Southampton Weather

Southampton's coldest month on average, and its wettest three-month block (Nov-Jan) is still running. Short days, frequent rain, and the odd overnight frost - a month for cosy pubs and indoor attractions rather than a coastal stroll.

Slightly drier than January with a touch more daylight, though still firmly winter. The joint-coldest month by mean daily temperature, and frost or the odd cold snap remain likely.

The first real turn towards spring - noticeably drier than the depths of winter and daylight lengthening quickly. Still changeable, so layers are wise.

One of the driest months of the year on average, with a big jump in sunshine hours over March. Classic bright-and-breezy spring weather, good for Southampton Common waking up for the season.

A genuine highlight - mild, increasingly warm, low rainfall and the second-sunniest month of the year - all before the summer school-holiday crowds arrive. Arguably the best value month on this list.

Warm and reliably sunny, and home to Southampton's most extreme weather record: the UK's highest ever June temperature, 35.6°C, was recorded here in 1976. Most years are far more comfortable than that, but it shows what the city's sheltered position can produce.

The standout month in the data: the warmest, driest and sunniest month of the year all at once. If you only look at one row in this table, this is it - though it's also the peak of the summer holiday season, so expect busier attractions and roads.

Almost as warm as July with slightly more rainfall and slightly less sunshine - still comfortably the warmest run of the year, and the warmest overnight lows too.

A quieter, still-mild shoulder month - schools are back, but the weather often doesn't know it yet. A good choice for the Southampton International Boat Show without July or August's crowds.

Autumn arrives properly - a sharp jump in rainfall from September and noticeably less sunshine. Still mild by UK standards, but pack a waterproof.

The wettest month of the year on average, and one of the darkest. This is also when the Christmas Market and lights switch-on get going in the city centre, so festive atmosphere comes with a good chance of rain - a coat is essential, not optional.

Cold, damp and the least sunshine of any month - but also peak Christmas Market season in Southampton, so plenty of visitors come anyway for the atmosphere rather than the weather.