When to Go to United Kingdom
To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.
Climate
Britain has a fairly temperate climate and can sometimes be overcast. However, we enjoy long summer evenings due to our northerly latitude and periods of fine weather can happen in all seasons.
The weather can vary greatly from day to day, but generally summer (June-August) is a hot 14-30 °C, and winter (December-February) is a cool 1-5 °C. There is quite a difference in temperature between Scotland and Southern England. Generally, the further south, the warmer it is likely to be.
Seasonality
Whatever the season, the British weather is liable to change from day to day, so if you are wondering what to wear, it is a good idea to bring a selection of items including some light clothes, items you can layer (that way you can add or remove layers depending on temperature), at least one warm pullover and a waterproof coat or umbrella. To get a better idea about what to pack, look at the seaonal variations you can expect in Britain:
Spring (March - May)
In spring, you can enjoy wonderful sunny weather, but it can also be cool or wet. Temperatures fluctuate from around 6 - 11 °C. May can have very warm days - up to about 18 °C.
Summer (June - August)
Most days in summer are warm to hot, but evenings can be cool. Temperatures average around 14 - 30 °C, although it can be up to around 35 °C on some days.
Autumn (September - November)
In autumn there can be very warm days, but equally there can be cool ones too. Temperatures fluctuate around the 7 - 18 °C mark, but are likely to be much warmer in September than November.
Winter (December - early March)
Winter sees Britain's shortest and coolest days (about 7-8 hours of daylight) but these can be crisp and bright. Temperatures fluctuate from around 1 - 5 °C.
National Parks, theme parks, beaches and other attractions are busiest during school holiday periods, bank holidays and weekends. School summer holidays last for 6 weeks between mid-July and end of August/early September.
National Holidays
| Date |
Description |
| 26 May 08 |
Spring Bank Holiday |
| 25 Aug 08 |
Summer Bank Holiday |
| 25 Dec 08 |
Christmas Day |
| 26 Dec 08 |
Boxing Day |
| 01 Jan 09 |
New Year's Day |
| 10 Apr 09 |
Good Friday |
| 13 Apr 09 |
Easter Monday |
| 04 May 09 |
May Day |
