When to go · Barnstaple
Barnstaple in December
Mixed month. Outside the best window (May–Sep). Across United Kingdom: Christmas markets and shows; transport stops on the 25th and hotels spike around New Year.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) / 3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 12
- Crowds
- Medium
- United Kingdom overall
- Prices
- High
- United Kingdom overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (May–Sep). Across United Kingdom: Christmas markets and shows; transport stops on the 25th and hotels spike around New Year.
Is another month better than December?
December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
Weather in December
- BarnstapleHighs around 10 °C (50 °F), lows around 3 °C (37 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 50 °F (10 °C), lows around 37 °F (3 °C), rain on about 12 days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day (substitute 28 Dec) big impact
25–28 Dec 2026 · United Kingdom
No trains or Tube on Christmas Day; reduced service on Boxing Day; most shops and sights closed on the 25th.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · United Kingdom overall
- Medium
- Prices · United Kingdom overall
- High
United Kingdom overall: Christmas markets and shows; transport stops on the 25th and hotels spike around New Year.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Barnstaple, side by side.
Verdict
Dec: Mixed
May: Great (better)
Daytime high
Dec: 10 °C (50 °F)50 °F (10 °C)
May: 18 °C (64 °F)64 °F (18 °C)
Night low
Dec: 3 °C (37 °F)37 °F (3 °C)
May: 9 °C (48 °F)48 °F (9 °C)
Rain days
Dec: 12
May: 6 (better)
Crowds
Dec: Medium
May: Medium
Prices
Dec: High
May: Medium
Festivals listed
Dec: 1
May: 0
December: Outside the best window (May–Sep). Across United Kingdom: Christmas markets and shows; transport stops on the 25th and hotels spike around New Year.
May: Inside Barnstaple's best window: May–Sep.
Barnstaple: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast