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
Wotif
Up to 50% off hotels + extra 10% off with code
Valid for travel from 1 June - 31 December 2019. Destinations include Sydney, Gold Coast, New York, London, Los Angeles, Phuket, Auckland, Singapore and more. T&Cs apply.
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Hotels.com
Up to 75% off accommodations worldwide
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019. Destinations include Bali, Phuket, Miami Beach, Santorini, Athens, Barcelona and more. T&Cs apply.
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Columbus Direct
Get 5% off your next travel insurance policy
Use our exclusive code to get 5% off any Columbus Direct travel insurance policy, domestic or worldwide. Destinations would include Thailand, Bali, Fiji, USA, UK, Italy, France, Japan and more.
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Expedia.com.au
Phuket flights from $301 return
Valid for travel from February - March 2020. Sample fare is from Perth.
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Hotels.com
Up to 66% off Bali hotels
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019. Destinations include Sukawati, Denpasar and more. T&Cs apply
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Trip.com
Up to 55% off worldwide hotels + extra 3% off with code
Valid for stays from 1 June - 31 July 2019. Destinations include Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, Bali, Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Phuket, Bangkok and more. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - International
Thailand flights from $551 return
Valid for travel from 10 October - 15 November 2019. Sample fare departs from Sydney to Phuket with Scoot. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - Holidays
Phuket: Up to $1,300 off 7-night stay with flights
Valid for travel on select dates from May - October 2019. Includes accommodation at the 5-star Kalima Resort and Spa, return flights from Sydney, daily buffet breakfast for two and more. T&Cs apply.
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Flight Centre - Cruises
Free flights, upgrades and 2-for-1 deposits on Viking Cruises
Book a Viking ocean or river cruise in destinations like Italy, France, Norway, the UK, Germany, the USA, Japan and more between August 2019 and March 2021.
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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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Avis
Up to 20% off Europe and UK car hire
Valid until 15 December 2019. T&Cs apply.
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Trip.com
Up to 30% off Europe and UK hotels + extra 5% off with code
Valid for use until 31 December 2019 with participating hotels across Europe. Destinations include United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany and more. Discount applies when booked through app only. T&Cs apply.
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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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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 |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Jun 2019 | Up to 50% off experiences + extra $40 off site-wide with code | SAV**** |
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