Hereford Weather Guide 2026: Unlock the Secrets of Seasons, Forecasts, and Climate in Herefordshire’s Heart

Hereford residents and visitors actively embrace a temperate maritime climate that delivers mild temperatures, frequent rainfall, and refreshing breezes year-round, which shapes daily life, vibrant agriculture, historic tourism, and outdoor adventures in this charming Herefordshire city nestled along the River Wye.

Travelers discover how Hereford weather influences everything from cattle farming traditions to majestic cathedral visits and scenic valley walks, and they plan trips confidently when they understand seasonal shifts, current forecasts, and long-term patterns. In 2026, as the UK records its warmest year ever in 2025 with an average of 10.09°C, Hereford continues to showcase subtle warming trends alongside persistent wet conditions that demand preparation yet reward explorers with lush green landscapes and fewer extremes than inland continental areas.

Current Weather and Short-Term Forecast in Hereford

As of early February 2026, Hereford experiences mild winter conditions with daytime highs hovering around 5–7°C and nighttime lows near 3–4°C under predominantly overcast skies that bring light to heavy rain showers. The Met Office reports overcast weather on February 2 with feels-like temperatures near 5°C, 30% rain chance escalating to 90% on February 3, gusts up to 27 mph from the east, and high humidity levels between 85–96%, which create damp, raw sensations that prompt locals to layer up warmly. 

Storm Chandra recently delivered heavy rainfall and strong winds across Herefordshire, triggering multiple flood warnings along the River Wye and Dulas Brook, closing schools, disrupting travel, and isolating businesses in villages like Ewyas Harold, while yellow ice warnings add caution for roads. Furthermore, visibility drops occasionally to 4–7 km during heavier downpours, yet the absence of severe cold snaps allows residents to maintain routines with waterproof gear and sensible driving. 

Visitors check the latest Met Office updates daily because rapid shifts from overcast drizzle to brief clearings occur frequently in this season, and they pack umbrellas alongside thermal layers to stay comfortable while exploring indoor attractions like Hereford Cathedral or local markets. Additionally, wind speeds averaging 10–15 mph enhance the chilly feel, but they disperse pollution effectively and invigorate walks along the riverbanks when rain eases.

Hereford’s Overall Climate Profile

Hereford maintains a classic Cfb Köppen-Geiger classification that features cool summers, mild winters, and consistent precipitation throughout the year without a true dry season, which creates reliable growing conditions for agriculture while requiring adaptable wardrobes for residents and tourists alike. Annual average temperatures sit comfortably at 9.8°C with a modest variation of about 12°C from coldest to warmest months, and total precipitation reaches approximately 793 mm distributed across 100–120 rainy days, which supports the region’s fertile soils and verdant pastures famous for Hereford cattle. 

Humidity remains high year-round, often 75–87%, yet rarely reaches muggy levels above 70°F dew points, so discomfort stays minimal even during summer peaks. Moreover, prevailing westerly winds moderate temperatures and deliver Atlantic moisture that accounts for the frequent cloud cover, which averages 44–72% depending on the month, while sunshine hours total around 1,900–1,950 annually with marked seasonal differences. Locals thrive in this balanced environment because it avoids harsh continental extremes, fosters biodiversity in the Wye Valley, and sustains tourism through picturesque scenery that changes dramatically with each season.

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Winter in Hereford (December to February)

Winter blankets Hereford with cool temperatures that average highs of 6–7°C and lows near 1–2°C, delivering frequent overcast days, 8–10 wet days per month with 55–72 mm rainfall, occasional light snow or mixed precipitation, and brisk westerly winds that gust over 12 mph and create a raw chill. Residents bundle in warm layers and waterproof jackets as frost occurs on 9–10 nights monthly, and daylight shrinks to under 8 hours in December, which encourages cozy indoor activities such as visiting the historic cathedral, sampling local ciders at markets, or enjoying fireside meals in traditional pubs. 

Furthermore, the River Wye occasionally swells from cumulative rains and storms like the recent Storm Chandra, prompting flood alerts that locals monitor closely through Environment Agency apps, yet these events also replenish aquifers and maintain the valley’s lushness for spring. Tourists actively seek winter breaks here because crowds thin dramatically, accommodation prices drop, and atmospheric misty mornings along the river create magical photo opportunities, provided they choose sturdy boots and check forecasts to avoid slippery paths or road disruptions.

