Estimated climatological averages for 1971-2000

These averages have been estimated using long term records for Teignmouth and Princetown and then checked against nearby Yarner Wood for consistency. Haytor is almost precisely midway between Teignmouth and Princetown, so the averages have been derived by interpolating linearly in height above sea level.

In addition to the estimated averages here is our experience of other various weather elements:

WIND - Haytor is relatively sheltered for winds from all directions except from the easterly sector. To the east there is a long sea fetch along the English Channel from Belgium. Thus easterly winds tend to be the strongest and most damaging. However, depressions can still bring periods of westerly or southwesterly gales at times.

RAIN - rain falls often and in copious quantities, although not as much as on the western side of Dartmoor. Often it consists of many small droplets and drizzle is common.

SHOWERS - these occur at all times of the year and tend to be most frequent from mid-morning to early evening. Haytor tends to miss the heaviest of the showers in north or northwest airflows as they preferably run down the Teign valley to the east. In westerly winds the high moor gives shelter but frequent showers can occur from other directions. Rainbows are common and are often vivid and double.

SNOW - Major, disruptive snowfalls are very rare. The deepest snowfalls occur when the wind is ENE with a front to the south. The last one of this type was on 11/3/04 when there was a genuine blizzard and 9cm level snow with 40cm drifts on exposed roads. However, smaller falls of 1-2 cm in northerly airstreams are not uncommon but these tend to melt during the day. Sleet or wet snow 'falling but not settling' occurs quite often in winter. The level for lying snow seems to be around 230m asl with places below that seeing very little.

FROST - Very low temperatures are rare but days with penetrating frosts with temperatures just below freezing accompanied by wind are not uncommon. On the exposed moor wind chill needs to be considered if out walking in winter. Autumn and late spring frosts seem to be infrequent. Generally there is usually too much wind and cloud for persistent frosts.

THUNDERSTORMS - These can occur at any time of year and can be spectacular in winter. Major storms are rare, however, in summer local storms occasionally develop just to the east giving torrential downpours. Very occasionally high level thunderstorms will migrate north from France, usually overnight and early in the morning.

SUNSHINE - During summer most sunshine occurs early in the morning and in the evenings. During the day cloud often builds over the moors while the coast stays clear. Anticyclones and ridges often bring the longest sunny spells.

FOG - Hill fog is common at all times of the year but especially in autumn and winter in southwesterly airflows when it can be dense and long lasting. Quite often radiation fog can occur lower down but remain wonderfully clear at Haytor above the temperature inversion.

CLOUDS - Clouds of all types are commonly observed. Sunrises can be spectacular and lighting effects can be dramatic at any time of the year. Cumulonimbus anvils are frequently observed, especially in winter and spring.