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.
Read moreThe 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.
More about the best time to visit United Kingdom
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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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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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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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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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
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 | ||
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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.
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!
London
Popular in December
Sightseeing, Museums, Shopping
Manchester
Popular in December
Shopping, Restaurants, Nightlife
Edinburgh
Popular in August
History, Castles, Old Town
Liverpool
Popular in July
Shopping, Friendly People, Atmosphere
Glasgow
Popular in July
Shopping, Restaurants, Friendly People
Birmingham
Popular in December
Shopping, Restaurants, Food
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Enjoyed the mix of old and new architecture in the city! Friendly and helpful people - LOTS of choices for pubs/restaurants Public transit is super easy to figure out - taxis are abundant Central train station is great for trips to other cities - such as Edinburgh - are easy to plan. AS a single traveler - good public transit was a must!! No need to rent a car....
nice qwiet & green area with a local pub right next door
See the Dover Museum with its bronze age sailing ship. Visit Cliffs of Dover & surrounding area like Canterbury town and the Cathedral.
Location was very convenient for commuting to other places. Central location also for shopping.
Great town with plenty do do. Coffee shops, shopping, restaurants and the people were very friendly
My home town but left it in 1978. Typical large town with nothing exceptional about it but nothing truly awful. Average sums it up for me. However very well placed to visit many of Kents numerous attractions & famous places, so a good central base to explore locations in any direction from the town you choose to take.
I enjoyed it, it was easy to get to the o2 arena but I didnt like the tube but thats because it was noisy. Canary wharf had lots of beautiful statues and was very clean. Only thing I didn't like a drink I bought but had no bin to empty it in but lots of recycling bins.i went to 2 nice korean restaurants, one was further down canary wharf but the bus is really easy to get to and from the main area and it was very nice 3kobros and the other was seoul bird.
A lovely place although we didn't have time to explore after our days out so will visit again
Excellent urban destination with seaport history and great amenites.
Great place to visit for some peace and quiet, lovely little village with some great independent shops.
The visit was primarily to see old friend. Needed overnight stay after 4 hour drive + visit. The Olive did exactly what it said on the tin. It was made perfectly clear that no food provision included merely tea/coffee facility
Lovely very old buildings, lots of history. Lots of shops, large playground something for everyone
what a place. Fabulous architecture, great coffee and shopping. I love Oxford. :)
West Beckham is a small Hamlet with no other facilities good for walkers, or to travel via car to the North Norfolk beaches and villages.
Enjoyed our stay in Corby and hope to go back again soon! Has a small town feel with access to larger cities via train or taxi. People were so friendly. Loved our trip!
The hotel is not that easy to find ; it needs better signage , otherwise it was great.
It was all I expected and more! I'll definitely return to see the changing of the guard! The British pomp and pageantry is no joke!
A beautiful spot. Great restaurant (Delilah's) - book though to be sure of a table! Stayed at Bonnie Haven Guest House. Very comfortable and welcoming. Would stay there again and recommend it.
This is simply a convenient and adequate place to stay while on a four day bus tour of the cold Isle of Skye. Broadford has pretty scenery but nothing else.
Great Ghost walk, I still remember it vividly and recommend it to anyone who is travelling to London.
Love all the history , Beautiful Abby and gardens . Lots of cafes and little bars so plenty of choices for places to eat.
Douglas was great so was the IOM lots to see and do
Having the bike race disturbs London for getting to hotel. Taxi could not get to hotel through road closures and had to walk with heavy suitcases
Bahrain is one of the best place to live I recommend everyone to visit this place they can have wonderful experience
London is full of wonderful attractions, and getting around is easy because of the extensive tube system. Be prepared to do much walking and standing, but it's worth it. West end theaters are fully equal to USA's Broadway. Westminster Abbey is superb..
Just a wonderful place. We are originally from Whithorn so to stay at the isle was a lovely bonus.
Edinburgh was filled with rich history and spectacular architecture. We enjoyed taking the hop on/ off bus to learn some of the many stories of the city and get an overview . The city is hilly and challenging to walk, but lovely to visit. It was fascinating to tour the Edinburgh castle . We also had a high tea at The Witchery near the castle, which was delightful.
Always a nice place to get away for 2 or 3 nights. Lots of sights and good public transportation.
i already did! I only stayed one night and had diner and breakfast
Busy city full of fun sites of all kinds. Public transportation was easy to navigate after living in a different big city. We had a great stay!
Very nice walk along sea front. Shops close by. Friendly place. Lovely views from hilltop gardens
Nice larger city. We did not enjoy live- music in one of the pubs. However, this is something you should when visiting this city. Plenty bars to chose
Lovely town, and the Pantiles walking area is interesting with quirky little shops.
Hythe is a typical seaside venue. older persons asset rich cash poor pretty town . lovely architecture and church . shops from the 70s it would appeal to those wanting attractive walks and the Hythe and Dymchurch railway , the lighthouses etc . My 11 year old son and I enjoyed it very much for two days.
We liked Cardiff well enough but we are not really into visiting cities, rather enjoy more rural areas. With that said, we did like Cardiff and found our way around easily.
We loved Newquay (pronounced New Key) and it is quite the beach scene for people of all ages. Sandy beaches, good waves for surfing or wave boarding. Lots of good restaurants with a variety of ethnic foods. Some of the best beaches for water sports in Cornwall!
