Are you planning a trip to England and wondering when the best time to go is?
The best time to visit England is from May to September. In this period, you can expect long days and warm weather, making it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing.
In this article, we’ll provide more information on the weather and climate in England, to help you choose the best time to visit England for your needs.
About England
England lies in the northwest part of Europe and is part of the United Kingdom, along with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The capital and the largest city in England is London.
England has a diverse landscape, with a mix of urban and rural areas. There are rolling hills and forests in the countryside, as well as a number of national parks.
The south of England is generally flatter, with more agricultural land and sandy beaches. The north and west of the country tend to be more mountainous, with areas such as the Lake District and the Pennines.
England has a spectacular history and culture, with many iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Stonehenge. It is also home to a number of world-renowned universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
Climate in England
England has a Temperate Maritime Climate, which means that it has mild winters and cool summers.
The climate in England is generally moderate and changeable, with variations in temperature and rainfall from one day to the next. It is not uncommon to experience all four seasons in one day, with sunshine and clear skies in the morning followed by clouds and rain in the afternoon.
It is always a good idea to bring layers of clothing and an umbrella when visiting England, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Average temperature
In England, temperatures tend to be moderate throughout the year.
During the spring months (March-May), temperatures start to warm up, with average highs ranging from 12-19°C (53-66°F) and average lows ranging from 4-9°C (39-48°F).
In the summer (June-August), the weather becomes warmer, with average highs reaching up to 22-24°C (72-75°F) and lows averaging around 12-14°C (54-57°F).
As autumn approaches (September-November), temperatures begin to cool down, with average highs ranging from 12-20°C (54-68°F) and average lows ranging from 6-12°C (43-54°F).
During the winter months (December-February), the weather in England becomes cooler, with average highs at 9°C (48°F) and average lows at 3°C (37-39°F).
Number of monthly rainy days
The precipitation in England is fairly consistent throughout the year, with a relatively moderate amount of rain. The average number of rainy days per month in England ranges from 8 to 12 across the year.
The rainiest months tend to be October, November, December, and January, with an average of 10-12 rainy days per month.
The driest months are June, July, August, and September with an average of 8 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
The sunniest months in England are May, June, July, and August, with 209, 207, 219, and 204 sun hours per month, respectively.
The winter months of December and January have the least amount of sun, with an average of 54 and 62 sun hours per month, respectively.
Seasons in England
England has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Spring in England (March to May)
The spring season (March, April, and May) in England brings mild temperatures, with average highs ranging from 12-19°C (53-66°F) and average lows ranging from 4-9°C (39-48°F).
The average number of sun hours per month ranges from 126 to 209. There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, with 9 rainy days per month.
The overall weather conditions in spring in England can be described as bad in March, tolerable in April, and good in May.
| SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 12°C / 53°F | 15°C / 59°F | 19°C / 65°F |
| Min temperature | 4°C / 40°F | 6°C / 43°F | 9°C / 49°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 126 hours | 178 hours | 209 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 9 days | 9 days | 9 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Tolerable | Good |
Summer (June to August)
Summer (June, July, and August) in England brings warm temperatures, with average highs ranging from 22-24°C (71-75°F) and average lows ranging from 12-14°C (54-57°F).
The average number of sun hours per month during the summer season ranges from 207 to 219. There is also a lower amount of rainfall during this season, with 8 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in summer in England are generally great, with warm temperatures and long days. It is a popular time of the year to visit England, as people can enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics, barbecues, and beach trips.
| SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 22°C / 71°F | 24°C / 75°F | 24°C / 74°F |
| Min temperature | 12°C / 54°F | 14°C / 57°F | 14°C / 57°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 207 hours | 219 hours | 204 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 8 days | 8 days | 8 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Great | Great |
Autumn (September to November)
The autumn months (September, October, and November) in England bring cooler temperatures, with average highs ranging from 12-20°C (53-68°F) and average lows ranging from 6-12°C (42-53°F).
The average number of sun hours per month in autumn ranges from 155 to 70. There is a higher amount of rainfall during this season, ranging from 8 to 11 rainy days per month.
The overall weather conditions in autumn tend to be good in September, tolerable in October, and bad in November.
| AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 20°C / 68°F | 16°C / 61°F | 12°C / 53°F |
| Min temperature | 12°C / 53°F | 9°C / 48°F | 6°C / 42°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 155 hours | 113 hours | 70 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 8 days | 11 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Good | Tolerable | Bad |
Winter (December to February)
The winter season (December, January, and February) in England brings cold temperatures, with average highs at 9°C (48°F) and average lows at 3°C (38°F).
The average number of sun hours per month in winter ranges from 54 to 78. There is a higher amount of rainfall during this season, ranging from 9 to 12 rainy days per month.
The weather in winter is generally bad, with cold temperatures and a high number of rainy days across the whole season.
| WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 9°C / 48°F | 9°C / 47°F | 9°C / 48°F |
| Min temperature | 3°C / 38°F | 3°C / 37°F | 3°C / 37°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 54 hours | 62 hours | 78 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 10 days | 12 days | 9 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit England weather-wise
If you’re planning a trip to England and looking for the best weather, the best time to visit weather-wise is typically from May to September. During these months, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, with long days and plenty of sunshine.
If you’re looking to enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, the summer months of June, July, and August are the perfect time to visit. With its warmest temperatures and longest days, England is an ideal destination for beach trips, picnics, and barbecues.
Note that the weather in England likes to change frequently, so it is always a good idea to be prepared for a range of conditions.
Best time to visit England for sightseeing
The best time to visit England for sightseeing is generally during the spring and fall months of April-May and September-October.
During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it easier to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing. These months also tend to experience lower tourist traffic, which might make it easier to visit popular attractions and landmarks without having to wait in queues for a long time.
If you are planning to visit England during the summer months of June, July, and August, you can expect warm, sunny weather and longer days. However, these months are also the busiest and most popular time for tourists, so you can expect higher prices and more crowded attractions.
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