England is a implausible vacation spot at any time of the 12 months due to its many indoor and outside points of interest. Nonetheless, the summer time months are the very best time to go to England to get probably the most in a foreign country’s gorgeous seashores, nationwide parks, festivals, and historic websites.
Except for a six-year stint in China, I’ve lived in England for many of my life and have spent numerous days, weeks, and months exploring the nation always of the 12 months. There’s at all times one thing enjoyable to do whatever the climate; be it exploring one of many many superb museums, having fun with Britain’s various delicacies, or mountaineering one of many many trails throughout the nation.
For those who’re questioning when to go to England for that dream trip, you’ll discover all that and extra inside this handy article. England has a considerably unhealthy repute for its wet climate, however the fact is, there are many heat (even sizzling) sunny days all year long.
Beneath, I’ll let you recognize about the very best month to go to England relying on what actions you’re fascinated by.
General Greatest Time To Go to England
The perfect time to go to England is anytime from late February to September to get probably the most out of your keep. As winter recedes, the nation is awash in shade from bluebells and daffodils and I’ve even been biking in brief sleeves in February earlier than due to the marginally much less chilling local weather.
June to August is the very best time to go to England to make sure the very best of the climate with temperatures anyplace between 46 and 86 levels Fahrenheit. 2022 was a very good 12 months with lengthy, sizzling spells within the mid to excessive eighties all through the summer time.
The shoulder seasons are additionally a good time to go to as there are fewer vacationers and costs are usually cheaper than the height vacation season. Though England is a comparatively small nation, the climate and temperatures can differ considerably between the north and south, with the south (particularly the southwest) persistently seeing the very best climate within the nation.
Peak Season in England (June-August)
The height season is the very best time to journey to England to get probably the most out of the nice outside. With miles of sandy seashores (try these wonderful seashores in Cornwall), coastal paths, and nationwide parks such because the Lake District, Dartmoor, and Exmoor, that is the proper time to discover England.
Nonetheless, with the great climate come the crowds and costs are usually larger. Lodging is more likely to be your greatest expense and the costs can fluctuate relying on the time of 12 months. That being stated, it’s at all times potential to search out good offers when you’re keen to buy round.
The height season can be a implausible time to expertise a few of England’s fantastic festivals from food and drinks to literature, artwork, and music, there’s positive to be one thing occurring of curiosity. It’s additionally the very best time for tenting, whether or not at a competition or not, and I’ve loved residing below canvas many instances throughout the summer time months.
Shoulder Season in England (March-Could, and September-October)
The shoulder season is a wonderful time to go to England with fewer crowds, cheaper costs, and lots to see and do nonetheless. The climate is nice sufficient to spend time exterior mountaineering, biking, swimming, and browsing, plus, there are many festivals and occasions across the nation such because the St Ives Meals Competition in Cornwall in Could.
September is one in every of my favourite instances to discover England with clear, sunny days and the colours of fall erupting round you. It’s a good time for nation walks, having fun with quieter seashores, biking, and exploring historical ruins and historic websites, of which there are numerous.
There are fewer overseas vacationers round throughout spring and fall, with largely locals out and about having fun with the quieter cities and villages. It’s a superb time to make the most of the cheaper costs right now of 12 months and discover some bargains. You possibly can probably make large financial savings when you’re capable of ebook prematurely.
Off Season in England (November-February)
The low season is the proper time for a metropolis break in England. Due to fewer vacationers, hitting the London sights and points of interest means a lot shorter queues, and the pleasure of strolling across the nice cities of York, Bathtub, Cambridge, and Oxford with out hordes of tourists ruining the proper selfie.
I really like exploring England’s cities and cities in the course of the winter, and there are nonetheless loads of alternatives to get outside for a hike, adopted by a mug of one thing sizzling in a country pub with a roaring fireplace. By touring in winter you’ll profit from the absolute best costs (although Christmas and New 12 months can get dear).
