If you’re planning a summer trip to Birmingham, you’ll find mild to warm days—perfect for strolling, sightseeing, or catching an outdoor event. Average summer temperatures usually sit between 12°C (54°F) at night and 22°C (72°F) during the day, so the heat never gets overwhelming.
Rain still shows up in the summer, but the showers tend to be lighter and shorter compared to winter. You’ll notice longer sunshine hours, which means daylight stretches well into the evening.
This mix of moderate warmth, occasional rain, and those extra daylight hours makes summer in Birmingham both inviting and just a bit unpredictable.
It’s good to know what kind of weather to expect so you can pack smart—maybe a light jacket for the evenings or an umbrella for those quick showers.
If you get a handle on Birmingham’s summer weather patterns, you can really make the most of your time outdoors and stay comfortable.
Overview of Birmingham’s Summer Climate
Birmingham’s summers feel mild, with warm days and cooler nights. Rain falls throughout the season, and sunshine peaks in June before dropping off a bit.
The city’s spot in the Midlands gives it a climate that’s a bit different from coastal or northern parts of the UK.
Location and Geography
Birmingham sits in the West Midlands, tucked right in the heart of England. Because the city is inland, you don’t get that moderating sea influence.
This makes for slightly warmer days and cooler nights than you’d find on the coast.
At about 140 meters above sea level, Birmingham’s elevation keeps temperatures from reaching the highs you might see in the south.
Daytime highs in July hit around 21–22°C (70–72°F). Nights usually dip to 12–14°C (54–57°F), so things can feel cool once the sun goes down.
Rainfall stays steady, not extreme. June is often the wettest summer month, with about 70–76 mm of rain.
Showers pop up regularly, but sometimes you’ll get lucky with a dry stretch during a heatwave.
Oceanic Climate Characteristics
Birmingham has a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb in Köppen classification). Summers are warm but rarely hot, and winters are cool but not harsh.
Humidity hangs around thanks to the frequent rain and cloud cover.
During summer, you usually get 5–6 hours of sunshine per day, with June being the brightest. By August, days grow shorter and sunshine drops a little, but it still feels comfortable.
Humidity ranges from about 75% in June to 80% or more in late summer. Sometimes, warm days feel muggy, but temperatures almost never top 30°C (86°F).
When heatwaves hit, they don’t last long—definitely not as long as in southern England.
Thunderstorms can develop in July and August, usually after a humid afternoon. Extreme weather is rare, but Birmingham did see a tornado back in 2005.
Comparison to Other UK Cities
Compared to London, Birmingham’s summer feels a bit cooler and wetter. London tends to run 2–3°C warmer and gets less rain.
At night, Birmingham feels fresher, probably because of its inland location.
If you look at Manchester and other northern cities, they’re cooler and wetter than Birmingham. Manchester’s annual rainfall can top 800–900 mm, while Birmingham averages about 770–790 mm.
Coastal cities like Brighton get sea breezes that keep temperatures more stable. Birmingham’s inland climate leads to bigger swings between day and night temps in summer.
All in all, Birmingham’s climate lands somewhere in the middle—more moderate than the south, but warmer and less rainy than much of the north and west.
Average Summer Temperatures in Birmingham
Summer in Birmingham brings gentle warmth, especially compared to much of Europe. You’ll find comfortable highs during the day, cool nights, and not much temperature drama from June through August.
Typical Daily Highs and Lows
Daytime highs in summer usually reach 19–21 °C (66–70 °F). Nights cool down to about 10–12 °C (50–54 °F), so a light jacket after sunset isn’t a bad idea.
Humidity stays moderate, often around 70–75%, which can make evenings feel a bit damp.
You won’t encounter many heat waves, so those long stretches of sweltering weather just don’t happen here.
