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 63/100 with daytime highs around 19°C / 66°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 | 1 | 7° / 45°F | 85 mm | 8° | Poor |
| February | 0 | 7° / 45°F | 68 mm | 8° | Poor |
| March | 6 | 9° / 48°F | 65 mm | 8° | Poor |
| April | 26 | 12° / 54°F | 55 mm | 10° | Mixed |
| May | 44 | 15° / 59°F | 64 mm | 14° | Good |
| June | 62 | 18° / 64°F | 76 mm | 15° | Very good |
| July | 67 | 20° / 68°F | 83 mm | 17° | Very good |
| August | 65 | 20° / 68°F | 89 mm | 17° | Very good |
| September | 59 | 17° / 63°F | 65 mm | 16° | Very good |
| October | 33 | 14° / 57°F | 96 mm | 14° | Mixed |
| November | 10 | 10° / 50°F | 93 mm | 12° | Poor |
| December | 1 | 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 63/100, ~19°C / 66°F days). Hottest: July, ~20°C / 68°F. Wettest: October (96 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Southampton (1,900 h/yr), Bournemouth (1,899 h/yr), Exeter (1,796 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.