Best Time of Year to Visit the United Kingdom

Seasonal Planning for UK Travel

The best time to visit the United Kingdom is late spring and early fall, when the weather is mild, daylight is long, and crowds are far lighter than in peak summer. These shoulder seasons offer the most reliable balance of comfort and cost—warm enough for long countryside walks and coastal days, yet cool enough for city exploring without heat or congestion. Unless you're traveling specifically for a major festival or event, your timing will mostly come down to weather, which varies more than you might expect by region and elevation.

The UK's temperate maritime climate is famously changeable—rain can fall at any time of year—but it's milder than its northern latitude suggests (on a par with Newfoundland and Southeast Alaska) thanks to the North Atlantic Drift, the warm current sweeping up its western shores (yes, there are even palm trees in places). The country rarely experiences extremes: winters seldom plunge below freezing, and summers rarely exceed 85°F (29°C). Still, regional differences matter. Scotland and much of Wales, with their higher elevations and more mountainous landscapes, tend to be colder, cloudier, and snowier than England to the south.

Summer brings the warmest weather and the longest days, but also the biggest crowds, highest prices, and short-lived heatwaves—especially since school holidays drive domestic travel. Winter is cold, windy, and dark, with snow more common in northern and highland areas, though it's a cozy time for pub culture, festive markets, and lower rates. Spring brightens quickly with blooming gardens, while fall delivers crisp air and gorgeous leaf color.

Overall, late spring and early fall remain the sweet spots: generally warm, relatively dry, and packed with seasonal beauty—without summer's crowds or winter's unpredictable chill.

For ideas on UK trip-planning, check out these tours and itineraries. 

Spring in the United Kingdom (March to May)

This is shoulder season, characterized by mild weather, relatively few visitors, and considerably lower prices than summer. In all, a great time to visit, especially since the spring months are the least rainy of the year.

Whether you're visiting England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, the scenery appears at its best in spring, when the hills are emerald green after winter rains, and wildflowers are in bloom as the first snowdrops give way to daffodils, crocuses, and bluebells. Nesting birds can be seen on coastal clifftops, as auks, guillemots, razorbills, and puffins in Scotland and Wales arrive from their warm-weather winter quarters. Newborn lambs caper in the lush meadows. And by May, baby foxes, rabbits, and hedgehogs emerge from their burrows.

March's weather is tentative and changeable, but spring is definitely in the air. Overall, it's still cool, wet, and wintry, potentially delivering late snowfall. Scotland's spring begins somewhat later, typically no earlier than mid-March (and late March in the far north) or whenever the first crocuses appear. Castles and other tourist venues are still closed in many places, especially in Scotland.

By April, the air is warming, although it remains turbulent with thundery showers. Leaves are now in full bud and bloom. But a late winter cold snap can still bring April snow. Come May, nights can still be frosty, but the daytime average temperature has risen from 44°F (7°C) in March to 55°F (13°C) for May in London; from 43°F (6°C) in March to 51°F (11°C) for May in Belfast; and from 41°F (5°C) in March to 49°F (9°C) for May for Edinburgh.

Events in Spring

St. Patrick's Day, Northern Ireland (March 17). The official day of Ireland's patron saint is March 17, but events in many towns and cities use this as a pretext for celebrations throughout March. There's something going on everywhere, and a lot of drinking and partying.

Beltane Fire Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland (April 30). On the last evening of April, snag tickets for this unique ancient Celtic festival on Calton Hill in Edinburgh to celebrate the onset of warmer, longer days in May. Look for elaborate costumes, special bonfires, drums, and other performances.

Chelsea Flower Show, London, England (May). The Chelsea Flower Show in London takes place in late May. It's one of the most prestigious in the country, if not the world, and is renowned for its creativity and innovation. It's also very popular.

Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye, Wales (May-June). This literature-focused event is held in the small town of Hay-on-Wye in Wales. It's one of the best-known literary events in the UK, despite the town's small size, and takes place from late May to early June.

