In Bristol, each season brings out a different side to the city’s personality. Find out what you can expect at every time of year in Bristol, from spring through to winter, and plan how to make the most of your trip.
Spring into action
With so many beautiful green spaces in and around the city starting to bloom, it’s the perfect season to stretch your legs and explore Bristol and its surrounding area on foot. Choose from a walk around one of the several pretty parks across the city, or head out to the beautiful South Gloucestershire and North Somerset countryside on Bristol’s doorstep. Here, you can enjoy stunning swathes of bluebells in ancient woodland, go for a long walk along lush green coastline, take in spectacular views atop sweeping hills, and much more.
Caught in an April shower? Take shelter at one of Bristol’s fantastic attractions, museums, and galleries, where you can discover more about what makes the city tick check out the latest art exhibitions. Find more ideas for a rainy day in Bristol.
Spring also marks the start of Bristol’s epic festival season, with Upfest and Love Saves the Day, both taking place in May.
Summer sensations
Bristol is the place to be in summer, with festivals galore across the city. Start the season with a week of great music on the Harbourside at Bristol Sounds in June, featuring acts spanning everything from pop to reggae and ska to rock. Then celebrate the city’s rich maritime heritage with dance, music, arts and great food and drink at the Bristol Harbour Festival in July, followed by the famous Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in August. Round out the season with a trip to the sustainability-focused FORWARDS festival, including thought-provoking talks and huge acts spanning a wide range of genres across two stages.
Autumn chills and thrills
As the nights draw in and the leaves fall, Bristol gears up to celebrate the key dates of this season, Halloween and Bonfire Night, in style. Step into one of the country’s biggest scare season events at Avon Valley’s FEAR Scream Park if you dare, pick your perfect pumpkin at one of the local patches, see the spooky side of Bristol’s attractions, and catch a Halloween-themed show at one of the city’s theatres. Mark Bonfire Night at one of the many spectacular family-friendly firework displays in and around Bristol.
Winter wonders
Winter in Bristol begins with a flurry of festive cheer. Head to Bristol Christmas Market on Broadmead for a spot of holiday shopping (and maybe even a German sausage or two!), experience awesome light trails, catch a festive theatre show, or try one of the several other special Christmas events which pop up across the city every year.
There’s plenty more to do long after the presents have been opened and the Christmas meals devoured, with Bristol’s hotels, bars, pubs, and clubs celebrating New Year's Eve with all-night parties and celebrations to remember. Don’t miss the beloved Bristol Light Festival in February, adding colour and light to city centre landmarks on dark midwinter nights.
