Plymouth
has a mild temperate climate with all four seasons. The British Isles receive a
milder climate than is to be expected at their latitude, largely due to the Gulf Stream. Sitting on the southwest coast of England in Devon, Plymouth
has a slightly wetter and milder climate than inland regions of the UK. This is due
to its greater exposure to the prevailing southwest winds than eastern areas. The whole of the British Isles' weather is highly unpredictable and changeable from moment to moment.
Summer, from June till September, is warm with cool nights. The average high temperature sits in the high teens, peaking in July at 20°C. Night time lows fluctuate around 12°C. Day time temperatures can get into the mid 20s on sunny days but it is generally kept cool by a steady sea breeze. This is the most pleasant time to visit Plymouth in terms of weather; many fine days on the beach can be expected while the sweltering heat of Europeâs Mediterranean resorts is avoided.
Sunshine levels plateau at seven hours per day from late spring till the end of July. They then drop to six hours per day in August and five in September. Rainfall levels are at their lowest but showers can be expected every few days. The sea temperature peaks at 16°C. If this were a resort on the Med no one would even consider sticking their toe into water this cold, but for England this is as good as it gets and you might as well pretend to enjoy it.
Autumn, in October and November, is mild and wet. The average high temperature drops to 14°C and 11°C and the average low temperature drops to 9°C and 5°C in October and November respectively. This means that day time temperatures are quite cool and night times are very chilly, especially when the wind blows. Surfers may brave the 13°C water in wet suits but most would agree that the sea is for looking only. Sunshine levels drop to three hours per day.
Winter, from December till January, is cool and rainy but much milder than northern and inland parts of the UK. The average high temperature drops to 9°C in December then 8°C for January and February. The average low gets down to 3°C at its lowest point. It can get down to freezing and frosts sometimes develop away from the beach. This is the wettest season. The rain is a real bore, insidiously pattering away almost everyday. Sunshine levels drop to a dismal two hours per day in December and January, increasing slightly to three in February. This is actually an improvement on other parts of England as the wind, which is strongest in winter, helps to blow clouds past the city. Snow rarely falls but this year (2009) Plymouth was as much a victim as the rest of Britain of the freak snowfall in February which blocked the roads and stopped most from getting to work or school.
It is the southwest of Englandâs mild winters that sometimes find it labelled sub-tropical and this is technically true though the label is unintentionally misleading. Sub-tropical does not mean almost tropical. It in fact describes a climate with all four seasons including a winter with an average temperature not below 2°C. That allows for quite a range of climates within the category. Proof of Plymouthâs subtropical climate can be found in its flora; some palms are able to grow happily.
Spring, from March till May, is mild with increasing sunshine. It remains cool with an average high just above 10°C until May when it finally gets to 15°C. Night times stay cold, as does the sea, but rainfall diminishes and the sun returns. Showers can still be expected quite frequently but they are usually shorter. The sun gains stamina, staying out for four hours per day in March, five in April and seven in May.