When to Visit United Kingdom
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Browse tours, activities, and experiences in United Kingdom. Book with free cancellation on most options.
Explore Tours & ActivitiesWhat to Pack
Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Skip These Items
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is the coldest month, though 'cold' here means chilly and damp rather than freezing. You'll get short daylight hours—sunset around 4pm—and that persistent grey sky that the UK is famous for. It's proper winter weather, but cities like London still function normally, and indoor attractions are pleasantly uncrowded.
February
February is actually the driest month of the year, though that's relative—you'll still want your waterproof jacket. Temperatures start creeping up slightly, and you might catch early signs of spring toward the end of the month. It's still off-season, which means good deals and fewer tourists at major sites.
March
Spring officially arrives, though the weather hasn't quite gotten the memo yet. You'll see daffodils blooming and days getting noticeably longer, but temperatures remain cool and rain is frequent. It's a transitional month where you might experience four seasons in one day—that classic British weather variability really shows itself.
April
April genuinely feels like spring, with gardens coming alive and temperatures becoming more pleasant for outdoor exploration. That said, 'April showers' is a real thing here—you'll get sudden rain followed by sunshine, so layering is essential. Tourist numbers start picking up, particularly around Easter holidays.
May
May is one of the best months to visit, with warming temperatures, blooming countryside, and relatively manageable crowds before peak summer. The days are long and pleasant, perfect for exploring cities or hiking in national parks. Rainfall increases a bit, but you'll also get stretches of genuinely nice weather.
June
Early summer brings the longest days of the year—sunset can be after 9pm in the south, even later in Scotland. Temperatures are comfortable rather than hot, and interestingly, June has some of the lowest rainfall despite being summer. It's popular with tourists, particularly around school holidays, but the extended daylight hours give you more time to explore.
July
Peak summer, though don't expect Mediterranean heat—19°C (66°F) is about as warm as it gets. What might surprise you is that July is actually the wettest month of the year, though rain tends to come in showers rather than all-day downpours. School holidays mean attractions are busy, and accommodation prices reflect peak season.
August
Similar to July with mild temperatures and frequent rainfall, though you might catch the occasional warm spell that feels properly summery. It's the height of tourist season, particularly in London, Edinburgh during Festival time, and coastal areas. Bank Holiday weekend at month's end brings domestic crowds to popular spots.
September
Early autumn is genuinely lovely—temperatures remain pleasant, crowds thin out after schools return, and you'll often get what locals call an 'Indian summer' with surprisingly nice weather. The countryside takes on golden tones, and it's an excellent time for both city exploration and rural walks.
October
Proper autumn weather sets in, with temperatures dropping and rainfall increasing. The changing leaves make for beautiful scenery, particularly in parks and the countryside, but days get noticeably shorter. It's shoulder season, so you'll find decent deals and fewer crowds, though some seasonal attractions start closing.
November
Winter arrives with grey skies, cold temperatures, and early darkness—sunset can be before 4pm. It's one of the quieter months for tourism, which means good deals if you don't mind the weather. Rain is frequent, and that damp cold penetrates more than you'd expect from the temperature alone.
December
Cold, dark, and damp, but cities come alive with Christmas markets and festive lights that make the weather more bearable. The weeks before Christmas are busy with domestic shoppers and holiday tourists, while the period between Christmas and New Year sees a lull. Days are shortest now, with only about 8 hours of daylight.