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Choosing the best time to visit the UK depends on exactly what you want from your trip!
My quick and easy at-a-glance guide breaks the year down month by month, with weather, seasonal highlights, and need-to-know info. Further down the page, I’ve also shared some quick “best time for…” sections, so you can jump straight to the experiences you’re most interested in. Use the contents menu below to jump ahead if you need to, or head straight to the “quick version” at the top. And if you have a question, feel free to reach out in the comments. Happy planning…
Best Time to Visit the UK (the Quick Version)
There’s really no bad time to visit the UK, in my opinion – it all depends on the kind of travel you like, the activities you want to do, and the vibe you’re looking for.
Summer is the safest bet for good weather; perfect for beach days, exploring the countryside, and enjoying the outside spaces in the UK’s prettiest cities! But it’s also peak travel season: July and August are the busiest months of the year. This means higher prices, traffic jams, and crowded beaches. Accommodation books up well in advance during these months, so book as early as you can.
Visiting in the shoulder seasons of April-June and September-October means you can avoid the crowds, whilst still enjoying (usually) pleasant weather. With the exception of Easter and bank holidays, you’ll usually find better prices and more availability, giving you far more flexibility when choosing where to stay. Winter can be cold and wet, but it’s also very atmospheric, with moody landscapes – and it’s a great time for museum-hopping in major cities.
Quick Seasonal Summary
Spring (March, April, May): Quieter and usually cheaper, with mild but changeable weather. Longer days and landscapes bursting into life. Wildflowers, early butterflies, and lambing season in the countryside. Generally good conditions for hiking and city breaks, though showers are common.
Summer (June, July, August): The warmest and sunniest months, ideal for beaches, coastal activities, festivals, and long days outdoors. Also the busiest (and most expensive) time of year, especially in popular national parks and major cities.
Autumn (September, October, November): Quieter and usually cheaper. Often pleasantly mild in early autumn. Wetter and windier toward late autumn. Stunning foliage across woodlands and national parks. A great season for hiking, wildlife (including the deer rut and bird migrations), and scenic road trips.
Winter (December, January, February): The cheapest and quietest time to visit. Cold, dark, and often wet or windy. Atmospheric in cities and cosy in the countryside. A good season for seal-pup colonies, winter birdlife, and festive events. Snow is possible in Scotland, Northern England, and higher ground across the UK.
Good to Know: In some areas of the UK (especially coastal and rural areas), many tourist businesses and attractions open seasonally, usually from the Easter holidays until October. Bear this in mind if you’re planning a visit from November to March.
Months at a Glance
The weather info below is based on Met Office weather averages for the whole UK. Remember, the weather can vary dramatically depending on where you are in the country.
January
Max temp: 6.66°C | Min temp 1.21°C | Rainfall 121.48mm
- Coldest month
- Quietest tourism month
- Fewer crowds at major attractions
- Lower accommodation and travel prices (generally)
- Snowfall possible (especially in Northern England and Scotland)
- Good month for shopping, city breaks, and cosy winter breaks.
February
Max temp: 7.16°C | Min temp 1.13°C | Rainfall 96.15mm
- Cold weather
- Low season: fewer crowds at major attractions, lower prices.
- Snowfall possible (especially in Northern England and Scotland)
- Snowdrops and other early spring plants
- Good month for museums, city breaks, and romantic countryside escapes for Valentine’s Day.
March
Max temp: 9.22°C | Min temp 2.19°C | Rainfall 85.07mm
- Mixed weather
- Still low season, but things are starting to pick up
- Days getting longer and signs of spring in the air
- Spring blooms: daffodils, primroses, camellias, and early magnolias
- Early cherry blossoms possible (especially in the south of England)
- Good month for nature, countryside walks, and birdwatching
April
Max temp: 12.03°C | Min temp 3.76°C | Rainfall 71.71mm
- Mild, usually dry weather
- Easter holidays (usually – they sometimes fall in March)
- Busier season for tourism, especially around Easter
- Bluebells and other spring blooms
- Peak cherry blossom season
- Spring lambs, baby ducks & goslings, and other newborn wildlife
- Good month for nature, coastal walks, and exploring the countryside
May
Max temp: 15.13°C | Min temp 6.26°C | Rainfall 70.96mm
- Driest month (on average)
- Mild, often pleasant weather
- Generally much quieter than the peak summer months
- Wisteria in bloom
- Lots of festivals and events
- Good month for hiking, nature, and city sightseeing
June
Max temp: 15.13°C | Min temp 6.26°C | Rainfall 70.96mm
- Warm, pleasant weather
- Shoulder season: calmer and quieter than the summer holidays
- Prices and crowds begin increasing
- Summer wildflowers and butterflies
- Good month for hiking, coastal activities, and road trips.