There’s heaps occurring in winter from Christmas markets and mulled wine to New 12 months celebrations, and even one of many nation’s hottest beer festivals, the Nice British Beer Fest that occurs in Burton on Trent in February (there’s additionally a summer time occasion in August).
When to Go to England For Seashores
There’s no denying that the summer time is the very best time to hit England’s fantastic seashores. With the warmest exterior and sea temperatures, from June to August, you possibly can take a cooling dip within the ocean with out the necessity for a wetsuit. That is the very best time to go to England for browsing, swimming, boating, coasteering, and extra.
Among the finest seaside locations within the nation embrace Newquay in Cornwall, Southwold in Suffolk, Brighton in East Sussex, and Woolacombe in Devon. The southwest of England sees common larger temperatures than the remainder of the nation (and likewise has the very best seashores in my view).
The perfect time to go to England’s seashores is earlier than the varsity holidays so June and the primary half of July will see the seashores quieter than August and the peak of summer time. Costs can even be cheaper earlier than the faculties break up for summer time.
When to Go to England For Festivals
Summer time can be the very best time to go to England for the numerous wonderful festivals it hosts. A variety of the festivals embrace tenting choices (and more and more glamping too now) so the nice and cozy and dry summer time makes excellent sense for outside residing.
With music festivals resembling Studying and Leeds, Obtain, Lattitude, and naturally Glastonbury, there’s one thing to swimsuit all tastes in music. I just lately went to Obtain to observe Iron Maiden and it was top-of-the-line stay experiences I’ve needed to date.
Festivals like Lattitude and Camp Bestival are nice household choices with actions for teenagers, plenty of meals choices, and loads of good music to maintain the adults entertained (and the odd glass of wine too after all).
When to Go to England For Cities
England’s cities may be visited at any time, nonetheless, saving them for the shoulder and winter seasons makes a number of sense as there are many indoor points of interest to maintain you occupied if the climate takes a flip for the more severe. Visiting exterior of the summer time additionally means cities might be quieter with vacationers and lodging costs might be cheaper.
I’ve traveled to most of the cities in England always of the 12 months, and normally choose touring in winter. London, for instance, may be stifling in summer time, and touring on a packed tube (subway) prepare in 90-degree warmth is not any enjoyable I can inform you (that being stated, summer time is a good time to take pleasure in London’s many beautiful parks).
A few of my favourite cities to go to embrace:
London – with so many world-famous points of interest, retailers, eating places, and bars it’s a no brainer.
York – a stunning cathedral metropolis with cobbled streets, and boutique retailers that’s surrounded by lovely moorland.
Exeter – a laid-back metropolis in southwest England and the gateway for Dartmoor Nationwide Park and Cornwall.
Brighton – this well-known seaside metropolis in southern England is finest recognized for its seashores, quirky retailers, and nice nightlife.
Liverpool – historic northern metropolis that’s well-known for producing the Beatles.
Colchester – the UK’s latest metropolis (granted metropolis standing in 2022 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee) and my hometown.
When to Go to England For Historic Websites
For those who’re taking a look at when to go to England to see its many fascinating historic websites, then the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are finest. You’ll nonetheless be capable to take pleasure in websites resembling Stonehenge, Windsor Fort, the Tower of London, and extra with superb climate, however you’ll discover far fewer vacationers than in the summertime months.
A few of my favourite historic websites in England embrace the Roman baths at Bathtub, Tintagel Fort in Cornwall, and West Stow Anglo Saxon Village and Sutton Hoo in Suffolk the place an historical Saxon King was found.
Every of those distinctive points of interest are steeped in folklore from Historical Rome to King Arthur, Saxon kings, and extra.
When to Go to England For Browsing
For first-time surfers, summer time is the very best time to go to England to take pleasure in this adrenaline-fuelled exercise. In summer time, there are many surf-schools providing classes, seashores are patrolled by lifeguards, and the climate is heat sufficient to surf and not using a wetsuit (although many individuals nonetheless choose to put on one).
