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When is the best time to visit the UK?

Discover the best time to visit the UK based on weather conditions, accommodation prices and crowds.

Alex Keshen
Alex Keshen

Updated

Fact checked

We’ve researched the best time to visit one of the world’s most historic and beautiful destinations, the UK.

Best time to visit the UK

June - September

Why?

Visiting the UK between June to August will provide you with the warmest weather, but this is also the peak period which means larger crowds and more expensive activities.

Travelling during May or September will mean the weather is only relatively colder. In addition, accommodation and activities are cheaper and the crowds are smaller.

Overview

The UK is a destination that is relatively cool year round, meaning that travelling during the warmer months like June, July and August, will be the most comfortable to wander around.

The UK is a popular family destination, and we recommend avoiding major holiday periods and school holidays to ensure accommodation prices are lower and crowds are minimal. Local school holidays are generally held over Christmas and New Year, mid-February, Easter, late-May, summer (from mid-July until beginning of September), and mid-October. Exact dates change annually, so it’s best to check dates before planning your visit.

Weather and prices

Best time to visit the UK, weather wise: June to August is the most likely time the UK will be dry and sunny as well as the most pleasant for tourist activities.

Cheapest time to visit the UK: Look for cheap flight and hotel deals in November to December.

Best time to visit the UK...

  • Music festivals. The UK’s festival season runs from May to September. If you’re more after good weather than who’s playing at which festival, best time to experience one is during July and August when the weather is warm and dry. If you’re planning on attending Glastonbury, it’s held on the last weekend in June. Reading and Leeds Festivals are held simultaneously over the August public holiday weekend.
  • Museums. Since most are indoors unaffected by the weather, the UK's museums are a year-round attraction. If you’re after a quieter visit, it’s a good idea to avoid attending during local school holidays.
  • Historic sites. The UK offers a seemingly endless number of historic sites. If you're planning to visit outdoor site, such as Stonehenge, or strolling around a historic town like Bath, it's best to visit during the warmer months from June to August. For cheaper sightseeing tour tickets, try finding deals just outside of these months when companies may be looking to sell extra seats on tours.
  • Harry Potter Studio Tour at Warner Bros. Home to Harry Potter, the UK offers tours of the set as well as props and costumes used within the movie at the Warner Bros. Studio, located about an hour by train from London. To avoid crowds, try and avoid visiting this attraction during school holiday periods.

Hot UK travel deals

Trafalgar Tours Trafalgar Tours

Up to 15% off last minute trips

Valid for travel on select dates in 2020 and 2021. Destinations include Europe, UK, the Middle East, Argentina, India, Asia, New Zealand, Australia and Africa and more. T&Cs apply.

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Groupon Groupon

Up to 70% off hotel stays and vacation packages

Destinations include Gold Coast, Port Douglas, Bali, Phuket, Fiji, Vietnam and Hawaii. Sample packages include a 5-night stay in Surfers Paradise for $299 (Regularly $579) and a 5-night package to Fiji for $999 (Regularly $2,101).

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Anantara Anantara

Up to 61% off Phuket getaway

Available for stays until 31 December 2020. Package includes complimentary room upgrade, breakfast and more. Minimum of 2 nights stay required. T&Cs apply.

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Anantara Anantara

Up to 25% off Phuket stay

Available for stays until 31 May 2021. Plus get up to TBH 4,000 credits when you stay in a pool villa. T&Cs apply.

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Trip.com Trip.com

5% off hotel bookings

Available on your first Trip.com pre-paid hotel booking. Discount available worldwide including in Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, Fiji, US, UK and more.

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Wotif Wotif

Holiday sale: Asia hotels from $95

Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 - 2020. Destinations include Bali, Phuket, South Korea and more. Sample fare is for a 4-star Whistle Lark Hotel in Jeju Island. T&Cs apply.

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eDreams eDreams

Up to 66% off holiday savings

Enjoy your holiday more when you book with eDreams. Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Phuket, Melbourne, Denpasar, Singapore and more. T&Cs apply.

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Design Hotels Design Hotels

Up to 30% off if you book in advance

Valid for bookings made at least 30 days in advance at hotels around the world. Destinations include France, USA, Bali, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, UK, Singapore, Japan and more.

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Train Genius Train Genius

Save up to 80% on UK train tickets

Savings is based on buying tickets on the day of travel. Tickets subject to availability and not available on all routes. Limited availability.

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Travelodge (UK) Travelodge (UK)

London hotels from GBP£49

Book more than 70 hotels across London from as little as GBP£49 per night

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Popular Travel coupon codes

Last checked Code description Code
27 May 2020 Extra $10 off site-wide with code FDR****
22 May 2020 Extra 9% off hotel bookings AUT****
27 Apr 2020 Up to 12% off worldwide flights PAY****
14 Apr 2020 Extra 8% off on hotel bookings CLP****
2 Jul 2020 Up to $30 off Australia tandem skydive RES****

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