Plymouth Weather

Plymouth has four distinct seasons but the climate is generally mild and very changeable. Summers can be pleasantly warm but rain can be expected at any time of the year. Winters are mild and snow is uncommon apart from on the highest parts of the moors.

Summer

Summer is the best time to visit the Plymouth as the weather is more settled and temperatures are warmer. South-west England has a temperate climate and is exposed to mild, moist westerly winds from the Atlantic Ocean. This means plenty of rainfall so you should be prepared for showers or longer periods of rain. The weather is often changeable so don't be fooled by good weather in the mornings. On the other hand, if you wake up to pouring rain all is not lost as the skies may clear by the afternoon. The average amount of sunshine from May to September is seven hours per day and the average temperature for the same period is 17 C. Occasionally, the mercury may climb to 30C, although it doesn't stay there for very long.

Winter

Winter is usually the wettest season when the weather is often very changeable and at times quite windy. England has less-extreme weather than continental Europe as it is surrounded by water and benefits from the Gulf Stream. This is a powerful and warm ocean current that makes winters warmer than they otherwise would be. The mild climate means that there are certain areas in Devon and Cornwall that can support sub tropical vegetation. The prevailing wind is from the southwest which generally means mild and wet weather from the Atlantic Ocean, however, temperatures can dip below freezing in the middle of winter and snow can fall on the highest parts of the moors.

Spring and autumn
Spring and autumn can be good times to plan a trip to Plymouth as the temperatures are mild and the attractions are free from the crowds. Expect showers and bright intervals. Prices also tend to be a little cheaper than the peak summer months.

Average Temperature (°C)

60 45 30 15 0

Jan 6.0

Feb 6.0

Mar 6.9

Apr 9.1

May 11.8

Jun 14.6

Jul 16.2

Aug 16.2

Sep 14.5

Oct 11.5

Nov 8.4

Dec 6.8

Rainfall (mm)

120 90 60 30 0

Jan 106.7

Feb 82.9

Mar 78.0

Apr 55.5

May 62.3

Jun 55.4

Jul 62.4

Aug 73.2

Sep 77.2

Oct 92.7

Nov 107.4

Dec 113.3