Spring in Hereford (March to May)

Spring awakens Hereford with steadily rising temperatures that climb from 7–9°C highs in March to 15–16°C by May, fewer frosts, increasing sunshine up to 6–7 hours daily, and moderate rainfall of 57–71 mm across 8–9 days that nurtures blooming daffodils, bluebells, and apple orchards across the countryside. Visitors delight in milder breezes around 10–11 mph and partly cloudy skies that allow comfortable outdoor explorations of the Wye Valley trails, historic sites, and emerging farmers’ markets bursting with fresh produce. 

Moreover, variable weather patterns bring occasional showers that refresh the landscape without prolonged downpours, enabling cyclists and hikers to plan flexible itineraries while packing light waterproofs and layers for fluctuating daytime warmth and cooler evenings near 3–7°C lows. Agriculture ramps up actively as farmers prepare fields, and tourism surges because longer days up to 15+ hours by May invite picnics and river cruises, making spring one of the most pleasant and photogenic times when the city’s green surroundings burst into vibrant life.

Summer in Hereford (June to August)

Summer delivers Hereford’s warmest conditions with average highs reaching 18–20°C in July and August, comfortable lows of 10–12°C, peak sunshine hours of 7–8 daily totaling over 240 hours monthly, lighter winds near 9–10 mph, and rainfall around 63–67 mm spread over 8–9 days that rarely disrupts plans.

Residents and tourists actively flock to outdoor festivals, riverside parks, and countryside walks under clearer skies that average 50–56% open, enjoying the longest days exceeding 16 hours around the solstice and comfortable humidity that avoids oppressive mugginess. 

Furthermore, occasional thunderstorms or showers refresh gardens and farms without dominating the season, which supports thriving tourism through garden tours, cycling routes, and al fresco dining in the city centre. Locals celebrate the warmth that enhances Hereford cattle grazing and fruit harvests, while visitors maximize enjoyment by scheduling peak activities midday and retreating to shaded cathedral grounds or cafes during brief hotter spells near 20–21°C.

Autumn in Hereford (September to November)

Autumn paints Hereford in golden hues as temperatures gradually decline from 17–18°C highs in September to 7–9°C by November, rainfall increases to 59–76 mm especially in October and November with 8–10 wet days, cloud cover rises toward 60–69%, and winds strengthen slightly to 10–11 mph, creating crisp yet damp conditions ideal for scenic foliage viewing. 

Travelers actively hike through colorful Wye Valley woods, attend harvest festivals, and explore the cathedral amid shorter days of 8–12 hours, while packing jackets and umbrellas for frequent showers that make the landscape particularly lush and atmospheric. Additionally, the season’s moderate temperatures support comfortable sightseeing without summer crowds or winter chill, and farmers harvest crops efficiently before wetter periods intensify, which sustains the region’s renowned cider and produce traditions.

Average Monthly Temperatures, Rainfall, and Sunshine in Hereford

Hereford displays predictable yet engaging monthly variations that guide planning effectively. January brings average temperatures of 4.3°C with highs near 6.9°C and lows 1.5°C alongside 71 mm rain and about 3 sunshine hours daily; February stays similar at 4.4°C average with 55 mm precipitation and 4 sunshine hours; March warms to 5.9°C, 57 mm rain, and 5 sunshine hours. April reaches 8.4°C with 63 mm rain and 6 sunshine hours; 

May climbs to 11.6°C, 71 mm, and 7 hours. June offers 14.5°C, 67 mm, and 8 sunshine hours; July peaks at 16.4°C average with 64 mm rain and 8 hours of sun; August holds 15.9°C, 63 mm, and 7 hours. September cools to 13.9°C with 59 mm and 5 hours; October sees 10.7°C, peak 76 mm rain, and 4 hours; November drops to 7.0°C, 75 mm, and 4 hours; December closes at 4.7°C with 72 mm and 3 sunshine hours. Furthermore, these patterns confirm October and November as wettest months and July as sunniest and warmest, which helps residents schedule farming tasks and visitors select optimal travel windows for maximum enjoyment and minimal disruption.