The shoulder season can be a superb time to surf in England as there are fewer folks on the seashores and extra alternatives to catch some nice waves with out the concern of colliding with anybody. I’ve surfed in England from round Could via to September and suggest these because the optimum months.
For extra skilled surfers, England, and particularly the browsing seashores in Cornwall, may be surfed year-round inside motive. The winter months will see some huge waves hit the north Cornish coast, so for actual execs, that is the time to hit the empty seashores and catch some large swells.
When to Go to England For Low cost Costs
The perfect time of 12 months to go to England for reasonable costs is any time exterior of peak season (June to August) and college holidays (half-term, Easter, Christmas, and many others). Lodging might be most cost-effective in winter (although not round Christmas and New 12 months), and you may predict costs begin to drop in September after the children return to highschool.
I’ve traveled round England many instances out of season and it is a nice time to discover among the prettiest cities and villages throughout the nation such because the Cotswolds, Devon, and Cornwall. For those who’re trying to store whereas in England, then make sure to make the most of the January gross sales throughout many shops.
When to Go to England For Mountaineering
Mountaineering is a pleasure in England at any time of 12 months because the nation isn’t affected by excessive climate circumstances or temperatures (cold and warm) in comparison with different elements of the world. As with browsing, the months from Could via to September are excellent for exploring England on foot and so they supply the very best climate for a picnic.
Winter may also be a superb time for mountaineering and I’ve gone on England walks and hikes in winter ever since childhood. There’s nothing fairly like wrapping up heat and trudging over fields and alongside nation lanes when you recognize there’s a pleasant pub and a roaring fireplace as a reward on the finish.
A few of my favourite hikes/walks embrace:
Dedham to Flatford Mill, Essex/Suffolk – this hike alongside the River Stour takes in most of the scenes put to canvas by the celebrated painter John Constable (and thus the world is called Constable Nation).
Polzeath to Port Isaac, Cornwall – one of the crucial scenic mountaineering trails within the nation with hidden coves, abandoned seashores, deserted fisherman’s cottages, and a terrific collection of pubs on the finish.
England’s Nationwide Parks are additionally the proper place for strolling and mountaineering with many tracks and trails ranging in size and issue from simple to arduous. Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Lake District, and the North Yorkshire Moors are all locations I’ve hiked and every supply one thing distinctive for its guests.
The Greatest Time to Go to England By Month
Beneath, you’ll discover a breakdown of the climate in England for every month of the 12 months. I’ve used London for the common temperatures and rainfall, and Newquay for the water temperature. You’ll additionally uncover among the finest actions and issues to do throughout every month, from festivals to hikes and historic points of interest.
England in January
The climate in England in January is chilly, moist, and wintery, and the coldest time of the 12 months together with February.
Climate in England in January
Common temperatures in January vary between lows of 39 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 47, with sea temperatures between 46 and 49 Fahrenheit. January sees a mean of two.9 inches of rain (together with sleet and snow). Temperatures across the coast and on larger floor might be a level or two colder.
There may be the potential for snow in England in January, primarily on larger floor and in northern areas. The south, and notably the southwest of England see hotter temperatures than the midlands and northern areas, the place the rainfall can be larger.
Issues To Do in England in January
January is an efficient time to discover London’s main sights with out throngs of vacationers and lengthy queues. Trip the London Eye, see the waxworks at Madam Tussauds, go to Buckingham Palace, and discover the 1,000-year-old Windsor Fort. January additionally sees the Colchester Actual Ale Competition – one in every of my favourite winter treats.
This tour to the Warner Bros Studios is a wonderful choice for Harry Potter followers and consists of transport from London, a visit across the units, and a experience on the Hogwarts Categorical. The annual New 12 months’s Day Parade in London takes place at 12 pm on the first of January every year and units off from Piccadilly.
