However, the summer months are the best time to visit England to get the most out of the country's stunning beaches, national parks, festivals, and historic sites. It is generally around 40F (15C) during the day, and there may be a few days of light snowfall. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You're more likely to find airfare and accommodation deals in the fall and winterthough you'll also encounter chilly temperatures. Apache/2.4.34 (Oracle) OpenSSL/1..2k-fips Server at www.visitscotland.com Port 80 These months are characterised by lower precipitation values than the spring and winter months. Because the U.K. doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving, November can be a great time to take advantage of smaller crowds in England. Find a cozy pub and enjoy a hot cider by the fire, or bundle up in a warm jacket and go for a short walk. The month is a teaser, almost always marked by long stretches of "unseasonably" warm, sunny weather and finishing with a cold, wet June. You're not guaranteed tomorrow, and, often times, you can buy an international plane ticket for less than a domestic one. In the last few years, the airlines have offered irresistible fares . The nation has plenty to do, no matter what your tastes are. If youre trying to decide when to plan a trip England, there are lots of factors to take into consideration. April and May are lovely months to explore Englands coastlines, as the weather warms up and the sea breeze is a little less painful to endure. Don't leave your shorts home just yet; in recent years, London has experienced record highs in the lower 90s. While rain is always a consideration, the weather between these months is best to discover the scenery and cultural sites. The country is famous for its diverse culture, and theres nowhere else to experience a cultural melting pot like in England. Average Temperature : 15C to 7C. It's normal for the weather to be wet and cold through the low season. The best time to visit London is during the spring season (March to May) when the temperatures are mild and the city's parks are green and blooming. The railway is the best way to travel in England, without a doubt. Start Here Europe England The Best Time to Visit England in 2023, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: December 13, 2022. Skip the packed streets of London and head to lesser-visited areas to make the most of your trip. Read our. The late fall and winter months are the offseason in England, except for the holiday season, and you wont see many other tourists if you vacation during this time. April is an ideal time to visit England thanks to a plethora of events around the country and many tourist spots starting to get going for the season. Terms of Service | Privacy, Christmastime is especially fun in London, See my recommended itinerary for Great Britain. Summer delivers sunny weather perfect for cruising and exploring Cape Cod, while the fiery hues of fall foliage make it a favorite season of travelers visiting New England. Everyone gathers in pub gardens after work and at weekends, or host BBQs in their gardens. September is one of the best months to visit England, as summer temperatures often linger beyond August, and days are still sunny. Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers is held on the eleventh day of the month across the country, with Sunday memorial services and military marches. Seller of Travel Ref. Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships (July), Turner Prize, Margate (September January), Christmas lights (lights usually switch on around mid-November), Birminghams Frankfurt Christmas Market (November December), Winter Wonderland in London (November December), New Years Day Parade in London (January), Jorvik Viking Festival in York (February). Expect sun mixed with sudden rain showers from March to May, and some balmy autumn days from September to October. Spring in England runs from March to May. You may also hear the term Great Britain. Great Britain refers to the geographic island, including England, Scotland, and Wales. 4- Visit the Isles of Scilly. New England is well-known for its beautiful fall scenery, and mid-September until around the end of October provides the best time to see the show. All rights reserved. Temperatures average between the mid-30s and 40s Fahrenheit. | Safer Than You Think. The weather during this time isnt spectacular. If you don't need a sweater or a light jacket in the morning, you know the day will be a scorcher. The best time to visit England is anytime from late February to September to get the most out of your stay. Even if the weather is poor, there are still fun things to do in England in late December. However, if youre planning a trip where youll be indoors a fair bit (museums, galleries etc) its a great time to visit. If you're in London for the holidays, plan to take in the city's Christmas splendor away from popular shopping hot spots. England is ideal for hiking, camping, and seeing natural wonders. Days are noticeably longer, crocuses are blooming, daffodils appear, and urban magnolias bloom. The Lake District, Peak District and other popular areas can get very busy in June and July, but there are still plenty of little nooks where you can find solitude. These months' annual events, especially Guy Fawkes Night in November, are celebrations deeply rooted in not only London but England's history. