Best time to visit the UK

No wonder the British are obsessed with the weather: they have one of the world's most changeable climates. The general pattern in the UK is for summers to be warm and wet and winters to be cool and wet.

UK by month

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

Recommended for the UK

Sixt: Current UK car hire deals

  • Check out UK car hire locations from Sixt
  • Find a location before searching for top car hire deals
  • Choose from popular airports, city centres & more
Go to Sixt deal >>

View all Sixt offers

Top UK destinations

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

UK regions

All UK regions

All UK destinations

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  

A

Back to A-Z

B

Back to A-Z

C

Back to A-Z

D

Back to A-Z

E

Back to A-Z

F

Back to A-Z

G

Back to A-Z

H

Back to A-Z

I

Back to A-Z

K

Back to A-Z

L

Back to A-Z

M

Back to A-Z

N

Back to A-Z

O

Back to A-Z

P

Back to A-Z

R

Back to A-Z

S

Back to A-Z

T

Back to A-Z

U

Back to A-Z

W

Back to A-Z

Y

Back to A-Z

When is the best time to visit UK?

The best time to visit UK (London) is July and August based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

Change criteria

Max Day Temperature (°C)

  • 7°C maximum daytime temperature in January in UK (London)7
    Jan
  • 7°C maximum daytime temperature in February in UK (London)7
    Feb
  • 10°C maximum daytime temperature in March in UK (London)10
    Mar
  • 13°C maximum daytime temperature in April in UK (London)13
    Apr
  • 17°C maximum daytime temperature in May in UK (London)17
    May
  • 20°C maximum daytime temperature in June in UK (London)20
    Jun
  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in July in UK (London)22
    Jul
  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in August in UK (London)22
    Aug
  • 19°C maximum daytime temperature in September in UK (London)19
    Sep
  • 15°C maximum daytime temperature in October in UK (London)15
    Oct
  • 10°C maximum daytime temperature in November in UK (London)10
    Nov
  • 8°C maximum daytime temperature in December in UK (London)8
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

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

Best time to visit

The weather guide for UK (London) 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)

Back to top

UK overview

However, the quirky weather in the UK can leave the islands basking in sunshine as hot as the Mediterranean's during a good summer and shivering in temperatures as cold as Moscow's during a particularly harsh winter.

In the United Kingdom, weather conditions vary widely from day to day and from region to region. The southwest is the warmest area while the west coast and the mountains attract the most rain.

The east coast is generally a chilly and blustery region with colder winters than other areas. London and the southeast enjoy more periods of sunshine and are drier and warmer than the north.

The mountains of Scotland, Wales and northern England can be treacherous. In the summer months, they can record some of the highest rainfall in Europe while, in winter, they are prone to blizzards, gales and icy rain.

Unwary mountain walkers frequently have to be rescued when a sudden turn in the weather leaves them stranded and in danger of frostbite or worse.

Scotland, because of its northerly latitude, experiences longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter than anywhere else in the UK but, as a rule, temperatures there are no lower than in England.

Beautiful autumn weather at Loch Lomond, Scotland, UK
Beautiful autumn weather at Loch Lomond, Scotland, UK © Martynas - Adobe Stock Image

The west of the country is warmer and rainier than the east and visitors exploring the Highlands should be prepared for sudden fog and mists.

Wales is generally less sunny and more rainy than England but its coasts can enjoy prolonged periods of sunshine in the summer and are therefore popular with tourists.

The Welsh Mountains should be approached with respect at any time of year as conditions can quickly turn nasty. Northern Ireland suffers highly changeable weather conditions and tends to be wetter with less sun than other parts of the UK.

More about the UK seasons

What to pack for UK weather

Always bring a range of clothing when touring Britain. Layered clothing, which can be added to or removed according to temperature and conditions, is probably the best bet.

Expect the odd short sharp shower and, if in the Lake District or the mountains, rainwear is strongly recommended.

Best places to go in the UK

Looking for ideas for holidays in the UK? Check out our handpicked lists of top destinations for each month of the year.

Back to top

Planning holidays in the UK

More about the UK

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

UK travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to the UK 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.

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

Why visit the UK?

Considering a holiday to the the UK? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for culture or nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

  • Culture vultures
    Culture
  • Nature lovers - nature & wildlife
    Nature
  • Night owls - nightlife
    Nightlife

UK tourist information

Travelling to the UK?
  Hotels  Flights  eSIMs 

UK travel guidance

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

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 the UK.