England in February
England in February remains to be chilly and moist however as the ultimate winter month, spring is simply across the nook.
Climate in England in February
Common temperatures in February vary between lows of 39 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 48, with sea temperatures between 48 and 51 Fahrenheit. February sees a mean of 1.6 inches of precipitation (rain, sleet, and snow).
As with January, there’s extra probability of snow throughout England in February, although that being stated, in direction of the top of the month the primary indicators of spring begin to make themselves recognized and it’s a good time to get exterior after the lengthy winter months.
Issues To Do in England in February
There are many enjoyable issues to do in England in February from exploring cities resembling York and Liverpool and their many fascinating experiences together with the Jorvik Viking Centre and Beatles Story.
Although February can generally really feel a bit dreary as everybody tires of winter, there’s nonetheless a lot occurring up and down the nation from the Six Nations rugby match (you gained’t need to look far for pubs exhibiting the video games) and the Darkish Skies Competition for stargazing.
England in March
Because the bluebells and daffodils brighten the lanes and parks of England, March is the proper time to get again exterior once more.
Climate in England in March
Common temperatures in March vary between lows of 42 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 52, with sea temperatures between 48 and 50 Fahrenheit. March sees a mean of 1.5 inches of rain. It is a nice time to be out and about in England as March is without doubt one of the driest months of the 12 months.
In March, England begins to heat up a bit with extra probability of clear and sunny days. The south of England will see the warmest temperatures, with the north being cooler, particularly by the coast and on larger floor.
Issues To Do in England in March
March is a good time to get exterior and hit among the scenic mountaineering paths across the nation just like the coast paths in Cornwall. It’s additionally a good time for day journeys like this wonderful tour of Canterbury and Dover which I did myself in March a number of years again.
The well-known Oxford and Cambridge boat race takes place in March every year the place the 2 prestigious college cities go face to face down the Tideway in south London. And though it’s an Irish competition, St Patrick’s Day is well known in pubs throughout England on seventeenth March with loads of promotions, stay music, and naturally Guinness.
England in April
Don’t let a number of “April showers” cease you from experiencing England at its most interesting! In spring because the nation appears in direction of summer time and it’s a lovely time to journey.
Climate in England in April
Common temperatures in April vary between lows of 45 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 58, with sea temperatures between 49 and 53 Fahrenheit. April sees a mean of 1.5 inches of rain. Temperatures across the coast and on larger floor might be a level or two colder and the south of England will see the warmest and driest climate.
Issues To Do in England in April
There’s a complete lot occurring in England in April because the climate lends itself to extra outside actions. St George’s Day celebrations happen on the twenty third of every 12 months with plenty of avenue events, occasions, and actions.
The Cheltenham Jazz Competition brings acts from everywhere in the world to carry out within the city, which can be a terrific base for exploring the charming Cotswolds.
England in Could
With clear blue skies and little rain, Could is an excellent time to discover all England has to supply.
Climate in England in Could
Common temperatures in Could vary between lows of fifty levels Fahrenheit and highs of 63, with sea temperatures between 52 and 55 Fahrenheit. Could sees a mean of 1.8 inches of rain. As England welcomes Could, temperatures are nice sufficient to sit down exterior in brief sleeves in the course of the day, however the evenings will nonetheless be cool.
Southern England sees the very best climate and it may possibly nonetheless be cool within the north and in mountainous elements of the nation resembling across the Lake District and the border with Scotland.
Issues To Do in England in Could
In Could, the Chelsea Flower Present kicks off with one of many largest horticultural occasions on the calendar. Chelsea can be well-placed for exploring London’s cracking nightlife and because the evenings get lighter, it’s the proper time to take pleasure in a superb old style bar crawl.
The Brighton Competition additionally takes place over three weeks in Could and this vibrant metropolis is stuffed with track, dance, theater, meals, and drink. The climate can be ok to discover the South Downs and take a dip at one of many many fantastic seashores round Brighton and alongside England’s lovely south coast.
