Birmingham weather by month
Birmingham, UK, enjoys a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and damp summers. Below is a comprehensive guide to the city’s monthly weather, perfect for travelers, locals, or anyone planning a visit.
Monthly Weather Snapshot
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Sunshine (hrs) | Key Weather Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8 °C | 2 °C | 48 mm | 76 hrs | Cool, wet, occasional frosts |
| February | 9 °C | 3 °C | 48 mm | 73 hrs | Similar to January, slight warming |
| March | 11 °C | 4 °C | 54 mm | 71 hrs | Spring starts, growing days |
| April | 14 °C | 6 °C | 55 mm | 67 hrs | Pleasant, increased sunshine |
| May | 17 °C | 9 °C | 45 mm | 65 hrs | Warm, comfortable, low rainfall |
| June | 19 °C | 11 °C | 45 mm | 67 hrs | Mild summer, great for outdoor events |
| July | 21 °C | 12 °C | 39 mm | 70 hrs | Warmest month, rain‑free days |
| August | 21 °C | 13 °C | 45 mm | 69 hrs | Warm, occasional showers |
| September | 19 °C | 11 °C | 48 mm | 67 hrs | Cool down, crisp evenings |
| October | 15 °C | 9 °C | 58 mm | 69 hrs | Autumn colours, increasing rain |
| November | 11 °C | 5 °C | 77 mm | 68 hrs | Warmer than January, higher rain |
| December | 10 °C | 4 °C | 57 mm | 73 hrs | Mild winter, festive atmosphere |
All figures are averages and can vary year‑to‑year.
Why Birmingham Weather Matters
Planning a trip or moving to Birmingham? Knowing what each month brings helps you pack, schedule events, or simply enjoy a day out. Here’s a quick dive into the seasonal traits:
Winter (Dec‑Feb)
- Temperature: 8–11 °C average highs; lows dip to 2–3 °C.
- Rainfall: Moderately wet, especially December; rain most common.
- Sunshine: 70–80 hrs/month – shorter days.
- What to Expect: Fog and light drizzle are typical; occasional frosts can hit higher ground.
Spring (Mar‑May)
- Temperature: 11–17 °C highs; 4–9 °C lows.
- Rainfall: 45–55 mm – steady, less intense showers.
- Sunshine: 65‑75 hrs – days get noticeably longer.
- Highlights: Gardens bloom, city parks thrive; perfect for leisurely walks.
Summer (Jun‑Aug)
- Temperature: Peak highs 19–21 °C; lows around 11–13 °C.
- Rainfall: Least rainfall (39‑45 mm), with July being driest.
- Sunshine: 65‑70 hrs – warm, sunny afternoons.
- Events: Festivals, outdoor markets, and the iconic Birmingham International Games.
Autumn (Sep‑Nov)
- Temperature: 11–19 °C highs; 5–11 °C lows.
- Rainfall: Peaks in November at 77 mm; September sees 48 mm.
- Sunshine: 67‑70 hrs – golden light, falling leaves.
- Mood: Ideal for cozy pubs, the city’s autumn art exhibitions, and the famous UK Music Scene.
Travel & Lifestyle Tips
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Pack layers | Weather can change rapidly, especially in spring and autumn. |
| Umbrella handy | Rain falls year‑round; Birmingham averages over 35 weeks of rainfall. |
| Check local forecasts | Early‑morning showers are common; a quick app check keeps you prepared. |
| Use outdoor events as guides | Summer festivals often signal sunny spells; winter events hint at milder weather. |
| Daylight planning | Winter days are short; schedule outdoor activities before sunset. |
FAQ
-
What’s the best time to visit Birmingham for outdoor activities?
Late spring (May) and early summer (June) offer warm, sunny days with minimal rain.
-
Does Birmingham experience extreme temperatures?
Rarely. Record highs rarely exceed 30 °C, and lows rarely drop below −5 °C.
-
Is Birmingham prone to fog?
Yes, especially in winter mornings; it usually clears by midday.
-
Can I expect long, dry summers?
June, July, and August are comparatively dry, but occasional showers still occur.
- Will I see snow in Birmingham?
Snowfall is uncommon and usually light—rarely accumulates more than a few centimeters.
Further Resources
- Met Office Birmingham Forecast – live updates and climate data.
- Visit Birmingham – travel guide with seasonal events.
- BBC Weather – regional outlooks and alerts.
- UK Climate Data – historical averages and long‑term trends.
Use these tools to stay ahead of Birmingham’s ever‑changing weather and make the most of your time in this vibrant city.