July
Max temp: 19.62°C | Min temp 11.02°C | Rainfall 82.46mm
- Hottest month
- Longest days
- Peak tourism season – can be busy, and generally more expensive
- School summer holidays begin
- Lavender fields peak
- Good month for beaches and coastal activities
August
Max temp: 19.30°C | Min temp 10.97°C | Rainfall 93.75mm
- Peak tourism season – the busiest and most expensive month to visit
- Sea at its warmest
- Usually pleasant weather, but rainfall is not uncommon
- Lots of festivals and events
- Heaths in full bloom
- Good month for beaches, culture, and exploring the countryside
September
Max temp: 16.85°C | Min temp 9.05°C | Rainfall 90.90mm
- Mild, often warm, weather
- Shoulder season: calmer and quieter than the summer holidays
- Still warm enough for swimming
- Autumnal colours later in the month
- Blackberries in hedgerows
- Good month for hiking, coastal activities, and city breaks
October
Max temp: 13.08°C | Min temp 6.42°C | Rainfall 122.52mm
- Colder weather and more rainfall – but there can still be some pleasant days
- Peak autumn colour
- Halloween events and pumpkin patches in October half-term
- Migrating birds
- Good month for birdwatching, surfing, hiking and biking.
November
Max temp: 9.41°C | Min temp 3.56°C | Rainfall 123.34mm
- Cold, often wet weather
- Guy Fawkes Bonfire Night (5 November)
- Wet weather means waterfalls are at their best
- Good month for city breaks, cosy countryside escapes, and making the most of the nation’s pubs
December
Max temp: 7.02°C | Min temp 1.42°C | Rainfall 127.16mm
- Rainiest month
- Shortest days
- Festive markets and Christmas events
- Good month for exploring towns and cities, shopping, or curling up by a log fire!
Best Time For…
Best time for city breaks
The short answer = all year round, really! Spring and autumn offer the best balance of mild weather, lighter crowds, and lower prices. Summer brings long days and festivals, but can sometimes be too hot in some cities, especially in southern England. Winter is great for cosy pubs and Christmas lights – but remember to wrap up warm!
Best time for beaches & coastal activities
Late June to early September has the warmest weather and calmest seas for swimming, SUP, and kayaking. Spring and autumn can still be lovely for coastal walks with fewer crowds.
Best time for hiking & national parks
May to September offers the most reliable conditions, with long daylight hours and clearer trails. It can, however, get too hot to hike in summer! Suncream, hats, and plenty of hydration are a must on hot days. Autumn is stunning for colour, while winter hiking can be rewarding with the right gear – but is not great inexperienced walkers.
Best time for road trips & scenic drives
Late spring and early autumn give you (generally) good weather, quieter roads, and beautiful scenery. Summer is perfect for long days and coastal routes, but it’s also peak season, which can mean traffic jams, especially in popular rural and coastal regions.
Best time for castles & heritage sightseeing
April to October is ideal for open gardens, extended opening hours, and better weather for exploring ruins. Winter is quieter and atmospheric, especially for indoor stately homes, but some close or operate limited hours from October-March, so check opening times before visiting.
Best time for wildlife watching
Spring and early summer are prime for puffins, seabird colonies, and newborn wildlife across the countryside. Summer brings dolphins and basking sharks to parts of Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall. Autumn is famous for the red deer rut and spectacular starling murmurations, while late autumn into winter is peak seal-pup season along the east and southwest coasts. Throughout winter, you’ll also find huge gatherings of migratory birds, especially in wetlands and estuaries.
Best time for gardens & blooming season
April to June is peak bloom for bluebells, rhododendrons, and rose gardens. Lavender fields peak in July, wisteria in May, and camellias, magnolias, and cherry blossoms bloom in March and April.
Best time for autumn colour
Mid-October to early November is usually the sweet spot for autumn colours, with vibrant foliage in woodlands, national parks, and historic estates across the UK.
Best time for surfing
Autumn and winter bring the most consistent swell for experienced surfers. Beginners and casual surfers will prefer late spring and summer when the water is warmer and conditions are gentler.
Best time for countryside escapes
May, June, September, and early October offer warm weather, quiet country lanes, and beautiful landscapes. Spring is good for seeing the countryside at peak greenery, while early autumn is harvest season with haybales in the fields. Winter is cosy and peaceful, especially for pub-and-fireplace weekends.
Best time for festivals & major events
June to September is festival season, from Glastonbury to Edinburgh Fringe. Winter brings Christmas lights, New Year celebrations, and city-wide cultural events.
Best time for budget travel
January to March and October to November are the cheapest months for accommodation and flights. The shoulder seasons of May-June and September also offer good deals with fewer crowds.
As I said above, the UK is great at any time of year. There’s something special about every season: wildflowers and newborns in spring, moody winter days, foliage and wildlife in autumn, and of course, the warmth, colour, and seaside vibes of summer!
Hopefully, this guide has helped you pinpoint the best time to visit the UK to suit the kind of trip you want. If you have a question, reach out in the comments below, and I’ll try to help.
