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When is the best time to visit United Kingdom?

Travel advisory

The information on this page is based on historical averages and may not reflect current conditions. Please check with local authorities for the latest travel advice.

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The best time to visit the UK is between May and September, and in December. Take advantage of the warmer mid-year weather to enjoy some of the UK’s most popular events, or get in the festive spirit with a winter break.

The months of May to September in the UK bring some surprisingly warm weather, blue skies and long days. Join the locals in the sunshine for major sporting events, festivals and parades. You might get caught in the occasional downpour – but that’s all part of a visit to the UK. Come December, the UK turns into a winter wonderland in preparation for the festive season. The weather outside might be frightful, but the cosy pubs, comfort food and Christmas markets should have you feeling all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

Monthly weather and travel tips for United Kingdom

December’s Christmas festivities may have come and gone, but there are still a handful of reasons to celebrate in the UK in January. Grey skies and plenty of drizzle will do their best to dampen spirits, so an umbrella and a raincoat are essential at this time of year.

The new year in the UK begins with the London Parade – when marching bands and troupes of scouts liven up the streets of the West End. Elsewhere in the UK, 25 January sees Scotland raise a glass to the life and works of poet Robert Burns. When you’re not celebrating with the locals, the wetter January weather lends itself perfectly to exploring some of the UK’s fascinating museums and art galleries.

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The weather is usually at its coldest in the UK inFebruary, so it’s the best time to visit if you’re hoping for snow – particularly in Scotland, where there’s a chance you can catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights too.

With temperatures low and some rainy forecasts, the February events calendar in the UK may be on the quiet side, but the Six Nations Rugby Championship will be in full swing. International home games are played in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. There’s also the chance to embrace York’s rich history and heritage with the Yorvik Viking Festival. If it’s getting a bit too chilly outside, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and pubs to cosy up in across the UK.

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Flowers beginning to blossom offer a hint of the warmer months ahead, but average March temperatures in the UK tend to stay around a cool high of 10°C. This can easily drop down to the early single digits, so best to be on the safe side with an umbrella and warm clothing.

The start of spring brings with it a host of events, like the week of traditional Irish and Celtic music as part of Belfast's Féile an Earraigh festival. Saints’ days are also cause for celebration in March. Watch parades and concerts in Wales for St. David’s Day, or join in with neighbouring Ireland’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Belfast, London and cities all over the UK.

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An umbrella is always a good idea in the UK, particularly with plenty of April showers in the weather forecasts. These intermittent bursts of rain do make way for warmer temperatures, sunnier skies and fresh air typical of spring in the UK – ideal conditions for walks and hikes in the countryside.

Make the most of the warmer weather by watching – or even taking part in – the London Marathon, or cheering on your favourite team as the Scottish Premiership draws to a close. With the English Premier League also nearing its final games, it’s easy to get swept up in sports – but save some time for other April activities too. There’s a week-long literary festival in Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford, the annual Belfast Film Festival, and music and comedy during Wales’s Laugharne Weekend.

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With the weather well warmed up, the UK takes to the outdoors for shows, football finals and all kinds of festivals. Public holidays in England at either end of May mean roads and public places get busier, as locals take advantage of the last month of spring and its longer days.

A big date on the calendar for many football fans in England is the FA Cup Final, decided on a (hopefully) sunny Saturday at Wembley Stadium. Elsewhere in the country, you’ll have a choice of festivals and shows, from three weeks of art performances in Brighton, to the Lake District’s Kenswick Mountain Festival and the beautiful Chelsea Flower Show. Wales’s Hay Festival is a must for art and literature lovers, while Belfast puts runners through their paces on the first Sunday of May each year.

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Both hot weather and a busy events calendar make June one of the best times to visit the UK. With festival season and the pub garden scene in full swing, you’ll want to pack some sun cream for the long sessions outside in the British and Northern Irish summertime.

June’s festivals are some of the hottest tickets around in the UK. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the likes of Glasgow’s West End Festival, the Gŵyl Gregynog classical music fest in Wales, the Isle of Wight Festival and the legendary Glastonbury. Festivals aside, Pride events and the Trooping the Colour ceremony should both be high up on your to-do list in London – as should lying back and enjoying the weather in parks dotted around the UK.

