristol, registering average temperatures as high as 83.3°F (28.5°C) and as low as 60.4°F (15.8°C).

What is the driest month in Bristol?

The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 12.5 days and typically collects 0.87" (22mm) of precipitation.

What is the least humid month in Bristol?

The least humid month in Bristol is November, with an average relative humidity of 75%.

What is the snowiest month in Bristol?

December is the month with the most snowfall in Bristol. Snow falls for 5.5 days and accumulates 3.27" (83mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Bristol?

December has the shortest days of the year in Bristol, Virginia, with an average of 9h and 42min of daylight.

Average pressure
Bristol, VA

Average pressure - Bristol, VA

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.99"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Bristol, VA

Average wind speed - Bristol, VA

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).

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Average rainfall
Bristol, VA

Average rainfall - Bristol, VA

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (2.17").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (0.87").

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Average rainfall days
Bristol, VA

Average rainfall days - Bristol, VA

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).

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Average snowfall
Bristol, VA

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").

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Average snowfall days
Bristol, VA

Average snowfall days - Bristol, VA

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).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Bristol, VA

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Bristol, VA

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).

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).

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Average sunshine days
Bristol, VA

Average sunshine days - Bristol, VA

The month with the most sunshine days is October (17.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (10.6 days).

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Average UV index
Bristol, VA

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).

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Average visibility
Bristol, VA

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).

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Bristol, Virginia, USA

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