Best Time to Visit the United Kingdom

Common seals at Islay - Scotland - UK

UK at a Glance: Best Time to Visit

Recommended time to visit: The warmer months of May - September offer the best weather for visiting the UK, with long days and less rainfall. The summer holidays from mid-July - end of August are a busy time to visit, meaning May, June and September are recommended as the best months!

Less popular time to visit: The winter months from November - February can be cold, particularly in northern England and Scotland, where snowfall is possible. Furthermore, days are short, and there is more rain further south. However, Christmas markets in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Belfast and elsewhere can be a great excuse to visit the UK in winter!

Exciting time to visit: Consider visiting Northern Ireland for St Patrick's Day on 17 March. The whole island of Ireland erupts in green, Guinness flowing and a jovial atmosphere. It's a great time to explore Ireland, and there are often festivities over the Irish Sea in England, Scotland and Wales too!

Wettest time to visit: The rumours are true... in the UK, it rains, a lot! It's best to always be prepared for a shower, whichever corner of the Kingdom you are visiting. As a general rule, October and November are the wettest months, whilst spring and summer from April - September are the driest months, but expect rain at some point during your trip, it's all part of the UK experience!

Best time to spot wildlife in the Scottish Islands: Although the UK isn't a wildlife destination, the Scottish Islands boast the country's highest densities of wildlife. In the summer months from June - August, it is possible to see whales, dolphins and basking sharks off the coast, whilst the longer days are perfect for spotting golden eagles and white-tailed eagles, not to mention red squirrels, hare and deer.

Climate | London

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temp Min °F373739434854575754484337
Temp Max °F434550556368727066575045
Rainfall (mm)523935435043414849716353

Climate | Edinburgh

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temp Min °F343436374348525248453736
Temp Max °F414348525763666661554845
Rainfall (mm)705070405060705070807070

Climate | Belfast

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temp Min °F363637394348525245413937
Temp Max °F434348525963666461554845
Rainfall (mm)806080505070708080908080

Climate | Cardiff

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temp Min °F373639394550545452484139
Temp Max °F454348545964686864575046
Rainfall (mm)906090403040406050707070

See also

For further information to help plan your trip to the UK, see the following:

Top Travel Tips - Packed with useful info to help you plan your visit
Best Places to Visit- the top sites to visit in the UK
Dublin Vs Belfast - compare the Irish capitals!

United Kingdom Trip Styles