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When is the best time to visit United Kingdom?

Travel advisory

The info on this page is based on historical averages and might not reflect current conditions. 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 holiday 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 holiday season. The weather outside might be frightful, but the cozy 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. Gray skies and plenty of drizzle will do their best to dampen spirits, so an umbrella and 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, January sees Scotland raise a glass to the life and work 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 cozy 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 50ºF. This can easily drop down to the 30s, so it’s best to be on the safe side with an umbrella and warm clothing.

The start of spring brings a lot 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 neighboring 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 forecast. These intermittent bursts of rain 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 favorite 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, soccer finals, and all kinds of festivals. National 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 to the test 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 sunscreen 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 have lots of options 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 Color ceremony should both be high on your to-do list in London, as well as kicking 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. Sunscreen 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 favorite player while eating 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 breaks 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 70ºF. Pack plenty of sunscreen, especially if you’re in the more southern spots where temperatures can creep into the mid 70s and even into the high 80s.

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 starting to cool and leaves beginning 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 bundle up 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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Events in United Kingdom in September

First day of Sukkot

September 30, 2023

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 going out 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 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, mysterious vibe.

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Events in United Kingdom in October

Halloween

October 31, 2023

Simchat Torah

October 8, 2023

Shemini Atzeret

October 7, 2023

Hoshana Rabbah

October 6, 2023

Feast of St Francis of Assisi

October 4, 2023

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

One event bringing some warmth and color to the otherwise grey skies of the UK is Guy Fawkes Night on November 5, when locals commemorate a failed treason attempt with fireworks, bonfires, and sparklers. Remembrance Day on November 11 is an important date in the UK, honoring fallen soldiers 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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Events in United Kingdom in November

St Andrew's Day

November 30, 2023

Diwali/Deepavali

November 13, 2023

Remembrance Sunday

November 12, 2023

Guy Fawkes Day

November 5, 2023

All Souls' Day

November 2, 2023

All Saints' Day

November 1, 2023

December in the UK mainly revolves around Christmas and New Year celebrations towards the end of the month. Holiday cheer might have you feeling warm inside, but a thick jacket and gloves are also a good idea 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 lights along London’s Oxford Street are real showstoppers. If you’ve already finished all your Christmas shopping, then head to Winter Wonderland—in London or Cardiff—for all kinds of holiday activities, like ice skating, carnival rides, and drinking mulled wine. The nation’s New Year parties will be just around the corner. Close out the year with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne during Scotland’s Hogmanay celebration.

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Events in United Kingdom in December

Boxing Day

December 26, 2023

Christmas Day

December 25, 2023

New Year's Eve

December 31, 2023

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2023

December Solstice

December 22, 2023

Last day of Hanukkah

December 15, 2023

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 8, 2023

First Day of Hanukkah

December 8, 2023

First Sunday of Advent

December 3, 2023

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 80s, 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 Sep Oct Nov Dec
London High 48°F 46°F 53°F 57°F 62°F 68°F 74°F 72°F 67°F 61°F 53°F 51°F
Low 39°F 38°F 40°F 44°F 49°F 54°F 59°F 58°F 53°F 50°F 45°F 42°F
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 44°F 43°F 48°F 52°F 57°F 62°F 68°F 65°F 61°F 56°F 49°F 47°F
Low 36°F 35°F 36°F 40°F 45°F 50°F 54°F 53°F 49°F 46°F 41°F 38°F
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 44°F 45°F 48°F 51°F 56°F 61°F 66°F 65°F 61°F 55°F 49°F 46°F
Low 36°F 35°F 36°F 38°F 43°F 48°F 52°F 51°F 48°F 43°F 38°F 37°F
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 46°F 45°F 49°F 54°F 58°F 63°F 68°F 67°F 63°F 58°F 52°F 49°F
Low 39°F 37°F 38°F 41°F 47°F 52°F 56°F 56°F 51°F 48°F 44°F 41°F
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 44°F 44°F 48°F 52°F 56°F 62°F 66°F 64°F 60°F 55°F 49°F 46°F
Low 36°F 36°F 37°F 38°F 43°F 49°F 52°F 52°F 48°F 44°F 39°F 37°F
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 46°F 44°F 50°F 55°F 60°F 65°F 71°F 69°F 64°F 58°F 51°F 49°F
Low 36°F 35°F 36°F 39°F 45°F 50°F 54°F 54°F 49°F 46°F 41°F 39°F
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 average cost of accommodations per night in the United Kingdom.

    0 50 100 150 200
  • $139 Jan
  • $153 Feb
  • $159 Mar
  • $176 Apr
  • $186 May
  • $197 Jun
  • $197 Jul
  • $183 Aug
  • $193 Sep
  • $173 Oct
  • $175 Nov
  • $189 Dec
    0 50 100 150 200
  • $145 Jan
  • $159 Feb
  • $168 Mar
  • $189 Apr
  • $189 May
  • $192 Jun
  • $198 Jul
  • $193 Aug
  • $177 Sep
  • $178 Oct
  • $179 Nov
  • $204 Dec
    0 50 100 150 200
  • $37 Jan
  • $43 Feb
  • $47 Mar
  • $57 Apr
  • $58 May
  • $59 Jun
  • $58 Jul
  • $60 Aug
  • $51 Sep
  • $49 Oct
  • $46 Nov
  • $54 Dec
    0 50 100 150 200
  • $151 Jan
  • $160 Feb
  • $164 Mar
  • $187 Apr
  • $190 May
  • $189 Jun
  • $204 Jul
  • $211 Aug
  • $179 Sep
  • $173 Oct
  • $164 Nov
  • $201 Dec
    0 50 100 150 200
  • $98 Jan
  • $105 Feb
  • $108 Mar
  • $119 Apr
  • $123 May
  • $126 Jun
  • $128 Jul
  • $130 Aug
  • $125 Sep
  • $113 Oct
  • $107 Nov
  • $117 Dec

The best places to visit in United Kingdom

Check out some of the most popular cities, places to visit, and things to do in United Kingdom!

What other travelers say about their trips to United Kingdom

More inspiration for your United Kingdom trip