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration, All prices are in USD unless otherwise stated, CST#2117258-40 | Fla. Opening hours are often reduced from October to Easter, with some places shut for the entire winter, but major sights (especially in London) remain open all year. September often has warmer and drier weather than August, and the summer crowds start to disperse as schools reopen. Taking all of this into consideration, if you want to know when the best time is to visit England, the answer is (if you can) spring or autumn. If its your first time in England, know that the culture is different. There's a bank holiday each August, which can mean crowds, so book ahead. Head to the home of Shakespeare for the week-long. This is one of the coldest, wettest months, with constant gray skies and days so short that people turn their lights on by 3 p.m. Daylight lasts under eight hours between sunrise and sunset on averageeven less in Scotland. This is a very dark month. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. What month has the best weather in England? The best time of day to visit Stonehenge is before 9.30am in the morning and in the afternoon after 4pm in the summer or 2pm in the winter. When is the best time to visit New England? Step out of the capital to explore the towns, historic sites and nature outside London on a day trip. Spring is also an ideal time to tour manor houses or historical sites while you enjoy the temperate weather. Summer is here at last. Like June and July, August is usually very popular for international travelers, particularly in seaside locations. May and June can be lovely anywhere in Britain. The best time to visit England is during spring (late March to early June) and fall (September to November). Just when you thought travelling in 2023 couldn't get anymore complicated (rail strikes, we're looking at you), another spanner has been thrown in the works. January is a good time of year to take advantage of cheap city breaks and low hotel prices.Key events: London New Years Day Parade, Chinese New Year (can fall in February), The countryside can be glorious under snow and sunshine, but it's more likely to be grey and gloomy. Typically the coldest month of the year, January, is a chilly one in England, with the average temperature a measly 5C. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. London, the nations historic capital, is hopping with things to do in spring. Winter in England runs from December to February. When is the cheapest time to go to the United Kingdom? If you have any concerns related to the weather, crowds or other unpredictable factors, you might want to consider an international travel insurance policyor a cancel for any reason plan for more extensive coverage. London has many iconic sites and things to do, from bars and nightclubs to museums and restaurants. Though temperatures average in the 30- to 40-degree range, you'll be able to enjoy a more authentic London experience sans large tourist hordes. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Elle, Rolling Stone, and Fodors. Your entire vacation is designed around your requirements, Select your preferred style of accommodations, Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists, All our specialists have traveled extensively or lived in their specialist regions, The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish, Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one, Hand picked by us or our local partners as the best available, Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country. Planning a trip to the UK and wondering when the best time to visit England is? April is also one of the rainiest months, but the visitors keep coming in anyway. Schools break up at the end of the month, so theres a holiday tingle in the air, dulled only by busy Friday-evening roads as people head out of town for weekends away.Key events: London Pride, Latitude Festival (Suffolk), Wireless (London), Womad (Wiltshire), Truck Festival (Oxfordshire), Camp Bestival (Dorset), Cowes Week regatta (runs into August), Schools and colleges are closed, parliament is in recess, the sun is shining and England is in a holiday mood, with many families heading down to the warm coasts of Devon and Cornwall. