Raspberry Pi Pico BMP280: Read temp and pressure

Video Tutorial (Optional)

Watch first if you want to follow the full Raspberry Pi Pico/Pico W + BMP280 setup in real time.

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Project Overview

In this tutorial you connect a Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W to a BMP280 sensor to read temperature and atmospheric pressure in MicroPython, using Thonny to run the code and print values over USB.

The BMP280 is a simple, low-cost sensor that works well for environmental monitoring projects like weather stations and altitude tracking.

Time: 20 to 40 minutes
Skill level: Beginner
What you will build: A Pico/Pico W project that reads BMP280 temperature and pressure over I2C and prints the results

Note: This guide uses I2C with SDA = GP0 and SCL = GP1 and an example BMP280 I2C address of 0x76. Your module may use a different address.

Parts List

From ShillehTek

BMP280 sensor (pre-soldered option mentioned) - the temperature and pressure sensor used in this project

External

Raspberry Pi Pico or Pico W - the MicroPython microcontroller board
Jumper wires - connect the Pico to the BMP280 pins
Breadboard (optional) - easier solderless wiring
Computer with Thonny IDE and MicroPython support - to copy files and run code
USB cable for the Pico - power and serial output

Note: Power the BMP280 from the Pico 3.3V and GND, and use I2C for data (SDA/SCL). Do not power typical BMP280 breakout boards from 5V unless your specific module is designed for it.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 - Physical setup and wiring

Goal: Wire the BMP280 to the Raspberry Pi Pico/Pico W so it can communicate over I2C.

What to do: Use your soldered BMP280, jumper wires, and an optional breadboard. Connect the sensor to the Pico as shown in the wiring diagram.

When you move to the code in later steps, the example uses SDA = GP0 and SCL = GP1, so wire your BMP280 SDA/SCL to those pins if you want to match the code exactly.

Raspberry Pi Pico wired to a BMP280 sensor module on a breadboard using jumper wires — Wiring diagram for connecting the BMP280 sensor to a Raspberry Pi Pico/Pico W.

Expected result: The BMP280 is powered from 3.3V/GND and connected to the Pico I2C pins you plan to use.

Step 2 - Download and install the BMP280 library

Goal: Install the MicroPython BMP280 library on the Pico so your script can import it.

What to do: Download the library ZIP from GitHub: here.

Extract the ZIP, then locate the bmp280 folder inside the extracted contents.

Connect your Pico to your computer so it shows up as a storage device. In the Pico root, look for a folder named lib. If it does not exist, create it.

Copy the contents of the library's bmp280 folder into /lib on the Pico.

MicroPython BMP280 library folder copied into the lib directory on a Raspberry Pi Pico — Example of placing the bmp280 library files into the Pico /lib folder.

Expected result: The Pico filesystem contains a /lib folder with the BMP280 library files inside, and MicroPython can import them.

Step 3 - Run the sample code to read temperature and pressure

Goal: Read BMP280 measurements and print temperature (C) and pressure (hPa) repeatedly.

What to do: The complete code used in the video is referenced here: https://github.com/shillehbean/youtube-perks-level-1.

If you are not a channel member, follow along in the video to copy the simple sample code and understand each part of the setup.

Code:

from machine import Pin, I2C
from utime import sleep
from bmp280 import BMP280I2C

# I2C0 on the Pico: SDA=GP0, SCL=GP1
i2c0 = I2C(0, sda=Pin(0), scl=Pin(1), freq=400000)

# Address may differ depending on your specific sensor module
bmp280_i2c = BMP280I2C(i2c0, 0x76)

while True:
    readout = bmp280_i2c.measurements
    print(f"Temperature: {readout['t']} C")
    print(f"Pressure: {readout['p']} hPa")
    sleep(1)

Expected result: In the Thonny console (or serial output), you see updated temperature and pressure readings about once per second.

Conclusion

You now have a Raspberry Pi Pico/Pico W reading temperature and atmospheric pressure from a BMP280 sensor using MicroPython over I2C. This is a solid starting point for environmental monitoring projects like weather stations and altitude tracking.

Want the exact parts used in this build? Grab them from ShillehTek.com. If you want help customizing this project or building an IoT solution for your product, check out our IoT consulting services. You can also hire me here: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~017060e77e9d8a1157.