Discover the best time to visit the UK based on weather conditions, accommodation prices and crowds.
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
Flight Centre - Holidays
Phuket: 7 nights + flights from $699
Valid for travel from 1 August - 31 October 2018 and 1 May - 30 June 2019. Includes accommodation, return flights and daily breakfast. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - International
Asia flights from $579 return with Qantas
Valid for travel from 10 October - 15 November 2018 and 1 February - 15 June 2019. Destinations include Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Bangkok, Phuket and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Hong Kong.
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Luxury Escapes
Up to 70% off 8-night Phuket packages
Valid for travel until 15 August 2019. Includes accommodation at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, daily breakfast, nightly multi-course dinner and more. T&Cs apply.
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Travel Online
Khao Lak: 8-night Thai holiday + flights from $950
Valid for travel between 1–31 May and 1 July – 31 October 2019. Includes 8-night accommodation at Centara Seaview Resort Khao Lak, return flights, private transfers from Phuket Airport, breakfast daily and kids stay free. T&Cs apply.
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Veltra
Up to 42% off Thailand tours
Valid on all dates. Destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Krabi and more. T&Cs apply.
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Veltra
Up to 15% off UK tours
Valid on all dates. Destinations include London, Manchester, Edinburg and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Up to 38% off 8-night Phuket getaway + flights
Valid for travel from 20 September - 30 November 2018 and 1 March - 30 June 2019. Includes flights, accommodation, daily breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Skyscanner
Thailand flights from $307 return
Valid for travel from 1 October - 30 November 2018. Sample fare is Perth-Bangkok. Destinations include Phuket, Krabi, Chiang Mai and more.
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Travel Online
Phuket: 35% off resort accommodation + flights
Valid for travel between 1 September - 31 October 2018. Package includes 8 nights accommodation at Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa, daily breakfast, complimentary WiFi use, return flights from Melbourne-Phuket and return airport transfers. T&Cs apply.
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Viator
Up to 50% off on tours and activities
Valid on select dates depending on the destination. Destinations include Las Vegas, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, Seoul, Bali, Phuket and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Phuket day tour from just $55
Valid for travel until 31 December 2018. Enjoy the scenery of Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island. Inclusive of return transfers to hotel, speedboat tours, English-speaking guide and more. T&Cs apply.
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British Airways
UK flights from $1,170 return
Valid for travel until October 2018. Destinations include London and Edinburgh. Sample fare is for Sydney-London.
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Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
Up to 30% off Phuket stay
Valid for stays until 31 October 2018 at Millennium Resort Patong Phuket, Thailand. Inclusive of buffet breakfast for two, complimentary WiFi access and more. T&Cs apply.
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Avis
Free two days UK car hire
Valid until 8 December 2018 at select locations across UK. Minimum of 14 days. T&Cs apply.
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Avis
Free one day UK car hire
Valid until 8 December 2018 at select locations across UK. Minimum of 10 days. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
40% off Phuket day tour
Valid for travel until 31 December 2018. Includes full day tour of James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay, buffet lunch, fruit and soft drink, English-speaking tour guide and more. T&Cs apply.
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Spartan Race
15% Off Next UK Spartan Race
T&Cs apply
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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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Hotels.com
Up to 75% off resorts worldwide
Valid for stays on select dates until October 2018. Sample savings is for Inn Place Serviced Residence, Pattaya. Destinations include Boracay, Koh Samui, Phuket, Kota Kinabalu, Langkawi and more. T&Cs apply.
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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 $2101),
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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
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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