When to Visit Portsmouth
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is the heart of winter in Portsmouth, with cool days around 8°C (46°F) and chilly evenings dropping to 3°C (37°F). It's one of the wetter months with 84mm (3.3in) of rain, so you'll want waterproofs handy. The coastal location means it rarely freezes, but that damp cold can feel more penetrating than the temperature suggests.
February
February stays cool but shows the first hints of spring approaching, with temperatures barely budging from January. Rainfall drops to 58mm (2.3in), making it the driest of the winter months. Days remain short, but you might catch some crisp, clear coastal days that are perfect for bracing walks along Southsea seafront.
March
Spring begins to make itself known in March, with temperatures climbing to a more comfortable 11°C (51°F) during the day. Rainfall continues to decrease to 51mm (2.0in), and you'll start seeing longer daylight hours. The weather can be quite variable—you might experience everything from sunny spells to chilly winds off the Channel in a single day.
April
April brings genuinely pleasant spring weather, with highs reaching 13°C (56°F) and the landscape coming alive. Rainfall holds steady at 51mm (2.0in), and you'll get those classic spring days of sunshine mixed with the occasional shower. It's a lovely time to explore Portsmouth's outdoor attractions before the summer crowds arrive.
May
May is often considered one of the best months to visit Portsmouth, with temperatures reaching a comfortable 17°C (62°F) and rainfall dropping to just 43mm (1.7in). The days are long, the gardens are in bloom, and the waterfront comes alive without the peak summer crowds. You'll generally find settled weather, though a light jacket is still worth having for cooler evenings.
June
Early summer arrives in June with highs around 19°C (67°F) and increasingly pleasant conditions for outdoor activities. Rainfall ticks up slightly to 48mm (1.9in), but you'll enjoy long daylight hours—perfect for evening walks along the seafront. The sea temperature starts becoming tolerable for swimming, though it's still on the cool side for most people.
July
July typically brings Portsmouth's warmest weather, with temperatures peaking around 21°C (71°F)—genuinely warm by British standards. Rainfall is relatively low at 46mm (1.8in), and the coastal location keeps things from getting too hot. This is peak season for the beaches and outdoor events, so expect livelier crowds at popular attractions.
August
August matches July for temperature at 21°C (71°F) but sees slightly more rainfall at 58mm (2.3in). It's still prime summer weather, though you might encounter more changeable conditions as the month progresses. The sea is at its warmest, and this is traditionally the busiest month for tourism, particularly during the school holiday period.
September
September offers that lovely early autumn sweet spot—temperatures remain mild at 19°C (66°F), and while rainfall increases to 61mm (2.4in), you'll still get plenty of fine days. The summer crowds thin out considerably after schools return, making it an excellent time for sightseeing. The sea retains some warmth from summer, too.
October
Autumn settles in properly during October, with temperatures dropping to 16°C (60°F) and rainfall increasing noticeably to 86mm (3.4in). The weather becomes more unpredictable, and you'll want to dress in layers. That said, crisp autumn days along the coast can be beautiful, and the maritime museums are particularly atmospheric as the season changes.
November
November marks the transition into winter, with temperatures falling to 12°C (53°F) and rainfall reaching 91mm (3.6in)—one of the wettest months. Days grow short, and that coastal dampness becomes more noticeable. It's definitely off-season, which means quiet attractions and lower prices, but you'll need to embrace the grey skies and frequent drizzle.
December
December brings winter proper, with daytime highs around 9°C (48°F) and equally wet conditions at 91mm (3.6in). The festive season adds some charm with Christmas markets and decorations around the Historic Dockyard, but short days and damp weather dominate. It's cozy pub and museum weather, and the city takes on a different character with far fewer tourists about.