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

Back to top

UK travel health

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

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

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Back to top

UK travel features

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

Back to top

UK FAQs

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

Which month has the most rain in the UK?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in London, UK with 0mm on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in the UK?

The sunniest time of year in London, UK is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in the UK?

The sea is usually at its warmest in London, UK in January when the water temperature reaches 0°C.

What is the time difference between the UK and the UK?

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

What is the main language spoken in the UK?

The main language spoken in the UK is English.

Learn a language for the UK with Rosetta Stone*, Busuu* and Rocket Languages*.

What is the currency in the UK?

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

Send money to the UK with TransferGo*, Wise.com* and World Remit*.

Which plugs are used in the UK?

UK uses electrical plug type G (230 Volts).

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

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

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

Back to top

UK travel deals

Holidays to the UK

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

Away Resorts: 10% off UK stays in 2025

  • Save 10% on ALL stays in 2025 at Away Resorts
  • Book online with exclusive Away Resorts discount code
  • Holiday parks located in Cornwall, Lincolnshire, Wales & more
Show discount codeShow discount code ******A10
Redeem Away Resorts discount code >>

Expires at 23:59 on Wednesday 31st Dec 2025 · View all Away Resorts offers

Away ResortsHoliday deal finder

Forest Holidays: September stays from £665

  • Book UK breaks in September from £665 with Forest Holidays
  • Choose from 13 locations across England, Scotland & Wales
  • Including Delamere Forest, Forest of Dean & Strathyre
Go to Forest Holidays deal >>

Expires at 23:59 on Sunday 31st Aug 2025 · View all Forest Holidays offers

Avalon Waterways: up to £3,000 savings per couple

  • Save up to £3,000 per couple on European river cruises
  • Sail the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Seine & more
  • Travel before 31st December 2025 (inclusive)
Go to Avalon Waterways deal >>

Expires at 23:59 on Wednesday 31st Dec 2025 · View all Avalon Waterways offers

Parkdean Resorts: Low holiday deposits from £25

  • Pay just £25 deposits to secure your next UK holiday
  • Bookings for £200 or more at least 16 weeks before travel
  • Final installment four weeks + one day before arrival
Go to Parkdean Resorts deal >>

View all Parkdean Resorts offers

Forest Holidays: £25 deposits on UK holidays

  • Pay £25 deposit on log cabins & lodges with hot tubs
  • Book holidays in the UK. 13 locations to choose from
  • Arrival dates at least 4 weeks after booking date
Go to Forest Holidays deal >>

Expires at 23:59 on Sunday 31st Aug 2025 · View all Forest Holidays offers

VRBO: Top summer 2025/2026 holiday deals

  • Save on summer holiday accommodation with VRBO
  • Explore top deals on houses, apartments, cabins & more
  • Book holiday rentals in the UK, Europe & beyond
Go to VRBO deal >>

View all VRBO offers

Parkdean Resorts: Early booking offers for 2026

  • Book early for 2026 UK holidays & save online
  • Pay low deposits from £25 & spread the cost
  • Check out deals for half terms, summer & more
Go to Parkdean Resorts deal >>

View all Parkdean Resorts offers

Just Go Holidays: up to £100pp off European breaks

  • Save up to £100 per person on European Holidays
  • Discover breaks across Italy, Hungary, France & beyond
  • Travel between 1st Sep & 31st Oct 2025 (inclusive)
Show discount codeShow discount code ******OPE
Redeem Just Go Holidays discount code >>

Expires at 23:59 on Monday 1st Sep 2025 · View all Just Go Holidays offers

John Fowler Holidays: Current deals on 2025 breaks

  • Book for less with top deals on UK holidays in 2025
  • Get first choice of holiday parks, dates & accommodation
  • Pay just £25 deposits with monthly payments
Go to John Fowler Holidays deal >>

View all John Fowler Holidays offers

Rural Retreats: 4 nights for the price of 3

  • Book 4 night stays for the price of 3 at Rural Retreats
  • Check out breaks across England, Wales, Scotland & beyond
  • Filter stays by dates of arrival, number of guests & more
Go to Rural Retreats deal >>

View all Rural Retreats offers

Flights to the UK

Hotel chains in the UK

Back to top

Related posts

Popular travel offers

Explore holidays in the sun for less

More holidays

Airport parking

More parking

Airport lounges

More lounges

Top ^