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As the UK’s hottest month, July brings long days filled with all kinds of fun outdoor activities. Sun cream is recommended, whether you’re sightseeing in the city, exploring the countryside or chilling on the beach.

Tennis fever grips the UK as world-class competitors battle it out on the grass courts at Wimbledon – cheering on your favourite player while gorging on strawberries and cream is an essential British summertime experience. Up in the north of England, locals celebrate all things agricultural at the Great Yorkshire Show, while Wales puts on a show of its own with the week-long International Musical Eisteddfod festival. If you’re in Scotland, expect some crowds in the seaside towns as the school holidays begin, and an even bigger turnout across the North Channel for Belfast Pride.

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The UK may be into its last month of summer in August, but the jovial atmosphere shows no sign of slowing down. The weather plays its part too, with average temperatures coming in at a daily high of 21°C. Pack plenty of sun cream, especially if you’re in the more southerly spots where temperatures can creep into the high 20s, and even into the early 30s.

August is a busy festival period up and down the UK, so it’s worth checking ahead so you can either join the parties or steer clear of the busier roads around the cities hosting them. The likes of Reading, Leeds, Brecon Beacons and Edinburgh are all home to major festivals in August. Never one to miss out, London also hosts its own party in the form of Notting Hill Carnival, while in Liverpool you can celebrate the city’s greatest musical export during International Beatleweek.

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September sees the weather start to cool and leaves start to fall as the UK enters autumn. Milder temperatures make it an ideal time of year to roam around the countryside and admire the trees as they change to an array of reds, oranges and yellows.

For something a little more fast-paced, there’s Tyneside’s Great North Run – the biggest half-marathon in the world when it comes to the number of runners – or the 44-mile mountain bike course that makes up the Brecon Beast. After challenging outdoor pursuits like these, it’s important to wrap up warm as the evening temperatures drop – head down to the catwalks at London Fashion Week to get some tips on autumn and winter wear from leading designers and fashion figures.

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The UK is well into autumn by October, so expect grey skies, chilly weather and rain. The locals don’t let that stop them from getting out and about for Halloween parties, food festivals and countryside walks though. With a raincoat on and an umbrella in hand, you should be well equipped to join them and take in the best of the UK in autumn.

If you don’t mind the rain, there’s plenty that makes the UK worth a visit at this time of year. London rolls out the red carpet for its annual Film Festival, the homely Belfast pubs will look all the more inviting and your photos of Edinburgh landmarks will have an effortlessly cool, moody vibe.

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Short days, dreary skies and lots of rain doesn't make the UK the most attractive place to visit in November. But with cold weather come less crowds, making exploring the UK’s cities, sites and landmarks that little bit easier.

One event bringing some warmth and colour to the otherwise grey skies of the UK is Guy Fawkes Night on 5 November, when locals commemorate a failed treason attempt with fireworks, bonfires and sparklers. Remembrance Day on 11 November is an important date in the UK, with fallen soldiers honoured with moments of silence and commemorative events. The city streets start to fill up towards the end of November in the lead up to Black Friday sales – whether you want to brave the crowds to pick up some bargains or stay well away from the busy shopping areas is up to you.

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December in the UK revolves mainly around the Christmas and New Year celebrations towards the end of the month. Festive cheer might have you feeling warm inside, but a thick jacket and gloves are a good idea too to ward off the winter cold.

You’re likely to see Christmas lights whichever city you’re in – most will have been on since November – but the shop windows and sparkling illuminations along London’s Oxford Street are real showstoppers. If you’ve got all your Christmas shopping sorted already, then head to Winter Wonderland – in London or Cardiff – for all kinds of festive activities, like ice skating, fairground rides and mulled wine drinking. The nation’s New Year parties will be just around the corner – see out the year with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne during Scotland’s Hogmanay celebration.

