Morecambe, a coastal town in Lancashire, England, experiences a temperate maritime climate heavily influenced by the Irish Sea. Its location on Morecambe Bay means mild winters, cool summers, and moderate rainfall year-round. This guide provides a month-by-month breakdown of average rainfall, temperature, and daylight hours, drawing on long-term Met Office data (1991–2020 normals) for the nearest weather station at Hazelrigg, approximately 3 miles inland. For real-time conditions, see our Morecambe weather forecast page.
Annual Climate Summary
Morecambe's climate is classified as Cfb (oceanic) under the Köppen system. Average annual rainfall is around 1,100 mm, with October to January being the wettest months. Mean daily temperatures range from 4.5°C in January to 16.5°C in August. Daylight hours vary from 7.5 hours in December to 17 hours in June. The town receives about 1,500 hours of sunshine per year, below the UK average due to frequent cloud cover from the Irish Sea. For a broader perspective, read our Morecambe climate guide.
Winter (December – February)
December
December is the darkest month, with sunrise around 08:20 and sunset near 15:50, giving only about 7.5 hours of daylight. Average temperatures range from a low of 3.0°C to a high of 7.5°C. Rainfall averages 120 mm over 18 rainy days. Frost occurs on 8–10 nights. The sea temperature drops to 8°C, making coastal walks brisk. For festive events, see Morecambe Christmas market.
January
January is the coldest month, with mean daily minimum of 2.5°C and maximum of 7.0°C. Daylight remains short at 8 hours (08:15 to 16:15). Rainfall is 115 mm over 17 days. Snow is rare (2–3 days of lying snow), but frost occurs on 10–12 nights. The sea temperature is 7°C. Wind speeds average 20 km/h, often from the west.
February
February sees slightly milder temperatures: 2.8°C to 8.0°C. Daylight increases to 10 hours (07:35 to 17:15). Rainfall drops to 90 mm over 14 days. Frost frequency declines to 8 nights. The first signs of spring appear with snowdrops in local parks. Sea temperature remains at 7°C.
Spring (March – May)
March
March marks the transition to spring. Average temperatures: 4.0°C to 10.0°C. Daylight reaches 12 hours (06:45 to 18:15). Rainfall is 95 mm over 15 days. Winds moderate, and frost becomes less frequent (5 nights). Sea temperature slowly rises to 8°C. The spring equinox around 20 March brings equal day and night.
April
April brings more warmth: 5.5°C to 12.5°C. Daylight extends to 14 hours (06:00 to 20:00). Rainfall averages 75 mm over 13 days – one of the drier months. Sea temperature climbs to 9°C. Garden centres like Morecambe Bay Garden Centre stock spring bedding plants. For outdoor activities, check Morecambe Bay walks.
May
May is pleasant, with temperatures 8.5°C to 16.0°C. Daylight lasts 16 hours (05:15 to 21:00). Rainfall is 70 mm over 12 days. Sea temperature reaches 11°C. The risk of frost passes by mid-May. Sunshine hours peak at 6 hours per day. The Morecambe Carnival often takes place in late May.
Summer (June – August)
June
June has the longest daylight: 17 hours (04:40 to 21:45). Average temperatures: 11.5°C to 18.5°C. Rainfall is 80 mm over 13 days. Sea temperature rises to 14°C. The summer solstice around 21 June brings civil twilight until 23:00. This is a popular month for beach visits and events like the Morecambe Bay Festival.
July
July is the warmest month on average: 13.5°C to 20.0°C. Daylight reduces slightly to 16.5 hours (05:00 to 21:30). Rainfall is 85 mm over 14 days. Sea temperature peaks at 16°C. Thunderstorms occur on 2–3 days. Ice cream sales surge at Morecambe Promenade kiosks.
August
August remains warm: 13.0°C to 19.5°C. Daylight 15 hours (05:45 to 20:45). Rainfall 95 mm over 15 days. Sea temperature holds at 16°C. The Morecambe Air Show in mid-August attracts large crowds. Evenings start to cool, with temperatures dropping to 11°C by month-end.
Autumn (September – November)
September
September sees a gradual cooling: 10.5°C to 17.0°C. Daylight 12.5 hours (06:45 to 19:15). Rainfall 100 mm over 15 days. Sea temperature remains 15°C. The autumn equinox around 22 September brings equal day and night. This is a good month for Morecambe birdwatching as migratory birds pass through.
October
October is wet: average rainfall 125 mm over 18 days – the wettest month. Temperatures: 7.5°C to 13.0°C. Daylight 10.5 hours (07:45 to 18:00). Sea temperature drops to 13°C. Storms from the Atlantic can bring gale-force winds. The Morecambe Halloween Parade takes place on 31 October.
November
November brings winter's approach: 4.5°C to 9.5°C. Daylight 8.5 hours (08:15 to 16:45). Rainfall 120 mm over 18 days. Frost returns (6–8 nights). Sea temperature falls to 10°C. The Morecambe Bonfire Night on 5 November is a local highlight.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Clothing: Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket are essential year-round. In winter, bring a warm coat, hat, and gloves. In summer, a light jacket is still useful for evenings.
- Best time to visit: May to September for warmer weather and longer days. July and August are busiest but also host most festivals.
- Rainfall: Even in drier months, carry an umbrella. October is the wettest; December and January also see frequent rain.
- Daylight: In December, plan outdoor activities between 10:00 and 15:00. In June, enjoy extended daylight until 22:00.
- Tides: Morecambe Bay has a large tidal range – check tide times before walking on the sands. See our Morecambe tide times guide.
For a deeper dive into seasonal activities, browse our Morecambe travel guide. For historical weather data, the Met Office provides free downloads from the Hazelrigg station (Station ID: 12345).