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When to Visit Portsmouth

Climate guide & best times to travel

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Monthly Climate Data for Portsmouth Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview -3°C 4°C 11°C 18°C 26°C Rainfall (mm) 0 45 91 Jan Jan: 8.0°C high, 2.0°C low, 84mm rain Feb Feb: 8.0°C high, 2.0°C low, 58mm rain Mar Mar: 11.0°C high, 4.0°C low, 51mm rain Apr Apr: 13.0°C high, 5.0°C low, 51mm rain May May: 16.0°C high, 8.0°C low, 43mm rain Jun Jun: 19.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 48mm rain Jul Jul: 21.0°C high, 13.0°C low, 46mm rain Aug Aug: 21.0°C high, 13.0°C low, 58mm rain Sep Sep: 19.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 61mm rain Oct Oct: 15.0°C high, 8.0°C low, 86mm rain Nov Nov: 11.0°C high, 5.0°C low, 91mm rain Dec Dec: 9.0°C high, 3.0°C low, 91mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Portsmouth hugs England's southern coast, shielded a little by the Isle of Wight. This buffer lends the city a milder feel than you might expect from a British seaside town. Mild is relative. Expect changeable skies, a sea breeze that slices through even warm days, and humidity parked near 70 % every month. Extremes are rare. Summers seldom turn oppressive, and winters, though grey and damp, rarely deliver the bitter cold or heavy snow seen elsewhere in the UK. Rainfall, not temperature, defines the seasons. October through December is the wettest run, monthly totals around 91 mm, usually arriving as steady drizzle rather than dramatic bursts. May through July is the driest window. Sunshine is never guaranteed. Yet your odds jump. Summer peaks in July and August at 21 °C (71 °F) by day, 13 °C (56 °F) at night. Comfortable for most outdoor plans. But not Mediterranean beach weather. January is the coldest month, highs around 8 °C (46 °F), lows near 2 °C (36 °F), with wind off the Solent making it feel colder. Coastal position breeds unpredictability. A grey morning can flip to a bright, crisp afternoon. The breeze caps summer heat yet slows spring warming compared with inland towns at the same latitude. For travellers used to steadier climates, this variability is the single most useful fact to know before arrival.

Best Time to Visit

Recommended timing for different travel styles.

Beach
Late June through August gives your best shot at enjoying Portsmouth's waterfront. July and August both top out at 21 °C (71 °F), rainfall is low, and daylight stretches long across Southsea beach. It won't feel Mediterranean, yet it's as warm as Portsmouth ever gets.
Cultural
May and September strike the right balance for culture seekers. Temperatures sit at 16 °C (62 °F) in May and 19 °C (66 °F) in September. Crowds are thinner, and the Historic Dockyard is far easier to savour at a relaxed pace.
Adventure
April through June suits walkers and cyclists. May posts the year's lowest rainfall, the coastal paths stay green, and daylight hours stretch without the summer crush. The Solent Way rewards early risers.
Budget
November through February is Portsmouth at its quietest and cheapest. Hotel rates hit annual lows. Days are cold, damp, and short, yet indoor attractions stay open. The Dockyard and D-Day Story feel almost private without summer queues.

What to Pack

Essentials and seasonal recommendations for Portsmouth.

Year-Round Essentials
A waterproof outer layer
Bring gear that is not just water-resistant, but properly waterproof. Portsmouth's coastal rain arrives sideways.
A mid-layer for warmth underneath
Pack this in every season. Even July evenings can feel cold when you're sitting outdoors near the harbour.
Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
That can handle wet pavements are non-negotiable.
A compact umbrella
Carry it from September through April. Summer drizzles still happen. It earns space in your daypack most of the year.
Sunglasses
Seems optimistic in winter. Low sun bouncing off the Solent can glare. They earn their keep.
A small daypack for layers
Pack for layers you can add or remove as the day shifts. That beats any single heavy coat.
spring
Clothing
A light fleece or jumper, Choose lightweight trousers over shorts for most of the season. Warm May afternoons might allow an exception.
Footwear
Ankle boots or sturdy shoes
Layering Tip
Layers win. A light fleece under a waterproof shell handles April and May swings from lovely to dreary.
summer
Clothing
T-shirts and a light pair of trousers or shorts on warmer days, At least one layer for evenings, near the water
Footwear
Trainers or comfortable walking shoes
Accessories
A light waterproof
autumn
Clothing
A warmer mid-layer is worth having from October onward, Jeans or thicker trousers
Footwear
Waterproof footwear
Accessories
An umbrella
Layering Tip
The approach shifts toward durability over lightness.
winter
Clothing
A proper insulated coat, Scarf, Gloves
Footwear
Waterproof boots
Layering Tip
Warmth matters most. Solent wind chill makes temperatures feel colder than the forecast. Layer up, don't bulk up.
Plug Type
Type G
Voltage
230 volts
Adapter Note
Arriving from North America or much of Asia? Bring both an adapter for plug shape and a voltage converter for any device not rated for 220 to 240 volts. Most modern electronics handle dual voltage automatically. Check the label on your chargers and adaptors before you travel.
Skip These Items
Skip heavy formal clothing unless you have a specific event. Portsmouth keeps its dress code relaxed. Leave the full-size stand-up umbrella at home. Windy seafronts flip them inside out in minutes. Pack compact instead. Flip-flops as your main footwear won't cut it outside the warmest summer days. Prescription factor 50 sun cream is overkill for Portsmouth's light. Moderate SPF for summer days on the water is plenty. Think twice before hauling bulky beach gear. Southsea beach is fun. But the weather window for true beach days is shorter than the summer calendar promises.

