Airfield climate data

Access airfield climate statistics at 47 UK airports, including occurrence of LVPs, temperature, cloud cover, weather types, visibility and wind.

The statistics on these pages are derived from weather observations made over a number of years by meteorological observers at each airfield.

Graphs of averages are then produced which help you understand the data. So, for example, the wind rose will show you the prevailing wind at each site. This will show you how often on average you might have problems with crosswinds. By looking at the different sites, you will be able to determine which of several airfields will best meet your needs.

This data is historical and provides an indication of average weather conditions at each site, consequently valid pre-flight briefing documentation still needs to be obtained for each flight.

The Charts

Occurrence of LVPs

(Low Visibility Procedures) - When the cloud base and/or surface visibility fall below certain limits (for example 1,500 m for visibility and 300 ft for cloud*), the operating conditions at the airport change and new rules are imposed. Some aircraft have restricted use in LVP conditions.

*airports are able to determine their own LVP thresholds, so these statistics should be regarded as a broad guide.

Temperature

This shows the percentage of occasions that the daily maximum temperature fell within certain ranges, by month. The sum total of these ranges always equals 100%. Temperatures are useful to pilots when considering fuel loads and icing.

Cloud-base Occurence

This displays the frequency occurrence, since the record began, that a cloud base (over half cover) fell below certain altitudes, by month. The relevance to pilots is due to the fact that their operating minima involves cloud bases.

Weather Percentage

This shows the percentage of days that certain important weather conditions were reported, by month. Weather such as fog, thunderstorms and snow are all important for pilots.

Visibility Percentage

This shows the percentage of occasions that the minimum visibility fell below certain limits, by month. Aircraft have operating minima and one criterion is visibility.

Wind Rose

This is a graphical representation showing the relationship between the frequency and speed of wind from compass point directions. Wind is important to pilots for example, when assessing likely cross wind components (the wind coming perpendicularly across the landing area, as opposed to headwind/tailwind). Operating conditions are reduced with crosswinds.