The United Kingdom Travellers’ Guide to Weather, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature
The United Kingdom is the most popular destination for travellers seeking a mix of history, culture and natural beauty. The country is known for its rolling countryside, dramatic coastlines and world-famous landmarks. The weather in the United Kingdom is one of the defining aspects of a visit to the country.
The UK is a diverse country where the weather influences every experience, with each of its four seasons offering its own unique appeal.
The UK's climate is as varied as its regions. On the same trip, you may run into sunny skies in London, misty mornings in the Scottish Highlands, or a refreshing breeze along the Welsh coastline.
Planning for the seasonal weather and climate is an absolute necessity to ensure that you make the most of the UK's diverse offerings. Understanding the climate in the United Kingdom helps you prepare for an enjoyable journey, whether you plan to tour iconic sites like Stonehenge or hike in the Lake District.
Let’s look at the climate in the UK alongside a few seasonal highlights. We have a few tried-and-true tourist tips for embracing the ever-changing weather in the United Kingdom.
Fast Climate Facts
The United Kingdom is known for its temperate climate: mild temperatures, high humidity, and frequent yearly rainfall.
Here are some quick climate facts about the United Kingdom:
- July and August are the hottest months in the United Kingdom, with an average temperature of 19 degrees Celsius.
- January and February are the coldest months in the UK, with an average temperature of five degrees Celsius.
- October is the wettest month in the United Kingdom, with the country receiving approximately 2.7 inches of rain on average.
Spring in the United Kingdom
Spring in the United Kingdom lasts from March to May. By March, the weather begins to warm up, and frost becomes rare. Temperatures during this period generally range from 9 to 16 degrees Celsius. Daylight gradually increases, lasting between 11 to 15 hours, depending on the month.
However, UK weather in spring is often wet and windy. While rain and damp conditions can occur at any time, they are particularly common in spring. Be sure to pack waterproof footwear, an umbrella, and a trench coat to stay prepared.
Spring in the UK can bring sudden showers, but it is also known for blossoming trees and flowering plants. Nature lovers can explore gardens, parks, and other scenic spots to enjoy the highlights of the season.
Summer in the United Kingdom
In most parts of the world, summers are known to be hot and dry. However, the United Kingdom experiences a temperate summer season when temperatures generally do not exceed 27 degrees Celsius. Rain is still possible in the summer, so it’s advisable to always remain prepared with an umbrella. London experiences around 17 hours of daylight in the peak of summer.
Pack your swimwear, walking/hiking shoes, light jackets, and other suitable summer wear. And don't forget to bring your umbrella along.
In the UK, you can visit historic sites, explore nature and attend festivals in the summer. As the weather warms up, people love to flock to the beaches. Since days are longer during this time of the year, summertime is popular for music, food and drinks festivals in the UK.
Fall in the United Kingdom
Fall in the United Kingdom, also known as autumn, is a season of beauty and transition. Autumn typically lasts from September to November and is marked by cooler temperatures, rainy days, and foggy weather. Fall often has the most variable weather of all seasons. While September and October can still be warm, temperatures drop in November, which is also the wettest month. During autumn, the UK generally experiences between 10 and 14 hours of daylight.
As summer transitions to winter, temperatures gradually decrease, making the weather cooler but still mild. Frequent rain is common in autumn, and you may encounter many overcast and wet days. The mornings and evenings can be particularly foggy.
Despite the weather, autumn is a wonderful time for hiking, walking, and enjoying the transforming countryside. The shorter days provide the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy cosy evenings indoors. Autumn is an ideal season to explore the Lake District and Peak District for their breathtaking scenery.
Winter in the United Kingdom
Temperatures in the UK can often drop to freezing during winter, though it rarely falls below that. Frost is common, and while snowfall is infrequent, it does occasionally occur in northern and higher areas. The winter season is generally wet and windy. Additionally, winter is known for minimal daylight, with London receiving as little as eight hours of daylight at its peak.
You can still do a lot during the winter in the UK. Visit iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Edinburgh Castle and the Tower of London. Don't miss London's Hyde Park, which transforms into a winter wonderland, and explore the dazzling Christmas light displays in some of the popular cities in the United Kingdom.