Choose your region first. Summer has the warmest days. Compare four UK cities below for monthly rain and temperature.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for London. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jun.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Compare prices for your dates. Weather cannot show the cheapest month.
The year at a glance
The score above uses London weather. It cannot rate all four nations. Compare city averages before choosing your month.
Rain is possible year-round. Summer suits outdoor trips, while winter has shorter days. Check local plans and forecasts.
UK weather, city by city
The score above uses London. Compare all four nations before choosing a month.
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Average daytime high and monthly rain, 1991–2020
| Month | London (Heathrow) | Edinburgh | Cardiff | Belfast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8°C 59 mm rain | 7°C 65 mm rain | 9°C 127 mm rain | 8°C 89 mm rain |
| Feb | 9°C 45 mm rain | 8°C 53 mm rain | 9°C 93 mm rain | 9°C 70 mm rain |
| Mar | 12°C 39 mm rain | 10°C 48 mm rain | 11°C 85 mm rain | 10°C 71 mm rain |
| Apr | 15°C 42 mm rain | 12°C 41 mm rain | 14°C 72 mm rain | 13°C 60 mm rain |
| May | 18°C 46 mm rain | 15°C 48 mm rain | 17°C 78 mm rain | 16°C 60 mm rain |
| Jun | 22°C 47 mm rain | 17°C 66 mm rain | 20°C 74 mm rain | 18°C 69 mm rain |
| Jul | 24°C 46 mm rain | 19°C 72 mm rain | 22°C 84 mm rain | 20°C 74 mm rain |
| Aug | 23°C 53 mm rain | 19°C 72 mm rain | 21°C 105 mm rain | 19°C 85 mm rain |
| Sep | 20°C 50 mm rain | 17°C 55 mm rain | 19°C 86 mm rain | 17°C 70 mm rain |
| Oct | 16°C 65 mm rain | 13°C 76 mm rain | 15°C 129 mm rain | 14°C 96 mm rain |
| Nov | 11°C 67 mm rain | 10°C 65 mm rain | 12°C 131 mm rain | 11°C 102 mm rain |
| Dec | 9°C 57 mm rain | 7°C 67 mm rain | 9°C 140 mm rain | 8°C 93 mm rain |
July is warmer in London than Edinburgh or Belfast. Cardiff has much more winter rain than Heathrow.
These four stations cannot describe the Highlands, coasts or every town. Check local forecasts before travel.
Sources and weather notes
Met Office station averages cover 1991–2020. Highs are average daily highs; rain is the average monthly total. Heathrow is used for London. Station records are not a forecast. The London score above uses separate weather data.
London (Heathrow) data · Edinburgh data · Cardiff data · Belfast data · VisitBritain summer travel · Checked October 2026
the UK month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for London.
JanuaryCold with a little rain.Good 47
- Daytime high
- 8°C / 46°F
- Overnight low
- 3°C / 37°F
- Rainfall
- 55 mm
Cold with a little rain.
FebruaryCold and dry.Good 52
- Daytime high
- 9°C / 48°F
- Overnight low
- 3°C / 37°F
- Rainfall
- 40 mm
Cold and dry.
MarchCool and dry.Great 67
- Daytime high
- 12°C / 54°F
- Overnight low
- 4°C / 39°F
- Rainfall
- 42 mm
Cool and dry.
AprilCool and dry.Ideal 79
- Daytime high
- 15°C / 59°F
- Overnight low
- 6°C / 43°F
- Rainfall
- 44 mm
Cool and dry.
MayMild and dry.Ideal 91
- Daytime high
- 18°C / 64°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 49 mm
Mild and dry.
JuneMild and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 12°C / 54°F
- Rainfall
- 45 mm
Mild and dry.
JulyWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 14°C / 57°F
- Rainfall
- 45 mm
Warm and dry.
AugustWarm and dryIdeal 98
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 14°C / 57°F
- Rainfall
- 50 mm
Warm and dry.
SeptemberMild and dry.Ideal 98
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 49 mm
Mild and dry.
OctoberCool with a little rain.Ideal 77
- Daytime high
- 15°C / 59°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 69 mm
Cool with a little rain.
NovemberCool with a little rain.Great 61
- Daytime high
- 11°C / 52°F
- Overnight low
- 5°C / 41°F
- Rainfall
- 59 mm
Cool with a little rain.
DecemberCold with a little rain.Good 47
- Daytime high
- 8°C / 46°F
- Overnight low
- 3°C / 37°F
- Rainfall
- 55 mm
Cold with a little rain.
Where you go changes when you go
London and the southeast
Heathrow has warmer July days and less winter rain than Cardiff.
Scotland
Edinburgh is cooler than London in summer. Highland weather can differ sharply from this city station.
Wales and Northern Ireland
Compare Cardiff and Belfast rain by month. Coastal and hill weather can differ.
Best time to visit the UK for
Gardens and countryside
May and June, when the gardens bloom, the hedgerows are green and the days are long.
City sightseeing
April to June and September, with comfortable temperatures and lighter crowds than high summer.
Festivals and warmth
July and August for the warmest weather and the busy festival calendar, from Edinburgh to the seaside.
Winter cities
December to February for indoor sights and festive events. Expect short days.
What is on, and when
Spring gardens, May
The countryside turns green and the great gardens, from Kew to the Cotswolds, hit their stride.
Festive lights, December
Cities glow with Christmas lights and markets despite the short, grey days.
Where to stay in the UK
Compare places to stay around London. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Before you choose a stay
- Check the exact location and transport connections.
- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
Your travel month helps with planning. Enter your own dates on the booking site.
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Compare actual rates for your travel dates. The weather scores above do not predict accommodation prices or availability.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit the UK?
Does it rain all the time in the UK?
When is the warmest month in London?
Plan another month or destination
Browse all 75 country guides · Sources, editorial approach and weather methodology