Best time to visit the UK

No wonder the British are obsessed with the weather: they have one of the world's most changeable climates. The general pattern in the UK is for summers to be warm and wet and winters to be cool and wet.

UK by month

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Recommended for the UK

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Top UK destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in the UK. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

All UK regions

All UK destinations

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When is the best time to visit UK?

The best time to visit UK (London) is July and August based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

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Max Day Temperature (°C)

  • 7°C maximum daytime temperature in January in UK (London)7
    Jan
  • 7°C maximum daytime temperature in February in UK (London)7
    Feb
  • 10°C maximum daytime temperature in March in UK (London)10
    Mar
  • 13°C maximum daytime temperature in April in UK (London)13
    Apr
  • 17°C maximum daytime temperature in May in UK (London)17
    May
  • 20°C maximum daytime temperature in June in UK (London)20
    Jun
  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in July in UK (London)22
    Jul
  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in August in UK (London)22
    Aug
  • 19°C maximum daytime temperature in September in UK (London)19
    Sep
  • 15°C maximum daytime temperature in October in UK (London)15
    Oct
  • 10°C maximum daytime temperature in November in UK (London)10
    Nov
  • 8°C maximum daytime temperature in December in UK (London)8
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

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Best time to visit

The weather guide for UK (London) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm)  |  Imperial (°F / inches)

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UK overview

However, the quirky weather in the UK can leave the islands basking in sunshine as hot as the Mediterranean's during a good summer and shivering in temperatures as cold as Moscow's during a particularly harsh winter.

In the United Kingdom, weather conditions vary widely from day to day and from region to region. The southwest is the warmest area while the west coast and the mountains attract the most rain.

The east coast is generally a chilly and blustery region with colder winters than other areas. London and the southeast enjoy more periods of sunshine and are drier and warmer than the north.

The mountains of Scotland, Wales and northern England can be treacherous. In the summer months, they can record some of the highest rainfall in Europe while, in winter, they are prone to blizzards, gales and icy rain.

Unwary mountain walkers frequently have to be rescued when a sudden turn in the weather leaves them stranded and in danger of frostbite or worse.

Scotland, because of its northerly latitude, experiences longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter than anywhere else in the UK but, as a rule, temperatures there are no lower than in England.

Beautiful autumn weather at Loch Lomond, Scotland, UK
Beautiful autumn weather at Loch Lomond, Scotland, UK © Martynas - Adobe Stock Image

The west of the country is warmer and rainier than the east and visitors exploring the Highlands should be prepared for sudden fog and mists.

Wales is generally less sunny and more rainy than England but its coasts can enjoy prolonged periods of sunshine in the summer and are therefore popular with tourists.

The Welsh Mountains should be approached with respect at any time of year as conditions can quickly turn nasty. Northern Ireland suffers highly changeable weather conditions and tends to be wetter with less sun than other parts of the UK.

More about the UK seasons

What to pack for UK weather

Always bring a range of clothing when touring Britain. Layered clothing, which can be added to or removed according to temperature and conditions, is probably the best bet.

Expect the odd short sharp shower and, if in the Lake District or the mountains, rainwear is strongly recommended.

Best places to go in the UK

Looking for ideas for holidays in the UK? Check out our handpicked lists of top destinations for each month of the year.

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Planning holidays in the UK

Which is the hottest month in the UK?

The hottest time of year in London, UK is normally July. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 22°C.

Which month has the most rain in the UK?

In terms of rainfall, December is usually the wettest month in London, UK with 59mm on average. There are normally 14 days in December with some rain.

When is it sunniest in the UK?

The sunniest time of year in London, UK is normally August with bright sunshine on average for 41% of daylight hours; that's 6 hours of sunshine per day.

UK travel features

Do you want to learn more about the UK? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in the UK.

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