Salisbury is a great city with a wonderful Cathedral. Walk around the city and you will find lots of thing to do. great little local shops and attractions. Do the city guided walking tour its a must. this place is great to relax and unwind.
My family has travelled extensively. London was our favorite trip of all the destinations we have been to. Easy to get around. So much to see.
winchester is a great city. full of history (our reason for going) good shops. nice green spaces. the mill is fab and free cathedral is too expensive to go in. if it had been cheaper wed have gone but £25 for two adults way too much. loads of places to eat and drink but as usual drinks are expensive. we would recommend and would go back. great city
The coastline at Whitley Bay is stunning. There are fantastic beaches for walking the dog (and others that are dog free). People are super friendly. Lots of opportunities for sports, especially if you like running and cycling. We visited Tynemouth, just up the coast, which is a really pretty place.
Wasn’t sure what to expect- it was a gem of a find and would totally recommend The village was quaint The staff in the hotel were welcoming and helpful The breakfast choices were good and varied
The apartment was excellent in person I'm a bit perfectionist but couldn't find something that will come to my eyes. Everything was more than expected amazing. Margate was more big than I expected amazing places so relaxing and beautiful can wait for my next visit. I had my meals out everywhere ,very easy to visit places I wouldn't avoid anything I'll enjoy so much more 😊
Edinburgh is a great city for walking. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from. I was there during the festival, by accident, and didn’t realized there were so many entertainment options.
It's an attractive town in a beautiful coastal location, clearly ideal for water sports and sailing enthusiasts. Also dog owners, who are encouraged to have their pets along with them. Golf club close to the beach. Accommodation and eating out is not cheap, I guess a sign of Abersoch's popularity. Booking your evening meals out in advance of your stay is advisable. Can be very difficult to get a table on a walk - in basis.
I found our stay very pleasant as the locals are very friendly and the tourist infrastructure is well developed. Our decision to avoid renting a car was a sound one as it so easy to get around. It was easy to buy tickets on line
We stayed at Craigdarroch. What a beautiful view we had of S. Loch Ness from our window. The area was so peaceful and beautiful. It made for a much needed relaxing holiday.
Not much to do in Salisbury itself apart from the market and the cathedral, but a very nice city. Visited a historical site called Old Sarum, which was interesting.
Quaint small town. The Roman Museum is very good as is the visit to the Abbey, although, unlike last time you could not go into the abbey. I was there to begin the St. Cuthbert Trail walk to Lindisfarne. Sir Walter Scott's nearby home is worth a visit.
St. Ives is a larger coastal town that is absolutely charming with lots of things to do! Loved wandering the streets/alleyways & sipping a pint in the Harbor, watching the people stroll by against the beautiful backdrop of boats in the sea! Ate way too much delicious fudge here; even did the laundry at St. Ives Launderette which was quick & efficient. Wish we could have spent more time here!
Lovely people. Beautiful countryside. Just dont bother with moyness
Simply amazing! No matter how many landmarks you plan to see, there’s just not enough hours in the day to get around to seeing them all so we will definitely be back soon to see even more of this amazing city!
We found Tilston by mistake!!! We were looking for something in Chester and found the Carden Arms pub. FABULOUS - everything about Carden Arms was amazing! Tilston is very small, not many services, quiet, green, farmland, friendly locals and great Sunday roast at Carden Arms!!!!
This was a great room, nice friendly bar/restaurant, very close to lots of shopping and restaurant/bars, super convenient access to Covid testing clinic and cruise terminal. It was reasonably priced and we'd definitely stay again when in Southampton!
Such a lovely town to visit. Plenty of shops, choices of places to eat meals, great market on Thursday and very cheap! Queens Park is beautiful and so well looked after, we especially enjoyed the aviaries there, such a surprise! Can't wait to go back and visit again!
Good walks, very good shopping centre. Nice harbourside section.
We know the area. It is a small town centre, many shops have closed in the past few years. Good location to travel around the area.
Great town outside of London. Great place yo experience a local environment and get away fro tourists. Great family atmosphere
Booked an anniversary trip for my parents and they absolutely loved it! They had a great stay at the Portree Hotel, enjoyed wandering around the shops, eating out and going to some of the pubs for live music. Would definitely recommend a trip here, the Isle of Skye is so beautiful.
Didn't really spend time there - our stay was for other reasons. Convenient location.
Wallace Museum is the best museum in London and has a great cafe!
London is always worth a visit. There are so many neighborhoods to discover aside from the touristy areas. This time around I stayed in Spitalfields near Liverpool Station. It's not far from London Tower, but doesn't feel at all touristy. I feel like I got a taste of everyday London.
A pleasant seaside town with a Pier and Lido and a nice long esplanade for walks. Compact town with a good variety of eateries and shops near by. Easy travel to Bristol, Cheddar Gorge, Wells and Glastonbury. Handy for motorway
Easy, walkable town. Good variety of restaurants. Visited because my mom was an Army Nurse stationed there in WW2.
Only stood day passing through and it was lovely and peaceful.
Absolutely stunning! Beautiful all the way up and down!
Walkable depending on your time, but train stations are everywhere and easy to get around on. Beautiful all around and tons to do!
Swanage is a quiet coastal town with a lovely beach, and to quality Fish and Chips. We enjoyed our meal at Castaways Restaurant, a family run restaurant well worth a visit.
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