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.
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Valid for travel from 18 June 2019 - 30 June 2020. Destinations include New York, Los Angeles, Bali, Singapore, Phuket, Hong Kong, London, Paris and more. T&Cs apply.
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Valid for travel between 2 February and 31 March 2020. Sample fare departs from Sydney to Gold Coast with Tigerair. Includes accommodation at BreakFree Beachpoint and more. Other destinations include Fiji, Singapore, Bali, Phuket, New Zealand and more. T&Cs apply.
Valid for travel on select dates with Cathay Pacific. Minimum of 30-day advance booking applies. Destinations include Asia, UK, Ireland, Europe, USA and Canada. T&Cs apply.
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Valid for use on select dates. Destinations include Phuket, Bangkok, Singapore, Osaka, Kyoto, Bali, Seoul and more. Minimum spend of $150 applies. T&Cs apply.
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Valid for use on select dates. Destinations include Phuket, Bangkok, Singapore, Osaka, Kyoto, Bali, Seoul and more. Minimum spend of $300 applies. T&Cs apply.
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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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Alex Keshen is the global travel publisher at Finder and has been living, breathing and, of course, writing about all things travel for more than 10 years. She has a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada and has appeared in Travel Weekly and the Huffington Post. A master of maximising her annual leave and finding the best bargains around, she can’t remember the last time her backpack weighed more than 10kg and is happy to share her tips and tricks to help you travel better.
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