England in June
June is when England actually comes alive with sunshine, blue skies, and plenty of wonderful festivals and actions throughout the nation.
Climate in England in June
Common temperatures in June vary between lows of 55 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 69, with sea temperatures between 55 and 60 Fahrenheit. June sees a mean of 1.8 inches of rain. England in June is a lovely time to get exterior and benefit from the British summertime with heat, sunny days and the longest day of the 12 months to take pleasure in.
June is without doubt one of the most nice months in England with plenty of heat and sunny days excellent for BBQs and different outside actions.
Issues To Do in England in June
June sees the Glastonbury Competition, which is without doubt one of the largest and most well-known music festivals on the planet (the equal of Woodstock within the USA). The competition is ready near the attractive city of Glastonbury which is steeped in folklore and residential to many boutique retailers.
The twenty first of June is the summer time solstice and it is a nice alternative to see Stonehenge in all its glory (which by the way is just not removed from Glastonbury). The Isle of Wight Competition additionally takes place in June and is a wonderful competition on a small island within the English Channel.
England in July
July is an excellent month in England with among the warmest climate of the 12 months, excellent for days exterior and al fresco eating.
Climate in England in July
Common temperatures in July vary between lows of 59 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 73, with sea temperatures between 59 and 64 Fahrenheit. July sees a mean of two.2 inches of rain.
July is without doubt one of the finest months to go to England for the climate. Lengthy, heat, and sunny days are interspersed with the odd downpour, however these are normally short-lived. This is without doubt one of the finest instances for exploring the coast and seashores.
Issues To Do in England in July
The Wimbledon tennis championship is without doubt one of the highlights of summer time in England and every July you possibly can take pleasure in strawberries and cream, a glass of Pimms and lemonade, and watch tennis heavyweights battle it out on Centre Courtroom. For those who choose a bit extra oomph, the British Formulation 1 Grand Prix is held at Silverstone in July.
There are some wonderful festivals that happen in July resembling Lattitude in Suffolk (a superb household choice with music, leisure, meals, and drink).
England in August
August in England is the height vacation season and up and down the nation locals and vacationers alike flock to the seashores, nationwide parks, cities, and cities for days out.
Climate in England in August
Common temperatures in August vary between lows of 59 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 72, with sea temperatures between 61 and 64 Fahrenheit. August sees a mean of two.3 inches of rain.
The ocean is at its warmest in August so is ideal for exploring the numerous fantastic seashores across the nation – Cornwall has the highest temperatures in the entire of the UK.
Issues To Do in England in August
August is the very best time to be within the water with such superb climate. In Devon and Cornwall actions resembling browsing and coasteering are a must-try and a few of my favourite issues to do in summer time. It’s additionally a good time to be out strolling and exploring the small cities and villages of England.
One in every of England’s largest dance festivals, Creamfields, is held every August close to Liverpool with high acts protecting a variety of electronica from home to EDM, trance, dubstep and extra. For those who choose one thing a bit extra rock, August additionally sees the Studying and Leeds festivals with artists as various as Billie Eilish, the Killers, and Think about Dragons.
England in September
September is an excellent time to spend in England because the summer time crowds recede and the colours of fall start to seem.
Climate in England in September
Common temperatures in September vary between lows of 55 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 67, with sea temperatures between 60 and 63 Fahrenheit. September sees a mean of two inches of rain.
That is one in every of my favourite months because the climate remains to be heat and you may nonetheless take pleasure in lengthy evenings exterior, excellent for beer gardens and al-fresco eating, (although it may possibly get chilly after the solar units).
Issues To Do in England in September
September is an ideal time of 12 months for mountaineering with clear days and delicate climate. Exploring the Lake District, Dartmoor Nationwide Park and England’s beautiful shoreline is one thing I like to do in September.
