The best time to visit the UK
The best time to visit the UK for warm, sunny weather is June to September, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 60/100 with daytime highs around 18°C / 64°F.
The UK by month, averaged across 21 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0 | 6° / 43°F | 85 mm | 8° | Poor |
| February | 0 | 6° / 43°F | 68 mm | 8° | Poor |
| March | 4 | 8° / 46°F | 65 mm | 8° | Poor |
| April | 23 | 11° / 52°F | 55 mm | 10° | Poor |
| May | 41 | 15° / 59°F | 64 mm | 14° | Good |
| June | 58 | 17° / 63°F | 76 mm | 15° | Very good |
| July | 65 | 19° / 66°F | 83 mm | 17° | Very good |
| August | 62 | 19° / 66°F | 89 mm | 17° | Very good |
| September | 56 | 17° / 63°F | 65 mm | 16° | Very good |
| October | 29 | 13° / 55°F | 96 mm | 14° | Mixed |
| November | 7 | 9° / 48°F | 93 mm | 12° | Poor |
| December | 0 | 7° / 45°F | 89 mm | 9° | Poor |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: June to September — the UK's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 60/100, ~18°C / 64°F days). Hottest: July, ~19°C / 66°F. Wettest: October (96 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Southampton (1,706 h/yr), London (1,633 h/yr), Bournemouth (1,632 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in the UK month by month, the hottest places in the UK, or every the UK destination with a full climate card.