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The United Kingdom in March
The United Kingdom in April
The United Kingdom in May

Summer in the United Kingdom (June to August)

Traditionally, the summer months are the warmest and driest of the year. However, even sunny summer months usually get plenty of rainfall, often in torrential downpours that can result in flooding. On average, summer is hot for short spells when the Brits swarm to the coast and city parks to revel in the sunshine (yet in some years, the sun may barely shine all season). There's no need to bring winter wear, but pack a sweater and a light rainproof jacket for chilly evenings and the chance of protracted cool spells.

June weather can be unpredictable and highly variable, with some cold and wet days. July brings the "Dog Days" of summer, with plenty of sunny, sultry weather and clear blue skies. It all depends on the jet stream; there are no guarantees! The year's highest temperatures often occur in mid-August, yet this month is typically slightly wetter than July, which is somewhat wetter than June.

Daytime average temperatures in London peak at 64°F (18°C) in July, while Belfast and Edinburgh reach about 58°F (14°C) before beginning to taper off in August. Nonetheless, the temperature can exceed 80°F (27°C) in brief spells for all three regions. The days are long; in mid-June, London has 17 hours of daily sunlight, not counting the lingering twilight. The far north gets even more. Northern Scotland has two hours more daylight, and twilight lasts through the night.

Nature lovers may spot dolphins off the west coast, while whale watching trips often deliver sightings of many whale species. And meadows and mountains are replete with wildflowers. This is the best season for outdoor activities and festivals, with everything from the Wimbledon tennis tournament and Royal Ascot in London to the Eisteddfod in Wales. However, this is also peak tourist season, especially mid-July to early September, coinciding with the summer school break. Many roads to popular beaches and destinations can be chock-a-block with traffic, particularly on weekends. It's best to make reservations for hotels, etc., well in advance. 

Events in Summer

Trooping the Colour, London, England (June). On the second Saturday in June, a quintessential display of British pomp and pageantry for the sovereign's official (though not actual) birthday, it's a favorite with tourists. Tickets for the parade (plus two reviews on preceding Saturdays) are by ballot.

Inverness Highland Games, Inverness, Scotland (mid-July). Scotland's largest interclan gathering features traditional music, dance, and heavyweight sports, including tossing the caber.

The National Eisteddfod, Wales (August). The largest and oldest celebration of Welsh culture, showcasing dance, music, visual arts, literature, and much more. Taking place in late August.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Edinburgh, Scotland. Scotland's biggest event, this monthlong spectacle in August features military bands, Highland dancers, fireworks, and much more.

Edinburgh International & Fringe Festivals, Edinburgh, Scotland. Taking place the whole of August, the Fringe Festival is billed as the world's biggest celebration of the arts, spanning the spectrum.

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The United Kingdom in June
The United Kingdom in July
The United Kingdom in August

Fall in the United Kingdom (September to November)

The warm summer weather usually lasts well into September (especially in southern England) before temperatures dip sharply in October. Autumn is marked by a wide range of weather, shortening daylight hours, and the gradual onset of wintry storms. September is frequently sunnier, warmer, and drier than August (it has the fewest rainy days of any month) and is a great time for outdoor activities and a beach holiday, as families return home after summer vacation.

By month's end, the first frosts may appear at night in upland areas and northern Scotland, while everywhere, leaves are beginning to adopt fall colors as temperatures drop. By October—a fairly wet and windy month—the leaves (and the heathers of Wales and Scotland) are at their most colorful. This is an excellent time to visit popular sites without the crowds and hopefully before attractions and hotels begin to shutter, especially in northern Scotland and other mountainous regions. 

By November, the air has a wintry chill, and some days can be very cold. On average, this is also the UK's rainiest month and one of its cloudiest. The air is typically chilling and damp, but with the occasional brisk, dry spell marked by crystal-clear skies. The fall colors have mostly faded, as trees have shed all their leaves by the end of the month. Upland areas may receive their first snow, and many regions see their first wintry fogs and frosty nights. 

