Weather is a favourite conversation topic in the UK, whilst the weather is rarely extreme, it is very changeable and visitors to the UK may experience elements of all four seasons during their stay. The UK weather & climate is famous for being unpredictable, in fact the only thing really predictable is that it is unpredictable! From a visitors perspective the fact that the UK rarely experiences extreme weather means there are no times of the year that should be avoided at all costs. Visitors with a preference for milder temperatures, more daylight and sunshine may wish to consider visiting in spring or summer whilst those happy with cooler temperatures may prefer autumn or winter.
Weather & Climate in the UK
Before You Start Your Trip
Spring Weather
Summer Weather
Autumn Weather
Current UK Weather
Before You Start Your Trip
Remember that the UK climate is unpredictable so come prepared for all seasons, it is not uncommon to experience elements of all four seasons during your stay (or even in one day).
An umbrella and waterproof coat will come in useful, while it does not rain all the time, there is a high possibility you may experience some rainy weather during your stay.
Come prepared with warm clothing i.e. coat, jumpers, the temperature is variable and a day of sunshine can be followed by a colder day, coming prepared will mean you do not get caught out & lessens the chances of falling ill. If you are visiting in the autumn/winter come prepared with warm coats, jumpers, gloves, socks and scarves.
The UK has regional variations in weather with different temperatures and varying weather patterns for England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland, there is occasionally extreme weather experienced in the UK, it can be local, regional or in rare cases national.
Spring Weather
Spring is from late March to May, there can be some great sunny days during spring with mild temperatures up to 17/18°C. Conversely it can be cold and wet with temperatures around 6°C to 10°C. There are instances of a settled weather during this time but is more likely to be changeable. Spring is a good time to visit the UK especially if you prefer the weather mild to warm.
Summer Weather
Summer is from June to August, most days during the summer are mild and can be hot. The temperature can vary from around 15°C to 30°C, there are occasional hot summers in the UK when temperatures can go over 30°C and closer to 35°C in places like Southern England. The days during this period are long and visitors may be surprised by the length of the days and sunshine during this period. Of course the unpredictability means there are also some wet summers with more rain and lower temperatures.
July and August are usually the warmest months in the UK, the temperature is at its warmest and this period is also the peak tourist season for both holiday makers from the UK and overseas visitors.
Autumn Weather
Autumn is from September to November, there can be some very warm days in autumn especially at the start of September, sometimes warmer weather is found in September meaning an extended summer period. Temperatures in autumn range from a cool 7°C to a warm 19°C. However the chances of an extended Indian summer in September are much higher than in October & November that are usually noticeably cooler than September. Autumn presents a good time to visit the UK, i.e. visiting in mid Sept means you avoid the peak tourist season & the extra crowds of the school holidays & still have a reasonable chance to enjoy milder weather and longer days & daylight.
Winter Weather
Winter is from December to early March, at this time the days are at their shortest and the temperature is at its coolest. However the days can be crisp, cool and bright meaning visitors that do not mind the cold can still enjoy trips to the UK. The temperatures drop to 0°C to 6°C, this can vary depending on regions, and the winters in Scotland & the North of England tend to be colder with more snowfall than areas such as the South East of England. It can go below 0°C at night and be very chilly in the mornings. The UK does get snowfall although in Scotland and Northern England it falls on a much more regular basis than it does in the South of England.
Visitors coming to the UK in winter should ensure they come with the correct warm clothing to ensure they stay warm and lessen the chances of falling ill. It can also help visitors to check the weather when they arrive in the UK for the next day/few days, week to get a better idea of what weather to expect, what sort of clothing you will need & to help you plan your trip better. If there are extreme weather or weather warnings in place check the up to date weather advice and check travel and traffic information for updates on services on public transport and roads that may be affected by changes in weather.
Current UK Weather
UK Weather Forecast for the next few days. For UK weather see: UK Weather for local, regional and national weather.
This Weather Widget is provided by the Met Office
The UK weather & climate is notorious for its unpredictability, it is recommended visitors to the UK come well prepared in their clothing to experience different weather during their stay. Visitors also need to be mentally prepared for changeable weather during their stay and not let this negatively impact on their trips especially if they experience some bad or dreary weather during their trips. The UK has much to offer overseas visitors both in terms of outdoor activities and Activities & Attractions that are indoors reducing the impact of the weather. With the weather rarely being extreme there are relatively few times when the weather will impact on your to such an extent you have to alter your travel plans. The weather also offers a great conversation topic or ice breaker when travelling around the UK.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.