When you step into Birmingham during the fall, you notice the days getting shorter, the air feels cooler, and the skies often fill with clouds. Average high temperatures drop from the mid-60s °F in early September to the mid-40s °F by late November, while rain chances slowly go up as the season goes on.
These steady changes create a season that feels crisp, damp, and honestly, pretty unmistakable as autumn.
You’ll see more overcast days as weeks pass, with cloud cover rising quickly through the season. Rain falls pretty often, but it’s rarely extreme, and while snow hardly ever shows up in early autumn, winter’s approach can bring light flurries by late November.
The wind picks up gradually too, giving the city a brisk, unsettled vibe that matches the shifting season.
If you plan to spend time outside, you’ll see daylight fade fast, with sunsets creeping earlier every week. The cooler temperatures, changing skies, and shorter days all shape how you experience the city in autumn, whether you’re wandering parks, checking out local spots, or figuring out the best time for a visit.
Overview of Fall Weather in Birmingham
During fall in Birmingham, United Kingdom, temperatures cool off steadily, skies get cloudier, and daylight hours drop fast. Rain falls more often, and winds get a bit stronger as the season moves along.
These changes shape your outdoor plans and daily routines in the city.
Typical Temperature Ranges
You’ll notice a real drop in both daytime and nighttime temperatures as fall moves forward. Average daily highs fall from about 19°C (66°F) in early September to around 8°C (46°F) by late November.
Lows go from roughly 10°C (50°F) to 2°C (36°F).
It’s rare for temperatures to climb above 23°C (73°F) during fall, and they hardly ever fall below -3°C (27°F). You’ll want a light jacket in September and heavier layers by November.
For reference:
- Warmest part of fall: early September
- Coldest part of fall: late November
- Typical range: 4°C to 14°C (39°F to 57°F) most days
This cooling trend makes fall one of the more unpredictable times of year in Birmingham.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Cloud cover goes up fast through the season. In early September, skies stay partly clear about half the time, but by late November, overcast conditions show up more than 70% of the time.
Rain becomes more common. The chance of a wet day rises from about 25% in September to nearly 30% in November. Average monthly rainfall sits between 42 mm and 57 mm, with late October usually being the wettest stretch.
Winds get a bit stronger, moving from an average of 16 km/h in September to about 18 km/h in November. You’ll feel more frequent westerly winds, though southerly winds can take over briefly in mid-October.
Humidity stays low, so the air hardly ever feels muggy. The dampness you feel mostly comes from frequent rain and cloud cover instead of high dew points.
Daylight and Sunshine Hours
Daylight drops quickly in Birmingham during fall. On 1 September, you get about 13.5 hours of daylight, but by 30 November, only 8 hours remain.
You lose over 5 hours of daylight across the season.
Sunrise shifts from around 06:18 in early September to nearly 07:54 by late November. Sunset moves from 19:55 down to 15:58 in the same period.
Daylight saving time ends in late October, so sunrise and sunset happen an hour earlier. Sunshine hours also fall, with cloudier skies cutting down the amount of bright daylight you’ll see. On many days, you might only catch brief breaks in cloud cover.
This sharp drop in daylight is one of the most obvious seasonal changes and really affects your outdoor plans.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
You can expect steady rainfall during autumn in Birmingham, with totals spread pretty evenly across the season. Some months get a little more rain than others, but the difference isn’t huge, and light rain showers usually outnumber heavy downpours.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Birmingham during fall usually ranges between 60–80 mm per month. September is often a bit drier, while October and November bring higher totals as winter gets closer.
The table below shows typical averages:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Typical Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~65 mm | 11–12 days |
| October | ~75 mm | 13–14 days |
| November | ~80 mm | 14–15 days |
You’ll want to prepare for frequent light to moderate showers instead of extreme rainfall. Waterproof clothing is usually more practical than an umbrella, since winds can make umbrellas pretty useless.
Wettest Month in Fall
November usually ends up as the wettest month of the season. It averages close to 80 mm of precipitation, with rain falling on about half the days of the month.
Rain often comes in short bursts, not long soaking storms. The clouds feel heavier, and daylight is short, so the month can seem wetter than the numbers really show.
You’ll see November’s rainfall as part of a slow increase that keeps going into December and January, when winter storms show up more often. If you’re planning outdoor stuff, November is the month when you’ll need the most flexibility.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain in Birmingham spreads out over many days, not just a few heavy storms. In autumn, you’ll see 11 to 15 rainy days per month. Most of these bring drizzle or light showers, often lasting just an hour or two.
This means rain is frequent, but it rarely ruins a whole day. You can usually enjoy dry spells between showers.
Because rainfall is so evenly spread, you should expect damp conditions all season, not just hope for a long dry stretch. This steady dampness really defines Birmingham’s fall climate.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
During autumn in Birmingham, the air often feels damp, and you’ll notice clouds more and more. Humidity stays high through most of the season, which changes how cool or mild the temperatures feel and how comfortable it is to be outside.
Average Humidity Levels in Autumn
Relative humidity in Birmingham during autumn usually sits between 75% and 85%. September is closer to the low end, while November often reaches the high end.
You’ll feel the air as moist most days. Unlike summer, where humidity and warmth mix, autumn’s cool air makes the dampness stand out, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Clouds show up more as the season goes on. In September, skies are partly cloudy about half the time, but by November, overcast conditions take over more than 70% of the days. This adds to the sense of higher humidity, even if the numbers don’t change much.