London's daytime average temperature falls from 59°F (15°C) in September to 46°F (8°C) in November; from 56°F (13°C) in September to 46°F (8°C) in November in Belfast; and from 54°F (12°C) in September to 42°F (6°C) in November in Edinburgh.

Events in Fall

The Braemar Gathering (or Pitlochry Highland Games), Pitlochry, Scotland (early September). This event in early September is considered by many to be the best in the world. Fun fact: It is the only one that guarantees the presence of a member of the royal family.

Abergavenny Food Festival, Abergavenny, Wales (mid-September). A two-day food festival in the Welsh town of Abergavenny that's been rated as one of the best of its kind in the UK.

Hull Fair, England (mid-October). This traveling funfair has been going on for more than 700 years. While the rides and attractions might have changed over the centuries, the spirit of fun hasn't. 

Guy Fawkes Night, UK-wide (November 5). A centuries-old holiday celebrated with fireworks and bonfires, especially in England.

Lord Mayor's Show, London, England (November). On the second Saturday in November, London's most elaborate parade features gilt coaches, military corps and bands, and traditional livery companies dressed in ancient regalia as the King asks permission to enter the City of London for the annual appointment of the Lord Mayor.  

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The United Kingdom in September
The United Kingdom in October
The United Kingdom in November

Winter in the United Kingdom (December to February)

Winters throughout the UK are typically windy, cloudy, rainy, and very damp (and often foggy). While temperatures can fall below freezing in any month, snowfall is common, especially in upland areas and northern Scotland. Therefore, pack a warm winter coat, along with a woolen hat, gloves, and scarf. Daylight hours are very short, with sunset in the late afternoon (London gets only eight hours in late December, and more northern regions have fewer still).  

December is prone to gales, but this month is warmer than January and February. January is the coldest month, bringing high winds plus plenty of rain and snow. However, it typically has several crystal-clear sunny days, albeit often bitterly cold and frosty. February is similar to January, with February 7 the coldest day of the year on average. Still, the first snowdrops and other flowers (even crocuses and daffodils in warm years) emerge by month-end in more southerly regions.

There are relatively few visitors, so you get to explore popular tourist sites without the crowds, and hotel prices are at their lowest. This is a good time for museums and other indoor activities and shopping at Christmas markets, but note that the Christmas holiday often extends into the New Year, and many businesses and offices shut down for the entire period. The upland regions have a special appeal in winter when the mountains (and briefly the lowlands) are blanketed with snow, so don't let winter stop you from an active vacation if you fancy a brisk walk or bike ride along a footpath or coastal trail. You simply need to dress warmly in layers.

London's daytime average temperature hovers between 42°F (5°C) in December and 36°F (2°C) in February; between 42°F (6°C) in December and 38°F (3°C) in February in Belfast; and between 39°F (4°C) in December to 34°F (1°C) in February in Edinburgh.

Events in Winter

Hogmanay, Edinburgh, Scotland (December). The Scottish New Year is celebrated in Edinburgh, kicking off with a torch-lit procession, followed by several days of music, street theater, fireworks, and carnivals that may last through the first few days of January.

Up Helly Aa, Shetlands, Scotland (January). One of Scotland's several fire-related January festivals, taking place on the last Tuesday in January, is held on the remote Shetland Islands. Still connected to Viking traditions, you'll encounter many locals dressed as Vikings. The 24-hour festival culminates in a Viking-style ship that gets set ablaze.

Charles I Commemoration, London, England (January). On the last Sunday in January, hundreds of cavaliers in 17th-century costume march through central London to mark the anniversary of the execution of King Charles I.

Jorvik Festival, York, England (mid-February). This two-week festival celebrates York's Viking (and Roman and medieval) past, attracting people from all over the UK and Europe to its Viking reenactments, markets, and informative talks in the ancient Roman city of York.

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The United Kingdom in December
The United Kingdom in January
The United Kingdom in February