Best time to visit Dorset

Q: When is the best time to visit Dorset?

The best times to visit Dorset (Bournemouth) are in May, June, July and August Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more.

Q: Which is the hottest month in Dorset?

The hottest time of year in Bournemouth, Dorset is normally July. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 21°C.

Q: Which month has the most rain in Dorset?

In terms of rainfall, December is usually the wettest month in Bournemouth, Dorset with 90mm on average. There are normally 17 days in December with some rain.

Q: When is it sunniest in Dorset?

The sunniest time of year in Bournemouth, Dorset is normally August with bright sunshine on average for 46% of daylight hours; that's 7 hours of sunshine per day.

Q: When is the sea warmest in Dorset?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Bournemouth, Dorset in August when the water temperature reaches 18°C.

The best times to visit Dorset (Bournemouth) are in May, June, July and August based on our default weather conditions. Update your weather preferences to see which months best match.

Dorset by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Recommended for Dorset

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Places to visit

Destination

Top Dorset destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Dorset. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

When is the best time to visit Dorset?

The best times to visit Dorset (Bournemouth) are in May, June, July and August based on the following average weather conditions.

Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

0.5
Jan
1.5
Feb
2.5
Mar
4
Apr
4.5
May
4.5
Jun
4.5
Jul
4.5
Aug
3
Sep
2.5
Oct
1.5
Nov
0.5
Dec

Change criteria

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

2
Jan
3
Feb
4
Mar
6
Apr
7
May
7
Jun
7
Jul
7
Aug
5
Sep
4
Oct
3
Nov
2
Dec

Best time to visit

Destination

Daytime temperature

Sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Monthly rainfall

Days with some rain

Heat & humidity

The weather guide for Dorset (Bournemouth) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

More about Dorset

Explore our complete guide to Dorset with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Dorset.

Essential travel guide
Travel guidance
Travel health
Travel features
Top travel deals
FAQs

Dorset travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Dorset with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Dorset - quick facts
Time difference	UK +0 hours
Language(s)	English
Currency	Pound Sterling
Electricity	G plug (230V)
Driving side	Left

Travelling to Dorset?
Hotels

Dorset travel guidance

Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting Dorset from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Irish traveller advice for Dorset - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
Canadian travel advice for Dorset - Government of Canada
US travel advisories for Dorset - US Department of State
Safe travel advisories for Dorset - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
Smarter traveller advice for Dorset - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Dorset.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Dorset travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Dorset with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Vaccines & medicines for Dorset - CDC
Health & vaccinations for Dorset - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
How to stay safe & healthy in Dorset - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Dorset, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dorset travel features

Do you want to learn more about Dorset? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Dorset.

We don't currently have any travel features on Dorset. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

Dorset FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Dorset including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which is the hottest month in Dorset?

The hottest time of year in Bournemouth, Dorset is normally July. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 21°C.

Which month has the most rain in Dorset?

In terms of rainfall, December is usually the wettest month in Bournemouth, Dorset with 90mm on average. There are normally 17 days in December with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Dorset?

The sunniest time of year in Bournemouth, Dorset is normally August with bright sunshine on average for 46% of daylight hours; that's 7 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in Dorset?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Bournemouth, Dorset in August when the water temperature reaches 18°C.

What is the time difference between Dorset and the UK?

The time difference between Dorset and the UK is UK time+0 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Dorset?

The main language spoken in Dorset is English.

Learn a language for Dorset with Rosetta Stone^*, Busuu^* and Rocket Languages^*.

What is the currency in Dorset?

The currency in Dorset is the Pound Sterling (GBP).

Send money to Dorset with Wise.com^*, World Remit^* and TransferGo^*.

Which plugs are used in Dorset?

Dorset uses electrical plug type G (230 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Dorset?

They drive on the left side of the road in Dorset.

Find out more about driving in UK with International Drivers Association^*.

Dorset travel deals

Holidays to Dorset

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to Dorset in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.