When is the best time to visit the UK?

Visiting the UK in February

There will still be snow on the mountains in February, and parts of the country may experience snowfall. In the south of the United Kingdom, snowdrops begin to emerge, particularly in woodland areas.

Visiting the UK in March

Temperatures begin to rise and spring flowers appear, both on the ground and as blossom on the trees. The rugby Six Nations Championship is held during February or March, when England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy are pitched against each other.

Visiting the UK in April

April is a notoriously unpredictable month for weather. It can be warm and sunny, with spring flowers made more vivid by the clear skies and sunshine, or it can be a very rainy month. Toward the end of April swathes of bluebells cover woodland areas. Many of the sites that close over the winter months tend to reopen in April or around Easter, a public holiday. The London Marathon is held on one Sunday toward the end of the month, with thousands of runners making their way around central London.

Events & Festivals

• An annual event, the London Marathon is a great spectacle to watch, with runners running for charity around the main sites of the capital.

Visiting the UK in May - June

The weather is usually warm during May and June, and is typically drier than the winter months. May has two Bank Holiday weekends, which can be particularly busy as British people make the most of this time off work. There are several events and festivals held across the United Kingdom during May and June as the weather becomes more pleasant and reliable. The most famous are the outdoor tennis tournament Wimbledon, the Royal Ascot horse-racing event, Glastonbury Festival and the Royal Regatta, a series of boat races on the Thames, held in picturesque Henley-on-Thames.

Events & Festivals

• Wimbledon outdoor tennis tournament.
• The Royal Regatta is a key event in the summer season, with boat races and picnics held in Henley, and a strict dress code to adhere to.
• Often attended by the Queen, Royal Ascot is a major event in the horse racing calendar, where race-goers dress up for the occasion.
• Glastonbury Festival is held in Somerset this month, predominantly a music festival with famous bands and singers.

Visiting the UK in July - August

Traditionally the summer months, July and August are in theory the hottest and driest months of the year although, as with all British weather, this cannot be relied on. Schools break for the summer around the middle of July, so this is also the busiest time to travel throughout the UK. There are a number of outdoor music festivals held in July and August, as well as large agricultural shows such as the Great Yorkshire Show. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a lively series of performances including shows, music and comedy, is held during most of August, making the city extremely busy. The last weekend of August is the final Bank Holiday of the summer.

Events & Festivals

• The Royal Regatta is a key event in the summer season, with boat races and picnics held in Henley, and a strict dress code to adhere to.
• Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a lively series of performances including music, comedy and theater.

Visiting the UK in September

September often has warmer and drier weather than August, and the summer crowds start to disperse as schools reopen. Toward the end of the month the leaves start to change hue, and there are a number of food festivals held across the country to mark the harvest.

Visiting the UK in October

The autumn leaves are at their best, most vibrant russet shades during October. Temperatures are cooler and some sites in more rural areas start to close for winter. By the end of October most places are much quieter, making this a pleasant time to travel if you prefer to avoid the crowds. The schools generally break for a week at the end of the month though.

Visiting the UK in November

In early November the autumn leaves are still in full show, but mountainous areas may experience snow and daylight is restricted to around seven hours in northern Scotland. The weather is usually cool and damp, although it’s not uncommon to have wonderful cold, dry spells. Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks on the 5th, to commemorate a failed attempt to blow up parliament in the 17th century. Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers is held on the eleventh day of the month across the country, with Sunday memorial services and military marches. A two-minute silence held at 11am on the eleventh day itself.

Events & Festivals

• A celebration of bonfires and fireworks, Guy Fawkes Night commemorates a failed attempt to blow up parliament in the 17th century.

Visiting the UK in December

December is usually cold and damp, with little foliage and the least daylight hours of the year (fewer than seven in the north of Scotland). Christmas lights in towns and cities are switched on in early December, and shops remain open for most of the month, often only closing on Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 26).

Events & Festivals

• Christmas lights decorate towns and cities, and carol concerts are held in churches.