Fog pops up more often in October and November. It’s not an everyday thing, but it can cut visibility in the early hours, especially in low-lying spots around the city.
Impact on Comfort and Activities
High humidity in cool weather makes the air feel colder than the thermometer says. If you’re heading outside, especially at night, you might need warmer clothes than you’d expect for the actual temperature.
For walking, cycling, or sightseeing, damp air and frequent clouds can make things feel heavy. Pavements and park paths stay wet longer after rain, so sturdy shoes come in handy.
If you like indoor attractions, like museums or galleries, autumn humidity won’t bother you much. But if you’re more into outdoor stuff, shorter daylight and damp air might limit how long you want to stay out.
Travelers usually find that flexible plans help. Mixing indoor and outdoor options gives you more comfort when humidity and clouds mess with the day.
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
During fall in Birmingham, temperatures drop steadily and daylight shrinks quickly. You’ll get cooler days, colder nights, and a slow shift toward wetter and windier weather as the season goes on.
Highs and Lows by Month
At the start of September, daily highs average around 66°F (19°C), while lows sit near 51°F (10°C). By late November, highs drop closer to 46°F (8°C), and lows go down to about 36°F (2°C).
Nights sometimes dip below freezing, especially near the end of the season.
Here’s a quick look at average ranges:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 66°F / 19°C | 51°F / 10°C |
| October | 57°F / 14°C | 44°F / 7°C |
| November | 46°F / 8°C | 36°F / 2°C |
You rarely see highs above 74°F (23°C) in fall, and lows hardly ever fall below 26°F (-3°C). These extremes don’t happen much, but they’re still possible, especially during late-season cold snaps.
Unusual Weather Events
Birmingham doesn’t get wild swings like some places, but you might notice sharp changes over just a few days. A mild spell in October can quickly turn into damp, chilly weather with brisk winds.
Frosts start showing up by mid to late October, marking the end of the growing season. By November, overnight freezes happen more often, though heavy snow is still rare before winter.
Rain increases slowly through the season, with October usually wetter than September. Short bursts of heavy rain or gusty winds can show up, especially when Atlantic low-pressure systems move in. These unsettled spells make it feel colder than the actual air temperature.
You’ll want to plan for layers and waterproof gear, since mild afternoons and sudden chilly evenings are just part of fall here.
Snowfall and Early Winter Conditions
Birmingham gets very little snow in fall, but colder nights bring the first hints of winter. Rain stays the main type of precipitation, though falling temperatures in late November can sometimes let snow or sleet develop.
Likelihood of Snow in Late Fall
Snowfall in Birmingham during late fall is pretty rare, but not impossible. Average November temperatures range between 4°C (39°F) at night and 10°C (50°F) during the day, which usually keeps things too mild for snow to stick.
Light flurries might show up toward the end of November, especially in colder years. Still, these are usually brief and don’t really build up. Rain is much more common, with totals around 60–70 mm for the month.
If you’re traveling, you’ll probably deal with wet roads instead of icy ones. Even so, frost can form overnight as temperatures dip close to freezing, especially in open or rural areas around the city. Early mornings are the most likely time for slippery patches.
Transition to Winter Weather
By December, the shift toward winter becomes clearer. Average highs drop to about 7°C (45°F), and nighttime lows often reach 1–2°C (34–36°F).
These colder readings make snow more likely, though Birmingham still sees more rain than snow overall.
When snow does fall, it’s usually light and doesn’t last. Accumulations of several centimeters are rare in early winter, but frosty mornings and icy patches are common enough.
Shorter daylight, around 7–8 hours in December, also affects travel and outdoor plans. You can expect damp, cloudy conditions most days, with occasional cold snaps bringing a higher chance of wintry showers.
Best Time to Visit Birmingham in the Fall
Mild temperatures and fewer crowds make autumn one of the most comfortable times to explore Birmingham. You can enjoy cooler weather, cultural events, and pleasant conditions for sightseeing without the extremes of summer or winter.
Ideal Months for Travel
You’ll find that the best time to visit Birmingham in the fall is from September through October. During these months, daytime highs usually sit between 13°C and 18°C (55°F–64°F).
At night, temperatures drop into the single digits. Rainfall happens, but showers don’t usually last long.
November? It’s honestly not as pleasant, since daylight hours shrink and temperatures often fall below 10°C (50°F). If you want crisp but not-too-chilly weather, September and early October just work better.
You’ll notice the city feels less crowded than in summer. Hotel rates tend to drop after the busy season, so you get more options and a bit more freedom with where you stay.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Birmingham’s fall weather feels just right for long walks. It’s cool, but not so chilly that you want to rush back inside. You can wander through the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and catch the late blooms mixing with early autumn colors. It’s honestly pretty calming.
Parks like Cannon Hill Park start showing off their seasonal changes around this time. Walking there, you’ll probably notice new colors every week.
Cultural events pop up all over the city too. September usually brings food and drink festivals. By October, venues like the Birmingham Hippodrome host all sorts of performances.
Markets selling local produce and crafts pick up in autumn. You might stumble on something you didn’t expect.
If you’re into sports, football matches are everywhere now that the season’s rolling. Rainfall tends to spread out over the month, so just bring a light waterproof jacket. That’s usually enough to keep you comfortable as you bounce between events and attractions.