Most visitors find this mix of mild days and cool nights great for outdoor activities. Walking tours, parks, and day trips are comfortable without the worry of extreme heat.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Birmingham’s summer covers June, July, and August, with only small shifts in average temperatures from month to month.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Mean Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 19 °C (66 °F) | 10 °C (50 °F) | 15 °C (59 °F) |
| July | 21 °C (70 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 17 °C (62 °F) |
| August | 21 °C (70 °F) | 12 °C (54 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) |
July is usually the warmest, but the difference from June and August isn’t huge. Nights stay cool, which helps balance out the afternoons.
This kind of steady pattern means you can plan your trip without worrying about wild temperature swings.
Record Highs and Lows
Most summers stay moderate, but Birmingham has seen some rare extremes. On the hottest days, temps have nearly hit 34 °C (93 °F), though that’s unusual and doesn’t last.
On the flip side, summer nights can sometimes drop to 5 °C (41 °F), especially in early June.
These cooler nights happen more when skies are clear and winds are light.
You probably won’t encounter these extremes, but they show the range of Birmingham’s summer weather. It’s smart to pack both lightweight clothes and an extra layer for the evenings.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Birmingham gets steady rainfall throughout the year. In summer, you’ll see both sunshine and showers.
Precipitation levels are moderate, but rain falls consistently enough that the city rarely faces long dry spells.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rain in Birmingham spreads out pretty evenly, but summer brings some variation. June usually logs the highest totals, with around 70–76 mm of precipitation.
July and August follow with slightly less—often between 60–70 mm.
March is the driest month, averaging about 55 mm, but even then, rain is common. The annual total sits close to 770–790 mm, which fits with the city’s oceanic climate.
Rain tends to fall as light or moderate showers—no endless downpours, most of the time. You’re more likely to get quick bursts of rain than long storms.
If you’re traveling, carrying an umbrella or light raincoat is just practical during summer visits.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rain falls on plenty of days in Birmingham, but not every rainy day brings a lot of water. In summer, you’ll see 10–13 days per month with measurable precipitation.
June and July are usually the most unsettled, while August can be a touch drier but still sees its share of showers.
The city’s temperate maritime climate means rain shows up regularly, but rarely in huge amounts.
Instead of day-long rains, you’ll often notice passing showers that clear out pretty quickly. This lets you enjoy outdoor plans between bursts of rain.
You should always plan for some rain, no matter when you visit. Even in the sunniest months, clouds and showers are part of the mix.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Birmingham stays fairly high year-round, with summer values ranging from 75% to 80%. June is usually the least humid, around 75%, so warm days feel more comfortable.
By late summer, humidity rises a bit as mild temperatures continue and the rain keeps coming. Mornings can feel damp, especially after it’s rained overnight.
Birmingham’s humidity doesn’t usually get oppressive like tropical climates. Instead, the air feels mild and sometimes a bit heavy.
If you’re sensitive to humidity, early summer is probably the most comfortable time for a visit.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight in Summer
In summer, you get longer daylight hours and more sunshine than at any other time of year in Birmingham.
Direct sunlight and day length both play a big role in how warm and bright the city feels.
Average Daily Sunshine
June brings the most sunshine, averaging 6.3 hours per day. July and August are still bright, though the average drops a little as summer goes on.
Across the whole summer, you’ll see between 5 to 6 hours of direct sun each day. That’s not as much as southern Europe, but it’s a big improvement over winter here.
Monthly sunshine averages look like this:
| Month | Average Hours of Sunshine |
|---|---|
| June | ~188 hours |
| July | ~170 hours |
| August | ~160 hours |
Clouds are common, so you’ll see a mix of sunny spells and overcast skies. Still, summer provides the best chance for outdoor fun compared to the darker months.
Length of Daylight Hours
Daylight sticks around much longer in summer than winter. In June, the day length reaches about 16.5 hours, so you get early sunrises and late sunsets.
By July, days shorten a bit to around 16 hours, and in August, you get about 14.5 hours of daylight.
Even as the days get a little shorter, evenings stay light enough for plenty of time outside.