The British Science Competition kick’s off in September in Chelmsford simply exterior London (near the place I grew up). It is a nice occasion for the entire household and curious children can become involved with the hands-on displays, whereas adults can attend lectures by among the high UK scientists.
England in October
The crunch of leaves underfoot, fall colours, and homely pubs are what make England in September the proper place to be.
Climate in England in October
Common temperatures in October vary between lows of fifty levels Fahrenheit and highs of 60, with sea temperatures between 57 and 60 Fahrenheit. October sees a mean of two.2 inches of rain. October is without doubt one of the wettest months in England as summer time recedes from view, nonetheless, there are nonetheless many nice, sunny days.
The month of October may be fairly moist, however that’s by no means stopped me from getting out and about. Pack a brolly (umbrella) and waterproofs, and you may nonetheless discover all England has to supply exterior or in.
Issues To Do in England in October
Strolling is a good exercise for the cooler month of October, and it’s even higher when you can plan your route round a pleasant village pub, which regularly isn’t troublesome! There’s nonetheless a lot occurring throughout the nation such because the Cheltenham Literature Competition and the BFI Movie Competition at London’s Southbank (the Southbank is one in every of my favourite elements of London to discover).
Sampling a few of England’s fantastic meals is a good factor to do in October. From Borough Market in London to Michelin-starred eating places in Cornwall or rustic pubs up and down the nation, it’s simple to search out wonderful eating choices round England.
England in November
November in England is characteristically chilly and moist, however there’s nonetheless a lot to do in and out.
Climate in England in November
Common temperatures in November vary between lows of 44 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 53, with sea temperatures between 55 and 57 Fahrenheit. November sees a mean of two.5 inches of rain making it one of many wettest months of the 12 months together with October.
November is the time to wrap up heat, particularly in northern England the place temperatures can drop beneath freezing. It hardly ever freezes within the south in November and inland areas might be a level or two hotter than by the coast.
Issues To Do in England in November
Bonfires, brisk winter walks, and Sunday pub lunches are a few of my favourite issues about this time of 12 months. On fifth November Bonfire Night time/Man Forks is well known throughout the nation with bonfires, fireworks, and warming winter drinks.
Each city, village, and metropolis can have its personal celebration, normally within the native park or village inexperienced.
The Leeds Worldwide Movie Competition takes place in November and Winter Wonderland at London’s Royal Hyde Park opens. It is a nice household time out and can be completely positioned for exploring London’s different high points of interest resembling seeing the altering of the guard.
England in December
December is probably the most festive month in England with the cities and cities decked out in lights.
Climate in England in December
Common temperatures in December vary between lows of 41 levels Fahrenheit and highs of 49, with sea temperatures between 52 and 54 Fahrenheit. December sees a mean of 1.9 inches of rain. Temperatures across the coast and on larger floor might be a level or two colder.
Sometimes, England will see some snow in late December, though the white Christmas’ I keep in mind as a child appear to be few and much between nowadays.
Issues To Do in England in December
December is the time to discover England’s Christmas markets, sip mulled wine, and get into the festive spirit. In Newcastle, there’s the annual Gateshead Winter Competition with purchasing, fireworks shows, meals, and drink. Trying out among the nation’s high museums, artwork galleries, and historic websites is enjoyable to do on chilly December days.
This tour of the Tower of London and Crown Jewels is an efficient choice, as is the British Museum, Tate Britain, Cambridge Archaeological Museum, and the World Museum in Liverpool.
In Conclusion
Now you recognize when to journey to England to get the very best out of your journey and benefit from the excellent climate to fit your pursuits and actions. So, when you fancy browsing in summer time, strolling in winter, or feasting in fall, there’s a lot to do in England always of the 12 months.
The perfect time to go to England relies upon completely on what you’re trying to do, so take this into consideration whereas planning. If you wish to get probably the most out of England’s gorgeous surroundings and seashores, then summer time is the best choice. If tradition is extra your factor then keep away from the crowds and discover England’s nice cities in the course of the off-season.