Extreme Weather Events and Records in Hereford

Hereford encounters occasional extremes that test resilience yet remain less severe than many global regions, including a record high of 38.0°C recorded in Bredenbury near Bromyard in July 2022 that stands as Herefordshire’s hottest day. 

Winters bring rare snowfalls and frosts exceeding 10 days monthly, while summers feature heat spikes above 25°C infrequently. Flooding represents the most recurrent hazard, amplified recently by Storm Chandra in January–February 2026 that caused widespread river overflows, school closures, business isolations, and transport disruptions across Herefordshire with heavy rain totals prompting numerous Environment Agency warnings. Moreover, strong winds from Atlantic storms occasionally down trees or disrupt power, and prolonged dry spells affect reservoirs, yet the overall record shows Hereford avoids prolonged heatwaves or deep freezes thanks to its maritime influence.

How Geography Shapes Hereford Weather

The city’s location in the Wye Valley lowlands surrounded by modest hills and proximity to the Bristol Channel and Atlantic actively moderates temperatures through oceanic air flows that prevent extreme highs or lows while channeling moisture that fuels steady rainfall. Prevailing westerlies carry damp air masses inland, which results in higher precipitation than eastern UK areas and frequent cloudiness, yet shelter from higher Welsh mountains to the west reduces wind extremes somewhat. 

Furthermore, the River Wye’s floodplain enhances flood risk during heavy rains by allowing rapid water level rises, which locals manage through defenses and monitoring, while fertile alluvial soils benefit from consistent moisture that supports high-quality pastureland and orchards.

Climate Change Effects on Hereford Weather

Climate change actively elevates average temperatures in Hereford, evident in the UK’s warmest year on record in 2025 at 10.09°C, which aligns with local trends showing warmer winters, fewer frost days, and intensified rainfall events that heighten flooding frequency along the Wye. Herefordshire Council pursues adaptation measures including improved flood resilience, sustainable land management, and community planning to counter more extreme downpours, droughts, and heat episodes projected for coming decades. 

Moreover, shifting seasons extend growing periods for agriculture beneficially but threaten biodiversity and infrastructure if storms intensify, which motivates residents and policymakers to invest in green initiatives, better drainage, and public awareness campaigns that build long-term preparedness without alarmism.

Practical Tips for Visitors: What to Pack and When to Go

Visitors maximize enjoyment in Hereford by targeting late spring through early autumn for outdoor activities when temperatures rise, sunshine peaks, and rainfall remains manageable, yet they find value in shoulder seasons for lower crowds and authentic experiences. Pack versatile layers including waterproof jackets, sturdy boots, quick-dry clothing, and umbrellas year-round because showers appear unpredictably, while adding thermal base layers, gloves, and hats for winter and breathable fabrics plus hats for summer sun protection. 

Furthermore, download Met Office and flood alert apps, monitor forecasts daily, and consider travel insurance covering weather disruptions, which allows flexible plans such as indoor cathedral tours or museum visits on wet days and riverside picnics on clear ones.

Daily Life and Activities Influenced by Hereford Weather

Hereford locals structure routines around the weather by prioritizing indoor work or covered markets during heavy rain, scheduling farm operations around drier spells, and hosting community events in summer when conditions favor gatherings. Tourists actively engage in weather-dependent pursuits like guided cathedral walks, cycling the Wye Valley, or cider tastings, adapting seamlessly with local advice to turn damp days into cozy pub explorations or misty photography sessions that capture the area’s timeless appeal. 

Additionally, schools and businesses maintain operations reliably thanks to mild overall conditions, fostering a resilient community spirit evident in flood response efforts and seasonal festivals.

Final Thoughts

Hereford weather offers a delightful, ever-changing tapestry of mild temperatures, refreshing rains, and seasonal beauty that enriches life for residents and creates memorable experiences for visitors when approached with preparation and appreciation. By understanding current forecasts, historical averages, seasonal nuances, geographic influences, and climate trends, anyone plans confidently and savors the best of this Herefordshire gem throughout 2026 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the current weather in Hereford look like in early 2026, and how should I prepare for a short visit right now?

Current conditions in Hereford during February 2026 feature mild temperatures around 5–7°C daytime highs with lows near 3–4°C under mostly overcast skies that deliver frequent light to heavy rain showers, elevated humidity, and moderate easterly winds gusting 20–27 mph, as influenced by recent Storm Chandra activity that has caused localized flooding along waterways like the River Wye and Dulas Brook. 

