The great British weather can change within minutes, from gloriously hot sunshine to downpours of rain, before turning sunny again. So, choosing the best time to visit the UK can feel like the impossible.
And then you need to factor in the price of flights and accommodation. As this can change overnight. Then to top it off you need to consider the seasons, as this will impact it too.
We’ve lived together in the UK for around 20 years now, so we have experienced every season, from freezing cold winters, to hot and crowded summers, and to be honest, the best time to visit depends on your goals.
We are going to share our experiences of the different weather conditions to expect, how to avoid the crowded season, price, and the best months for sightseeing, hiking and more.
You’ll no longer guess when you should plan your visit; instead, you’ll know exactly when to go based on what matters most to you.
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When is the best time to visit the UK?
The simple answer is the UK is overall best to visit between May and September.
During these months, you’ll experience far drier conditions, with some down pours as expected with the UK weather, but the temperatures will generally be warmer.
That said, it is still possible to visit during the shoulder months or even winter.
While the weather might be cooler, and temperature in the winter can drop below freezing, it’s still a good time to visit, especially for certain festivals; Christmas markets come to mind.
Ultimately, when you choose to visit, will depend on your goals.
If you are looking for better weather conditions, then planning a trip during the shoulder months or summer will be ideal.
If you are looking to avoid the crowds and save some money with flight and accommodation price at a low during the shoulder months and off season, then October to April is the perfect time.
Best time to visit the UK by season
To fully understand the best time to visit the UK, we need to breakdown the seasons, because contrary to belief, the UK isn’t always raining, although we do get a lot of it.
And every season has its own personality, its own perks and some challenges.
We have broken it down into the seasons and what it is really like, so you can choose the perfect time that matches your travel style, budget, and the type of trip you want.
Spring (March to May)
The UK is slowly moving out of the winter period, with milder conditions; gardens and parks start to bloom with bright coloured flowers and far fewer crowds.
Flights and hotels are usually cheaper around this period, which is ideal for budget travellers.
You should expect fresh, cool mornings, and comfortable afternoons, with some occasional days of rain.
Spring is the ideal time, if you are looking for cooler conditions, affordable travel options, with far less crowds.
United Kingdom Travel CostsSummer (June-August)
Summer is the most popular time of year to visit the UK, it’s the warmest time, with temperatures ranging between 23-32 degrees Celsius and daylight hours are longer, especially the further north you go.
But with great weather comes expensive flights and accommodation options, and it’s the busiest time of year.
The summer is the perfect time to visit for sightseeing, days out, outdoor adventure and trips to the coast.
So, if you are after the best weather and don’t mind sharing the experience with swarms of tourists, and higher prices, then Summer is the ideal time to experience the UK.
Autumn (September-November)
As autumn approaches, conditions start to cool back down, major cities and towns get quiter and the leaves start to turn golden before dropping.
Temperatures around this time of year are normally between 10-20 degrees, with some day’s cooler and other days warmer. Autumn is also known to be wetter, with more days of rain.
This is the time when flight and accommodation prices start to drop, and attractions calm down.
If you are looking for average weather conditions, less crowds, and more affordable prices, then autumn is the best time to visit.
Winter (December-February)
This is the cheapest time to visit, although it does peak in December when the festive season arrives, and prices increase a little.
Winters are normally mild, with temperatures around 3-8 degrees Celsius, although some days can drop below freezing, and the odd snow shower is possible.
If you like to get into the festive season, then Christmas Markets, ice rinks and stunning light displays start opening at the end of November and run through till the beginning of January.
Some smaller seaside towns and cities reduce services during the off season. Some tourist shops will either close or have reduced hours. You’ll need to plan and tweak your trip accordingly.
January and February are the most affordable months, and perfect for visiting museums and indoor attractions without crowds.
What to pack for visiting the UK
The weather changes all the time in the UK, which makes it unpredictable, so it’s important to stay flexible, select smart outfits and prep for rain, even if it isn’t forecasted.
We’d recommend these depending on the seasons:
Spring
During the spring, temperatures can vary daily; you should include layers, a jacket, a small umbrella, comfortable shoes, and waterproof trousers and jacket.
Summer
Most days are warm, so a lightweight t-shirt, shorts and dresses are suitable, although for the cool evenings we’d recommend a jumper or cardigan, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat and sunscreen.
Autumn
As the temperatures cool, you’ll need layers to keep you warm on cooler days, waterproof trousers and jacket, a jumper or fleece, umbrella and comfortable shoes.
Winter
As temperature drops significantly, you’ll need a thick jacket, gloves, hat and scarf, waterproof trousers and jacket, umbrella, and thermal layers.
If you need a more extensive list of what to pack? Then check out our detailed guide on what to pack for a holiday. Plus, you can download our free packing checklist, that has everything you need for any type of trip. You can download our checklist here.
Conclusion
Choosing the best time to visit the UK isn’t about travelling during the summer months to see the best weather, it’s about shaping it around your travel goals, your budget and whether you want to visit at its busiest time.
We prefer to focus our travels on the shoulder months, due to affordability, crowds and that the weather can still be rewarding just as much as visiting during the summer.
And if it happens to rain while you’re visiting the UK, include a contingency plan to include indoor attractions, or swap your itinerary around.
If you are flexible with your UK itinerary, you can visit at any time of the year.
Continue your travel planning, with these useful posts:
- How to navigate London Underground like a local
- How to get around London like a pro
- Where to stay in London
- Essential tips for visiting the UK
- Tips for driving in the UK for the first time
- Best places to visit in the UK
- Best places to eat in Canterbury
- Things to do in Canterbury
- Things to do in Eastbourne
- A day trip to Brighton from London