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. Once the Christmas and New Year's festivities die down, this is the true off-season. The British boast exquisite gardens and once things have come into flower, these horticultural creations are at their finest. We talk about it a lot, commenting on the shade of grey in the sky, how warm the sun is or how many mm of rain we saw fall yesterday. It's still mild in September and October, but if you don't mind cold weather, you can't beat December. Getting to and staying in London can be pricey, no matter how or when you travel. Its a shame weve been cooped up for it, but its been lovely visiting Londons parks, taking in the fragrances and beauty of the flowers and plants. Daytime temperatures average between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, with evenings turning chillier. Many Christmas festivities kick off in England in November (the British love Christmas), so look for tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas markets, and theater events throughout the country towards the end of the month. Spring: March to May Visiting London in the spring, you'll enjoy longer daylight hours and mild weather, with temperatures averaging 11 to 15C (52 to 59F). The temperature during these months fluctuates between 13 C to 19C which is apt for outdoor activities. Although some attractions close in mountainous areas and in the north (and most of Scotland), where theres likely to be snow, the main cities remain fully open and will be quieter for sightseeing. The main Christmas lights on Oxford Street and Regent Street tend to be switched on around the middle of November, so its a lovely time to see the magic of London, as well as stock up on some Christmas presents! In England, you can avoid looking like a tourist by walking to get groceries or to go to the pub. Ferne Arfin is a freelance travel writer who covers the U.K. and Greece for TripSavvy. The best time to visit the United Kingdom is in the spring or fall. Travel in England is easy and quick, and you can see many top sights in just a few days. The south coast tends to get more sunshine than mountainous areas like the Lake District, which is the wettest part of England. If youre curious about exploring London by bicycle, here are some tips for doing so safely, plus a roundup of the citys best bike-share programs. Summer is a really vibrant and fun time to visit England. The Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast in 2023, The Best Time to Visit South Padre Island in 2023, The 17 Best Places to Visit in England in 2023. Here's a month-by-month breakdown of what's going on, from festivals and events to the all-important weather, to help you pick the best time to visit. Temperatures average from 34 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and youll experience rain or snow at least several days a week. The best time to visit England is during April and May, when temperatures stay between 50 and 60 degrees and when crowds are at their lowest. October and November are quieter months to visit London, with the peak summer tourist rush tailing off. London's biggest summer events, however (including Wimbledon in July, and the Notting Hill Carnival in late August) don't overwhelm the city. However, late springalong with summeris also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge. While fall and winter can be especially rainy and summer can get a bit muggy, spring in London enjoys a happy medium, with average temperatures hovering between the 50s and 60s. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. London is still crowded with tourists well into mid-September, thanks to the mild 60 to 70-degreetemperatures. If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit Lake District, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. Best Time to Visit England in Spring. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It's a particularly good time to decamp from the cities to enjoy the famous English countryside or to experience the hikes in the Lake District. Youll look like a local if you come dressed in travel shorts and t-shirts! In spring, you can witness crocuses in bloom and puffins flickering on Farne Islands. Another thing to keep in mind: it's nearly impossible to escape crowds in London. England is obsessed with Christmas, so a visit in December means vibrant decorations and massive shopping crowds. However, the UK can be visited at any time of year, as its climate is relatively temperate and, in general, doesnt experience extremes during either summer or winter. 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). If youre visiting London, stay away from Oxford Street and Leicester Square (pronounced Lester Square). We have all the information you need about visiting the Land of the Rose. The weather is temperate, and youll find plenty of activities to do. It's an exciting time to visit Belfast and 2023 sees the launch of several good-value hotels, including a Moxy and a pod hotel in the Cathedral Quarter . Perhaps youre keen to spend a few days at the English seaside, so a summer trip would be best. Studio Tour London The Making of Harry Potter, just outside London, which always puts on a magical experience at Christmastime. It is the beginning of Spring, and the gardens of the city begin rendering London a mottled appearance. The Six Nations rugby tournament brings colorful flags and a jovial atmosphere to pubs across the country.Key events: Jorvik Viking Festival (York), Six Nations Rugby Championship, Dark Skies Festival (temporarily moved to October and November in 2022), Spring starts to show itself in March, with daffodils, bluebells, crocuses and primroses brightening up the month. There's just something so special about Wales when it's warm and sunny outside. Highclere Castlein Newbury is a must-see for fans of the series Downton Abbey, and Shakespeares house in Stratford-Upon-Avon is open daily to tourists. July and August see an average high temperature of 