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Weather and temperature in United Kingdom

For the best weather during your trip to the UK, visit between May and September. While sunny skies are never certain, these months – July and August in particular – are the warmest across all regions in the UK. You’ll feel the heat most in England, where temperatures can reach into the thirties, while Wales and Northern Ireland tend to have slightly cooler climates. In contrast, temperatures drop in December – most noticeably in Scotland, which is your best bet if you’re after some snow.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
London High 9°C 8°C 11°C 14°C 17°C 20°C 23°C 22°C 19°C 16°C 12°C 10°C
Low 4°C 3°C 5°C 7°C 9°C 12°C 15°C 14°C 12°C 10°C 7°C 5°C
Rainfall 20 days 16 days 17 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 16 days 19 days 20 days 20 days
Manchester High 7°C 6°C 9°C 11°C 14°C 17°C 20°C 19°C 16°C 13°C 10°C 8°C
Low 2°C 2°C 2°C 4°C 7°C 10°C 12°C 12°C 9°C 8°C 5°C 4°C
Rainfall 20 days 16 days 17 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 16 days 19 days 20 days 20 days
Edinburgh High 7°C 7°C 9°C 11°C 13°C 16°C 19°C 18°C 16°C 13°C 9°C 8°C
Low 2°C 2°C 2°C 4°C 6°C 9°C 11°C 11°C 9°C 6°C 4°C 3°C
Rainfall 20 days 16 days 17 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 16 days 19 days 20 days 20 days
Liverpool High 8°C 7°C 10°C 12°C 15°C 17°C 20°C 19°C 17°C 15°C 11°C 9°C
Low 4°C 3°C 3°C 5°C 8°C 11°C 14°C 13°C 11°C 9°C 6°C 5°C
Rainfall 20 days 16 days 17 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 16 days 19 days 20 days 20 days
Glasgow High 7°C 7°C 9°C 11°C 14°C 16°C 19°C 18°C 16°C 13°C 9°C 8°C
Low 2°C 2°C 3°C 4°C 6°C 9°C 11°C 11°C 9°C 7°C 4°C 3°C
Rainfall 20 days 16 days 17 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 16 days 19 days 20 days 20 days
Birmingham High 8°C 7°C 10°C 13°C 15°C 18°C 22°C 20°C 18°C 14°C 10°C 9°C
Low 2°C 1°C 2°C 4°C 7°C 10°C 12°C 12°C 9°C 8°C 5°C 4°C
Rainfall 20 days 16 days 17 days 16 days 15 days 14 days 15 days 16 days 16 days 19 days 20 days 20 days

Weather data provided by Forecast.io

Cost of stay in United Kingdom

Want to travel smart? Here, you can check out the cost of stay in the United Kingdom for each month.

    0 53 106 159 212
  • £115 Jan
  • £125 Feb
  • £131 Mar
  • £142 Apr
  • £150 May
  • £162 Jun
  • £161 Jul
  • £150 Aug
  • £154 Sept
  • £147 Oct
  • £150 Nov
  • £166 Dec
    0 53 106 159 212
  • £110 Jan
  • £118 Feb
  • £129 Mar
  • £140 Apr
  • £157 May
  • £166 Jun
  • £169 Jul
  • £163 Aug
  • £151 Sept
  • £148 Oct
  • £148 Nov
  • £173 Dec
    0 53 106 159 212
  • £27 Jan
  • £31 Feb
  • £35 Mar
  • £39 Apr
  • £47 May
  • £49 Jun
  • £52 Jul
  • £53 Aug
  • £42 Sept
  • £40 Oct
  • £38 Nov
  • £46 Dec
    0 53 106 159 212
  • £117 Jan
  • £124 Feb
  • £135 Mar
  • £142 Apr
  • £157 May
  • £161 Jun
  • £174 Jul
  • £181 Aug
  • £153 Sept
  • £147 Oct
  • £138 Nov
  • £172 Dec
    0 53 106 159 212
  • £80 Jan
  • £86 Feb
  • £93 Mar
  • £98 Apr
  • £100 May
  • £103 Jun
  • £106 Jul
  • £107 Aug
  • £103 Sept
  • £96 Oct
  • £90 Nov
  • £99 Dec

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