Best Time to Visit the UK

Best Months: April • May • June • September • October

The best time to go to the UK for sightseeing is from April to June and September to October, when the weather across the diverse landscapes is more predictable and you can experience fewer crowds in the most iconic destinations.

Across the United Kingdom, these months are usually warmer and drier, as well as less busy, giving you a better opportunity to explore the history in England’s top places, discover the cultures of Scotland’s best destinations, and enjoy the scenery of Northern Ireland’s stunning spots at your preferred pace.

Best Months: May • June • July •  August • September • October

The best time to visit England is from May to October. The summer and autumn months can give you the best weather and also reveal the thrilling historic sites and cultures that blend into the contemporary lives of locals.

From cottages to charming villages, ancient monuments to traditional pubs, when you visit England in summer and autumn you have better access to the famous sites and delightful surprises found in the cities and countryside.

The heart of summer in July and August are often busy, but May to June and September to October have comfortable weather to explore the antique streets and museum galleries.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit England

Best Months: April • May • September • October

The best time to visit Scotland, between April and May and September and October, can immerse you in culture, tradition, and beauty.

When traveling during the spring and fall you can enjoy warmer days and crisp evenings as you wander iconic streets or discover the grandeur of the untamed landscape in the famous highlands.

Whether eager to enjoy the captivating scenery or interested in the traditions of the towns and cities, spring and fall demonstrate natural and cultural charm, without the crowds.

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Best Months: May • June • July • August

The Scottish Highlands come alive with natural beauty and pleasant temperatures between May and August, making the summer the best time to visit.

While the weather does not become hot due to the mountainous terrain and northern position, the summer offers the warmest months of the year in which to explore the natural landscape and experience the distinctive culture for which the Scottish Highlands are known.

With small towns, lochs, and exciting castles, you can enjoy the timeless wonder of the highlands from May to August.

Best Months: May • June • September

May to June and again in September are the best months to visit Northern Ireland. The weather is more comfortable, the crowds are smaller, and you can explore the dynamic scenery at your preferred pace without battling the climate or other tourists.

Whether visiting the Giant’s Causeway or searching for Dunluce Castle, eager to trek across a rope bridge or visit the Titanic in Belfast, when you visit Northern Ireland at the edge of summer and fall, you can embrace the natural attractions and captivating traditions, whether traveling as a family, couple, or as seniors.

Learn more: Best Time to Visit Ireland

Best Months: April • May • June

When visiting Wales from April to June you can indulge in the gorgeous greenery, blossoming flowers, and dramatic castles away from the summer crowds. The splendor of Wales bursts to life in spring and the beginning of summer as sporadic rains create blankets of daffodils or bluebells, and waterfalls return to the hills.

The longer days can give you more time to tour the famous castles, wander through Snowdonia National Park, or view the wild ponies in Brecon Beacons National Park as you bask in the mixture of outdoor activities, customary events, and cultural centers.

Best Months: May • June • July • August • September

The best time for cycling in the United Kingdom is from May to September, when you can wind along the Lakes Region, through the famous Scottish Highlands, or explore the Northern Irish coast in drier, more predictable weather.

July and August are the most popular months to travel to the United Kingdom, and the added local and international crowds can enhance the exciting ambiance across the connected countries as you discover some of the UK’s more than 5,220 miles of cycle paths that include short- and long-distance routes.

Learn more: Best Cycling Destinations in Europe

Best Months: April • May • June • August • September

April to September is the best time for golfing in the United Kingdom. The spring and summer months not only offer great sunshine and mild weather, but also include longer days to enjoy the greens.

Play the famous courses of Scotland where golf was born or embrace the manicured fairways along the dynamic coastline of Northern Ireland with the consistent summer weather. The warmer summer days bring larger crowds to the courses, but also provide gorgeous scenery for you to enjoy the day, the game, and your time in the United Kingdom.

Best Months: April • May • June • July • August • September

The UK is famous for its gardens, with the best time to visit from April to September. In spring and summer, flowers blossom across the countryside in grand estates and charming villages.

The warmer days bring lush beauty to the landscape and allow you to wander along trails colored with blossoms, while wildlife thrives.

Best Months: May • June • July • August • September • October

Summer into fall are the perfect seasons in which to enjoy the United Kingdom as a family, specifically between May and October.

While the summer crowds swell in July and August, you will find a blend of wonderful traditional events, welcoming cultural centers, and fantastic natural scenery from Northern Ireland to Scotland, Wales to England.

Whether eager to explore the wonders of Harry Potter, witness the mysteries of Loch Ness, venture beneath Cardiff Castle, or travel the Giant’s Causeway, you will find that May through October gives you the most consistent weather to enjoy the United Kingdom on a family trip.

Learn more: England Family Vacations • Scotland Family Vacations • Ireland Family Vacations

Best Months: May • June • September • October • December

The United Kingdom brims with romance from May to June, September to October, and again in December, representing the perfect months to visit as a couple.

The summer months offer the best weather to enjoy natural beauty with lengthening days, while the fall brings crisp air and a passionate atmosphere to Gothic cities. Winter embraces the festive season for the perfect chance to be cozy in a winter wonderland.

Whether eager to enjoy cultural spectacles, celebrate the scenery, or visit a Christmas Market, May to June, September to October, or in December are the right times for a United Kingdom trip for couples.

Learn more: Most Romantic Places in England for Couples • Most Romantic Places in Ireland for Couples • Most Romantic Places in Scotland for Couples

Best Months: April • May • June

Spring and summer in the United Kingdom are a swirl of colors and a celebration of the outdoors, especially from April to June.

The summer crowds have not yet peaked and the weather has warmed to give you access to thrilling discoveries, active explorations, or simple introductions to new ways of experiencing the antique charm.

Visit iconic sites, step off the beaten path, or sample a celebrated new flavor when you uncover the cities and countryside of the United Kingdom from April to June.

Activities: Hiking • Cycling • Horseback Riding • Food Tours • Kayaking • Gardens • Boating • Castles

Best Months: October • November •  December

Fall and winter in the United Kingdom provide a perfect atmosphere to enjoy the cooling weather and scenic cities absent of crowds, especially from October to December.

The foliage shifts from lush to autumnal, the traditional pubs turn cozy and local towns find different ways to celebrate the Christmas season as snowfall blankets the landscape.

Your United Kingdom visit in fall or winter ignores the frost and brings an exciting festive flavor to the changing seasons, with endless possibilities for you to enjoy.

Activities: Snowboarding • Skiing • Christmas Markets • Winter Festivals • Scotch Tasting • Foliage Viewing • Ice Skating

The United Kingdom is home to charming cottages and mysterious prehistoric monuments, dramatic castles and enchanting villages. Whether interested in exploring the museums of London, visiting the Scottish Highlands, wandering the castles of Wales, or discovering the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, you can find inspiration for your next trip with our UK tours.

To learn more about England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, find travel inspiration for your trip in our UK travel guide.