For comparison, winter days can shrink to just 7.8 hours in December. That’s a pretty big contrast—summer really gives you the most usable daylight for travel and exploring.
Best Time to Visit Birmingham for Summer Weather
Birmingham’s summer offers mild to warm temperatures, long daylight, and a mix of sun and showers. When you visit really depends on whether you want a bit more warmth or fewer people around.
Ideal Months for Outdoor Activities
The best time to visit Birmingham for summer weather is June through August. Daytime temps average between 18°C and 21°C (64°F–70°F).
These months bring the longest daylight, with up to 16–17 hours of light in June. That means more time for parks, canals, and outdoor attractions.
If you’re into festivals, outdoor dining, or live music, July is especially busy. The city buzzes with cultural and music events, making it feel lively.
For those who’d rather skip the crowds, June and late August offer pleasant weather and a bit more breathing room compared to July’s peak.
Rain falls pretty evenly, but showers tend to be brief and don’t usually ruin a full day of plans.
Here’s a quick look at average summer conditions:
| Month | Avg. Day Temp | Avg. Night Temp | Rainy Days | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 18.5°C | 11.5°C | 6 | 16–17 hrs |
| July | 20.5°C | 13.5°C | 5 | 15–16 hrs |
| August | 20.4°C | 13.6°C | 5 | 14–15 hrs |
Weather Considerations for Tourists
When you’re planning your trip, keep in mind that Birmingham’s summer climate is temperate maritime, so the weather can change quickly.
A sunny morning might turn into a rainy afternoon, so packing a light rain jacket or umbrella is just smart.
Humidity stays moderate, so it rarely feels oppressively hot. Nights cool off, averaging around 11–14°C (52°F–57°F), so bringing some layers for the evenings is a good idea.
If you’re sensitive to heat, July can feel a bit warmer in the city center because of the urban heat island effect—all the buildings and pavement hold onto warmth.
June and August usually feel fresher, especially in green spaces like Cannon Hill Park or Sutton Park.
If you want the longest daylight for sightseeing, aim for June. For a quieter visit with mild evenings, August is often the most comfortable pick.
Regional Climate Influences on Birmingham
Birmingham’s summer weather really shows off its central spot in the Midlands, along with the quirks of its elevation and cityscape. The local geography and all those buildings can change how warm days actually feel, and you might notice how fast the weather flips.
Role of the Midlands
Birmingham sits almost right in the middle of England, tucked into the Midlands. Because it’s not near the coast, you don’t get that steadying effect from the sea like you would in places down south or out west.
So, summers here? They can feel noticeably warmer, with highs often landing in the low to mid-20s °C.
The Midlands act as a kind of climate crossroads. Air from the Atlantic sometimes sweeps in, bringing cooler, damp weather. But then, you get those continental breezes from Europe, and suddenly it’s warmer and drier.
You’ll probably notice the weather can flip fast, switching between sunny stretches and quick showers.
Rain in summer doesn’t usually pour down for days. Instead, you get moderate amounts, spaced out enough that long dry spells are pretty rare.
What’s more common are those short, sometimes dramatic bursts of rain or a thunderstorm, especially in July and August.
So, while making outdoor plans is totally doable, you’ll want to stay a bit flexible.
Impact of Elevation and Urban Environment
Birmingham sits around 140 to 200 meters above sea level. That’s a bit higher than a lot of the nearby towns.
This elevation tends to knock down average summer temperatures a little compared to lower areas. Nights often feel cooler, but honestly, the daytime warmth usually makes up for it.
The city’s urban environment brings its own quirks. Loads of buildings, paved streets, and not much greenery all add up to a mild urban heat island effect.
Central Birmingham stays warmer than the suburbs or countryside, especially on calm, clear nights. You might notice that the city center holds onto heat after sunset, while the surrounding areas cool off much faster.
This difference can shape how comfortable you feel, how much energy you use, or even whether you want to go for a walk in the evening.