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
Groupon
Extra 10% off travel deals
Valid select dates depending on the destinations like Vietnam, Hunter Valley, Brisbane, Bali, Phuket and more. T&Cs apply.
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Columbus Direct
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Scoopon
Up to 70% off travel deals
Discounted hotel packages, tours and cruises to destinations in Australia and to Thailand, Fiji, Cook Islands, Bali, Vietnam, Myanmar, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Germany, New Zealand and more.
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I Want That Flight
Thailand flights from $362 return
Valid for travel between May - July 2019. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Phuket.
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Groupon
71% off Phuket stay + extra 10% off
Valid for travel until 30 September 2019 at Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong. Includes accommodation, breakfast and more. T&Cs apply.
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Groupon
Extra 10% off travel deals
Valid on select dates depending on the destinations like like Vietnam, Singapore, China, Sydney, Hunter Valley, Brisbane, Bali, Phuket and more. T&Cs apply.
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Skyscanner
UK flights from $963 return
Valid for travel from December 2018 - January 2019, including over Christmas. Destinations include London, Manchester, Birmingham and more. Sample fare is Perth-London.
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British Airways
UK flights from $1,368 return
Valid for travel until November 2018. Destinations include London and Edinburgh. Sample fare is for Sydney-London.
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Nexus Holidays
Up to $1,000 off November bookings
Valid for travel on select 2019 dates. Includes return economy airfare, accommodation and more. Destinations include Italy, Switzerland, France, UK, Hanoi, Halong Bay and more. T&Cs apply.
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STA Travel
Up to 60% off Phuket stay
Valid for stays until 31 March 2019. Includes 3-nights hotel accommodation and more. T&Cs apply.
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STA Travel
Up to 60% off hotels worldwide
Valid for stays until 31 March 2019. Destinations include London, Rome, New York, Phuket, Dubai and more. T&Cs apply.
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Club Med
Up to 30% off 2019 early bookings
Valid from May - October 2019. Destinations include Maldives, Indonesia, Mauritius, Phuket, China, Italy, Bahamas 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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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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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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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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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 |
|---|---|---|
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