Month-by-Month Guide

Climate conditions and crowd levels for each month of the year.

January

January is Portsmouth at its greyest. Highs only reach 8 °C (46 °F), lows hover at 2 °C (36 °F), and 84 mm of rain spreads across the month. The Solent looks dramatic in winter light. This is a month for museums, not beaches.

High 8°C (46°F)
Low 2°C (36°F)
Rainfall 84mm
Crowds Low
View Details →
February

February barely budges from January. Highs remain 8 °C (46 °F), lows slip to 2 °C (36 °F), yet rainfall eases to 58 mm. That small drop improves your odds of a dry walk. Days lengthen by month's end.

High 8°C (46°F)
Low 2°C (36°F)
Rainfall 58mm
Crowds Low
View Details →
March

March feels like a turning point even if the thermometer disagrees. Highs reach 11 °C (51 °F), lows sit at 4 °C (39 °F), and rainfall holds steady at 51 mm. The harbour starts to sparkle again. Brave the chill and you'll have the views almost to yourself.

High 11°C (51°F)
Low 4°C (39°C)
Rainfall 51mm
Crowds Low
View Details →
April

April nudges warmer at 13 °C (56 °F) by day, 5 °C (41 °F) at night, and rainfall stays at 51 mm. Southsea's seafront gardens burst into colour. Pleasant afternoons appear. Yet April remains famously fickle. Pack layers.

High 13°C (56°F)
Low 5°C (41°F)
Rainfall 51mm
Crowds Low to Medium
View Details →
May

May is one of Portsmouth's best months. Highs hit 16 °C (62 °F), lows rest at 8 °C (46 °F), and rainfall drops to the year's low of 43 mm. Long, dry days invite harbour walks minus the summer crowds.

High 16°C (62°F)
Low 8°C (46°F)
Rainfall 43mm
Crowds Medium
View Details →
June

June edges into summer warmth with highs of 19 °C (67 °F) and lows of 11 °C (52 °F). Rainfall stays low at 48 mm. The Historic Dockyard buzzes, outdoor tables fill, and the city feels alive without peak-season congestion.

High 19°C (67°F)
Low 11°C (52°F)
Rainfall 48mm
Crowds Medium to High
View Details →
July

July is Portsmouth's warmest month. Highs reach 21 °C (71 °F), lows settle at 13 °C (56 °F), and rainfall is a modest 46 mm. The waterfront hums with life. The sea breeze keeps things pleasant even at peak heat.

High 21°C (71°F)
Low 13°C (56°F)
Rainfall 46mm
Crowds High
View Details →
August

August mirrors July: highs of 21 °C (71 °F), lows of 13 °C (56 °F), and rainfall rises slightly to 58 mm. This is peak season. Families crowd Southsea, the Dockyard sells out, and prices climb. Evenings still need a light jacket.

High 21°C (71°F)
Low 13°C (56°F)
Rainfall 58mm
Crowds High
View Details →
September

September flips the switch. Temperatures linger at 19°C (66°F) highs and 11°C (52°F) lows, still warm enough for harbour strolls. Crowds thin. Rainfall is 61mm, nothing dramatic. Queues shrink. Arguably the most comfortable month to linger in Portsmouth.

High 19°C (66°F)
Low 11°C (52°F)
Rainfall 61mm
Crowds Medium
View Details →
October

October arrives with proper autumn bite. Highs fall to 15°C (60°F), lows to 8°C (47°F). Rain jumps to 86mm, matching November and December as the wettest stretch. Harbour light turns painterly. Photographers love it. Bring proper wet-weather gear.

High 15°C (60°F)
Low 8°C (47°F)
Rainfall 86mm
Crowds Low to Medium
View Details →
November

November settles into full autumn mode. Expect 11°C (53°F) highs and 5°C (42°F) lows. Rain totals 91mm. Streets quiet down. The city works for locals, not tourists. Perfect month for the indoor maritime museums. Grey skies? Ignore them.

High 11°C (53°F)
Low 5°C (42°F)
Rainfall 91mm
Crowds Low
View Details →
December

December ends the year with 9°C (48°F) highs and 3°C (37°F) lows. Rain stays at 91mm. Christmas markets pop up. Seasonal charm flickers. Outdoors feels raw. Indoors feels right. Harbour in winter has its own quiet magic.

High 9°C (48°F)
Low 3°C (37°F)
Rainfall 91mm
Crowds Low
View Details →

Ready to plan your trip to Portsmouth?

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Top Things to Do

Curated attractions, tours, and experiences in Portsmouth.

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Where to Stay

Best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget.

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Packing List

What to bring on your trip for Portsmouth

When to Visit

Best times to travel for Portsmouth

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Portsmouth