19C (66F), and you will enjoy about seven hours of sun a day. Beaches and open-top bus tours may not be a good idea due to almost two thirds of the month expecting rainfall, but you can still get out of the cold and enjoy a good, old-fashioned, traditional pantomime.Visiting England will generally cost less in winter months like January. Autumn is a spectacular time to visit England Temperatures are cooler and some sites in more rural areas start to close for winter. This guide will help you plan to get the best of every season. Winter is the best time to visit England, as the temperatures remain mild enough to be comfortable. Cambridge is the most expensive city in England, followed by London, Oxford, and Bath. You can also escape to a tiny village and enjoy the small-town atmosphere, with caroling concerts, theater events, and deals at pubs. Check temperature, sunshine & rainfall averages before booking 2023/2024 holidays in the UK The value of the British pound fluctuates, but its typically worth more than other currencies. The best time to visit England for avoiding the crowds is spring, early summer and early autumn - from April to June and September to November. That's no surprise, really, given all the fun, intriguing, and historic places to go in England. Temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s. Stay in London for a few days before taking the train to York in northern England. Across Britain, travel during "shoulder season" (May, early June, September, and early October) is still easier than in peak season, and can be a bit less expensive. All rights reserved. So, Whats the Best Time to Visit England? Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. Of course the weather is not totally predictable in any month but as a general rule if we have rain in the summer months it will only last for a few hours rather than all day. The weather during these months is warm, mostly dry and pleasant. There are several events and festivals held across the United Kingdom during May and June as the weather becomes more pleasant and reliable. In the United Kingdom, annual weather averages July is the hottest month in London with an average temperature of 19C (66F) and the coldest is January at 5C (41F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 7 in June. In the south of the United Kingdom, snowdrops begin to emerge, particularly in woodland areas. Scotland can be as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than London. If youre staying in London, we recommend purchasing an Oyster Card to access the London Underground tube system. Introducing England Watch on The peak season (June-August) is the best time for good weather and festivals The weather in England is at its best from June to August, with plenty of sunny days. In the colder months such as January, temperatures usually get down to an average minimum of 1 (35). Its among the largest and most diverse cities worldwide and is always bustling with things to do. Call one of our experts or arrange a video appointment for ideas and advice. But you can still enjoy England on a budget and take advantage of all the fun indoor things to do. You can find all your favorites in the menu. For a cheaper trip, consider Sheffield or Birmingham. The colours of autumn are spectacular though, with deep reds, oranges and yellows on the trees. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. The least busy time to visit England is from November to December 25th and from January 1st to March. The best time to visit England is in the spring when the weather is warm. England's Pride celebrations take over the country in June, with a massive parade in London. Most Ideal Low Season. However, it's a changeable time, and that means grey skies and rain too. Even in the peak of summer, however, sunny weather is far from guaranteed (especially in Scotland's damp and chilly climate) you may do just as well in shoulder season. Spring takes over during this time which makes it best to explore the gorgeous bluebell lined woodlands. ST39468, 2023 Audley Travel | Audley Travel US, Inc. (Delaware 5398866). Summer is the peak season for travel to England, although you can expect lots of visitors in the spring and early fall as well. A two-minute silence held at 11am on the eleventh day itself. If you're looking for the very warmest time to visit the United Kingdom, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. Many people from England and mainland Europe travel for the holidays in December. Ideal for travelers that are visiting for an extended time and want to tailor their own trip. The British do Christmas and New Year like nobody elsethe festive buzz is irresistible. A celebration of bonfires and fireworks, Guy Fawkes Night commemorates a failed attempt to blow up parliament in the 17th century. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. Four to seven days is the ideal time to spend in England. The summer offers the best chance at excellent weather, but it's also the busiest time of year for tourism in London. But winter offers savings across the board and a chance to see Britons going about their everyday lives largely unhindered by tourist invasions. 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