Travelers prepare effectively by wearing multiple insulating layers topped with fully waterproof jackets, trousers, and boots; carrying compact umbrellas or ponchos; checking real-time Met Office forecasts and Environment Agency flood maps multiple times daily; opting for indoor attractions such as Hereford Cathedral, museums, or covered markets on wetter days; and selecting accommodations with easy access to transport hubs to minimize exposure during gusty or rainy periods, which ensures comfort and safety while still allowing brief outdoor glimpses of the misty valley scenery when conditions briefly improve.

2. When is the best time of year to visit Hereford based on its weather patterns for outdoor activities and sightseeing?

The optimal window for Hereford visits spans from late May through early September when average highs climb to 18–20°C, sunshine hours peak at 7–8 daily, rainfall stays moderate around 60–67 mm per month, and winds ease to under 10 mph, Ruben Amorim  creating comfortable conditions for hiking Wye Valley trails, attending festivals, cycling countryside routes, picnicking by the river, or exploring gardens without excessive heat or cold. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) serve as excellent shoulder seasons offering milder crowds, blooming or colorful foliage, and still-reasonable weather with 5–7 sunshine hours and manageable showers that refresh the landscape, whereas winter demands more indoor focus due to shorter days, higher rain chances, and cooler 4–7°C temperatures; travelers therefore select based on priorities—peak summer warmth for maximal outdoor time or transitional seasons for authentic local vibes and value.

3. How much rainfall does Hereford typically receive each year, and which months are the wettest or driest?

Hereford accumulates approximately 793 mm of precipitation annually across roughly 100–120 days with measurable rain, distributed fairly evenly yet with noticeable peaks that influence planning, as October and November emerge as the wettest months receiving 75–76 mm each over 8–10 days amid rising cloud cover and strengthening winds, while How Many Bank  February stands out as the driest with about 55 mm spread over 8 days and March follows closely at 57 mm. 

Furthermore, summer months deliver 63–67 mm despite warmer temperatures, and winter sees 70–72 mm totals that combine with lower evaporation to heighten flood risks; visitors therefore anticipate showers year-round but pack accordingly and monitor forecasts, recognizing that this consistent moisture sustains the area’s lush pastures, orchards, and scenic beauty without creating desert-like dry periods.

4. What are the average temperatures in Hereford during each season, and how do they compare to other UK cities like London or Manchester?

Winter (December–February) averages 4–5°C overall with highs 6–7°C and lows 1–2°C; spring (March–May) rises to 8–12°C averages; summer (June–August) State Pension Surge peaks at 15–16°C with highs 18–20°C and lows 10–12°C; autumn (September–November) cools to 10–14°C. Hereford’s figures run slightly cooler and wetter than London due to its more westerly, rural position that invites Atlantic influences, yet milder than Manchester’s hillier, northern exposure which brings cooler summers and heavier orographic rainfall; moreover, Hereford avoids London’s urban heat island effect in summer while sharing the UK’s general mildness, making it ideal for those seeking balanced, less extreme conditions with fewer scorching days or deep freezes.

5. Has Hereford experienced any notable extreme weather events recently, such as major floods or heatwaves, and what records does it hold?

Hereford recorded its highest-ever temperature of 38.0°C in Bredenbury near Bromyard during July 2022, marking Herefordshire’s hottest day on official record, while winters feature occasional frosts exceeding 10 nights monthly and rare snow accumulations. 

Recently, Storm Chandra in early 2026 brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, widespread flooding that isolated businesses and closed schools in areas like Ewyas Harold, and multiple Environment Agency warnings along the River Wye, echoing patterns of intensified extreme precipitation linked to broader UK trends. Additionally, prolonged wet spells cause recurrent river overflows that locals manage through community alerts and defenses, Diddly Squat Farm underscoring Hereford’s vulnerability to Atlantic-driven storms despite overall temperate stability.

