Buckingham Palace, England

Weather in the UK & Great Britain

Table of contents

Weather by season
Weather by month
Weather by region
The best time to visit
Travel tips for every weather
Your packing list for the UK
Weather phenomena
FAQ

The weather isn’t always hot and sunny in the UK – but that’s part of its uniquely British charm. Embrace the unpredictability of the weather in the UK and let it guide your adventure with TourRadar.

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Weather in the UK by season

  • Hiking in the UK

    Spring (March to May)

    Sunshine or showers? You never know what weather you’re going to get during spring in the UK – and sometimes you might even get it all at once.
     

    UK tours in spring
  • Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

    Summer (June to August)

    British summers are a delightful blend of warm sun-kissed days and cool breezy nights. With longer daylight hours, it's the perfect time to explore both cities and rural areas.
     

    UK tours in summer
  • Hiking in Scotland

    Fall (September to November)

    The landscapes turn golden in fall, and you should also be able to enjoy mild temperatures which are perfect for countryside walks and city strolls.
     

    UK tours in autumn/fall
  • People sightseeing in London

    Winter (December to February)

    Winter in the UK is fairly mild, and you might even be lucky enough to get some snow. Make sure to visit the magical Christmas markets and enjoy the festive spirit.
     

    UK tours in winter

    Monthly overview of the weather in the UK

    MonthAvg Temp °CAvg Temp °FRain/Snow
    January 5 41
    High
    February 6 43
    High
    March 8 46
    Moderate
    April 10 50
    Moderate
    May 13 55
    Low
    June 16 61
    Low
    July 18 64
    Low
    August 18 64
    Low
    September 15 59
    Moderate
    October 12 54
    Moderate
    November 8 6
    High
    December 6 43
    High

    Weather in the UK by region

    • London

      London

      London's weather is a blend of moderate rainfall and pleasant temperatures – often hot in summer. Explore iconic sites like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.
       

      See London tours
    • Edinburgh Castle

      Edinburgh

      The weather in this Scottish gem is colder, but it adds to the city's medieval charm. Don't miss exploring the castle and the stunning views from Arthur's Seat.
       

      See Edinburgh tours
    • Lake District

      Lake District

      Renowned for its stunning lakes and mountains, the weather here is unpredictable – but it’s breathtakingly beautiful, whether it’s rain or shine.
       

      See Lake District tours
    • Couple walking along the beach

      Cornwall

      Cornwall boasts of milder and warmer weather, ideal for beach lovers and surfers who want to enjoy the dramatic coastline.
       

      See Cornwall tours

      Best time to visit the UK and Great Britain based on weather

      There's no 'bad' time to explore the UK. However, for milder temperatures and longer daylight hours, the period between late spring and early autumn is particularly enjoyable. Plan your adventure with TourRadar today, and let the weather in the UK unfurl a journey of a lifetime.

      Read more about the UK
      Hiking in Scotland

      Weather-related travel tips

      General tips for all seasons

      UK weather is famously unpredictable. Keep an umbrella and a light jacket handy.

      Hydrate and apply sunblock in summer to protect against the occasional heatwave.

      Wear layered clothing so you can easily add or remove layers depending on the weather.

      For winter travels, pack a warm, waterproof coat and sturdy boots. 

      Always check the local weather forecast before planning your adventures for the day.

      Packing list for the UK

      • Spring and summer

        • Lightweight clothing
        • Sun hat
        • Polarized sunglasses
        • Raincoat or umbrella
        • Insect repellent
        • Sunblock
        • Swimsuit for beach visits
        • Comfortable walking shoes
        • Light jacket or cardigan
        • Portable water bottle

      • Fall and winter

        • Warm, waterproof coat
        • Sturdy, waterproof boots
        • Thermal clothing
        • Moisturizer and lip balm
        • Scarf, hat, and gloves
        • High-visibility jacket
        • Warm socks
        • Umbrella
        • Flasks for warm drinks
        • Layered clothing

        Weather phenomena in the UK

        • Big Ben, London

          The fogs of London

          Nothing quite captures the spirit of London like its iconic foggy weather. It's a sight straight out of a Sherlock Holmes tale and perfect for atmospheric photography.

        • Scottish Highlands

          The Highland midges

          A trip to the Scottish Highlands in summer brings you face-to-face with this weather phenomenon – tiny midges! They’re a nuisance – but they’re part of the authentic Scottish experience, so it’s best to apply insect repellent and hope for the best.

        • Sunrise over a beach

          The gales of Wales

          Wales is largely coastal, which means it can be windy. Experience the powerful and awe-inspiring gales of Wales – it's nature's display of grandeur at its finest.

        • The Cliffs of Dover

          The White Cliffs of Dover

          The sun reflecting off these dazzling white cliffs on a clear day is a sight to behold.

          Best UK tours

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          Top-rated operators for UK tours

          View all UK tour operators

          What people ask about the UK

          • How unpredictable is the weather in the UK?

            The weather in the UK can change quickly. It's not uncommon to experience multiple seasons in a single day – so it’s best to be prepared for anything, with layers for all eventualities.

          • What's the summer weather like in the UK?

            It depends where you visit. In London, summers are generally warm, with temperatures averaging between 15 to 25°C – but heatwaves can occur. In the north of the country, it can be colder, with average highs of 17°C (or 63 °F) in Inverness.

          • How cold can winters get in the UK?

            Winters can be quite chilly, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, especially in northern regions.

          • Is rain common in the UK?

            Yes, rain is common throughout the year. That’s why it’s always a good idea to carry an umbrella or a raincoat.

          • What's the best time to visit the UK?

            Both spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. However, each season has its own charm – so the best time to visit really comes down to your personal preferences.

          • Do I need to pack different clothes for different regions in the UK?

            Generally, the weather across the country is similar. However, it can be colder in the northern regions – and if you’re heading to the mountains, it’s vital that you’re prepared with warm layers and adequate clothing.
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