Weather & Climate in Barnstaple, United Kingdom
Temperature, precipitation, air quality, natural hazards, and monthly weather data.
Barnstaple experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 61°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. Annual precipitation totals 43.4 inches. The city sits at an elevation of 39 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
61°F Jul (16°C)
| Annual Average | 50.3°F |
| 7% below US avg | |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 61°F (16°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 39 ft (12 m) |
| Area | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 7,171/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 51.0802°N, 4.0581°W |
| Timezone | Europe/London |
Precipitation & Snow
Air Quality
Earthquake History
29 earthquakes (M2.5+) recorded within 150 km since 1990. Strongest on record: M4.5.
| Oct 25, 1999 | 10 km N of Hirwaun, United Kingdom | M4.5 | 91 km | 10 km |
| Feb 17, 2018 | 5 km NE of Clydach, United Kingdom | M4.3 | 73 km | 12 km |
| Feb 20, 2014 | 17 km NNW of Ilfracombe, United Kingdom | M4.1 | 32 km | 3 km |
| May 31, 2001 | 20 km NNW of Flexbury, United Kingdom | M4.0 | 45 km | 29 km |
| Jan 29, 2004 | 2 km E of North Petherton, United Kingdom | M3.7 | 75 km | 7 km |
| Jan 29, 2004 | 2 km E of North Petherton, United Kingdom | M3.6 | 75 km | 7 km |
| Aug 17, 1995 | 28 km S of Salcombe, United Kingdom | M3.6 | 123 km | 10 km |
| Jan 1, 1994 | Wales-England region, United Kingdom | M3.6 | 50 km | 10 km |
| Feb 12, 2002 | 1 km SSE of Deri, United Kingdom | M3.5 | 89 km | 8 km |
| Oct 10, 2001 | 2 km SSE of Caerphilly, United Kingdom | M3.5 | 79 km | 10 km |
| Feb 24, 2023 | 1 km ENE of Brynmawr, United Kingdom | M3.4 | 102 km | 10 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 | 3 km N of Marshfield, United Kingdom | M3.4 | 87 km | 14 km |
| Jan 29, 2004 | 2 km E of North Petherton, United Kingdom | M3.3 | 75 km | 7 km |
| Sep 23, 1992 | 1 km NNE of Tiverton, United Kingdom | M3.3 | 44 km | 10 km |
| Jun 16, 1991 | 11 km WSW of Knighton, United Kingdom | M3.3 | 149 km | 10 km |
| Jul 30, 1999 | 2 km ENE of Bargoed, United Kingdom | M3.3 | 90 km | 6 km |
| Oct 16, 1997 | 4 km ENE of Torquay, United Kingdom | M3.2 | 78 km | 10 km |
| Jun 17, 1999 | 7 km NNE of Ross on Wye, United Kingdom | M3.0 | 146 km | 10 km |
| Jan 28, 2002 | 1 km S of Abercarn, United Kingdom | M3.0 | 88 km | 10 km |
| Sep 5, 1999 | 15 km WSW of Salcombe, United Kingdom | M2.9 | 101 km | 5 km |
Source: USGS Earthquake Catalog (M2.5+, 1990-2025). Sorted by magnitude.
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km. Highest wave on record: 0.4 m (1 ft).
| Year | Location | Cause | Max Wave | Deaths | Distance |
| 2011 | PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND | Avalanche | 0.4 m | - | 99 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database.
Monthly Weather
| Month | Avg Temperature | Precipitation | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F (5°C) | 4.8 in | |
| February | 41°F (5°C) | 3.4 in | Coldest |
| March | 44°F (7°C) | 3.3 in | |
| April | 47°F (8°C) | 2.6 in | |
| May | 52°F (11°C) | 2.4 in | Driest |
| June | 57°F (14°C) | 2.7 in | |
| July | 61°F (16°C) | 2.7 in | Warmest |
| August | 61°F (16°C) | 3.2 in | |
| September | 57°F (14°C) | 3.7 in | |
| October | 52°F (11°C) | 4.5 in | |
| November | 47°F (8°C) | 5.1 in | Wettest |
| December | 44°F (6°C) | 5.0 in |
Barnstaple has a seasonal temperature swing of 20°F / from 41°F in February to 61°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 43.4 inches, with November being the wettest month (5.1") and May the driest (2.4").