6. How is climate change impacting Hereford’s weather, and what steps is the local council taking to adapt?

Climate change drives gradual warming in Hereford, reflected in the UK’s 2025 record annual mean temperature of 10.09°C that exceeds prior benchmarks and correlates with fewer frost days, extended growing seasons, and more frequent intense rainfall events that elevate flooding risks along the Wye Valley. Summers grow slightly warmer with potential for heat spikes, while winters stay mild yet wetter, which stresses infrastructure and agriculture through alternating extremes of drought and deluge. 

Herefordshire Council actively responds by Noni Madueke enhancing flood resilience projects, promoting sustainable farming practices, updating planning policies to avoid high-risk development zones, investing in green infrastructure such as improved drainage and tree planting, and educating residents via community programs that build awareness and emergency preparedness, thereby fostering long-term sustainability without disrupting the area’s renowned quality of life.

7. What should I pack for a trip to Hereford in winter versus summer to stay comfortable?

For winter visits to Hereford, pack thermal base layers, fleece or insulated mid-layers, fully waterproof breathable outer jackets and trousers, warm Thomas Tuchel insulated boots or wellies with good grip for wet or frosty paths, wool socks, gloves, scarves, hats, and a compact umbrella or hood, plus portable hand warmers and quick-dry towels for damp conditions around 4–7°C with frequent rain. In summer, opt for lightweight breathable cotton or synthetic t-shirts and shorts, long-sleeve options for sun or evening chill, comfortable walking shoes or sandals that drain water, a light waterproof jacket for showers, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and insect repellent, while including versatile layers for variable 18–20°C days; furthermore, always include a daypack for extra items and check forecasts to adjust, ensuring adaptability to Hereford’s changeable maritime climate year-round.

8. How does Hereford’s geography influence its local weather patterns compared to other parts of the UK?

Hereford’s position in the low-lying Wye Valley surrounded by protective hills and its relative proximity to the Bristol Channel allow Atlantic westerlies to deliver consistent moisture and mild air masses that keep temperatures moderate without extreme 2026 Darts Schedule continental swings, resulting in higher annual rainfall (around 793 mm) and frequent cloudiness than eastern or southern England yet less severe gales or snow than northern uplands or Scottish regions. 

The River Wye floodplain amplifies flood potential during heavy rains by permitting rapid level rises, while valley topography can channel winds or create localized microclimates that enhance morning mists; consequently, Hereford enjoys milder winters and cooler summers than inland Midlands areas, supporting fertile agriculture and scenic tourism through reliable but not overwhelming weather that differs markedly from drier eastern counties or stormier western peninsulas.

9. Is Hereford weather suitable for families with children or elderly visitors, and what precautions help ensure comfort?

Hereford weather suits families and elderly Bryan Mbeumo visitors well because of its general mildness—rarely exceeding 20–21°C in summer or dropping below freezing for long periods in winter—with comfortable humidity and no extreme heat or cold that could cause distress, allowing safe outdoor play, gentle walks, or sightseeing most days. 

Precautions include monitoring forecasts for rain or wind to schedule indoor alternatives like cathedral visits or museums; dressing in easily adjustable layers; carrying portable rain covers, comfortable non-slip footwear, and mobility aids for wet surfaces; staying hydrated and resting in shade during any warmer spells; avoiding flood-prone river paths after heavy rain; and selecting accessible accommodations near amenities, which collectively enable enjoyable, low-stress trips that highlight the area’s family-friendly parks, farms, and cultural sites amid refreshing natural surroundings.

10. How does Hereford weather affect local agriculture, tourism events, and daily commuting, and what resources help residents and visitors stay informed?

Hereford weather directly supports robust Is Mohamed Salah agriculture through steady rainfall that nourishes pastures for famous Hereford cattle and orchards producing cider apples, yet excessive winter rains or summer dry spells require irrigation management and flood defenses to protect yields. Tourism events thrive in summer’s longer sunnier days for festivals and markets but shift indoors or shorten during wetter autumn/winter periods, prompting organizers to offer flexible ticketing or covered venues. Daily commuting involves extra caution on wet or windy roads, potential delays from flooding, and preferences for public transport or walking in mild conditions. 

Residents and visitors stay informed via the Met Office app and website for detailed forecasts and warnings, Environment Agency flood alerts, local council updates, BBC Weather or Hereford Times reports, and community social channels that provide real-time road closures or event adjustments, enabling proactive planning that minimizes disruptions and maximizes enjoyment of the region’s weather-influenced lifestyle

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