England is a improbable vacation spot at any time of the 12 months due to its many indoor and out of doors sights. Nevertheless, 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.
Other than 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 diversified delicacies, or mountaineering one of many many trails throughout the nation.
In the event you’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 reality is, there are many heat (even sizzling) sunny days all year long.
Beneath, I’ll let you realize about the very best month to go to England relying on what actions you’re involved in.
General Finest Time To Go to England
One of the best 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 colour from bluebells and daffodils and I’ve even been biking briefly 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 typically 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 good outdoor. With miles of sandy seashores (take a look at these superb seashores in Cornwall), coastal paths, and nationwide parks such because the Lake District, Dartmoor, and Exmoor, that is the right time to discover England.
Nevertheless, with the nice climate come the crowds and costs are typically greater. Lodging is prone to be your largest expense and the costs can fluctuate relying on the time of 12 months. That being mentioned, it’s at all times potential to search out good offers in the event you’re prepared to buy round.
The height season can also be a improbable time to expertise a few of England’s great 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 pageant 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 superb time to go to England with fewer crowds, cheaper costs, and many to see and do nonetheless. The climate is nice sufficient to spend time outdoors mountaineering, biking, swimming, and browsing, plus, there are many festivals and occasions across the nation such because the St Ives Meals Pageant 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 historic ruins and historic websites, of which there are various.
There are fewer overseas vacationers round throughout spring and fall, with principally locals out and about having fun with the quieter cities and villages. It’s time to benefit from the cheaper costs presently of 12 months and discover some bargains. You may doubtlessly make enormous financial savings in the event you’re capable of guide upfront.
Off Season in England (November-February)
The low season is the right time for a metropolis break in England. Due to fewer vacationers, hitting the London sights and sights means a lot shorter queues, and the pleasure of strolling across the nice cities of York, Tub, Cambridge, and Oxford with out hordes of holiday makers ruining the right selfie.
I like exploring England’s cities and cities through the winter, and there are nonetheless loads of alternatives to get outdoor 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 very best costs (although Christmas and New 12 months can get expensive).
There’s heaps occurring in winter from Christmas markets and mulled wine to New Yr 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 great seashores. With the warmest outdoors 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.
A number of the greatest 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 greater temperatures than the remainder of the nation (and likewise has the very best seashores for my part).
One of the best time to go to England’s seashores is earlier than the college holidays so June and the primary half of July will see the seashores quieter than August and the peak of summer time. Costs may also be cheaper earlier than the colleges break up for summer time.
When to Go to England For Festivals
Summer time can also be the very best time to go to England for the various wonderful festivals it hosts. Quite a lot 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 out of doors residing.
With music festivals resembling Studying and Leeds, Obtain, Lattitude, and naturally Glastonbury, there’s one thing to go well with all tastes in music. I lately went to Obtain to observe Iron Maiden and it was among the best dwell experiences I’ve needed to date.
Festivals like Lattitude and Camp Bestival are nice household choices with actions for youths, a number of meals choices, and loads of good music to maintain the adults entertained (and the odd glass of wine too in fact).
When to Go to England For Cities
England’s cities could be visited at any time, nevertheless, saving them for the shoulder and winter seasons makes loads of sense as there are many indoor sights to maintain you occupied if the climate takes a flip for the more serious. Visiting outdoors of the summer time additionally means cities will likely be quieter with vacationers and lodging costs will likely be cheaper.
I’ve traveled to lots of the cities in England always of the 12 months, and normally want touring in winter. London, for instance, could be stifling in summer time, and touring on a packed tube (subway) prepare in 90-degree warmth isn’t any enjoyable I can let you know (that being mentioned, summer time is a good time to take pleasure in London’s many attractive parks).
A few of my favourite cities to go to embrace:
London – with so many world-famous sights, 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 stunning 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 greatest identified 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
In the event you’re when to go to England to see its many fascinating historic websites, then the shoulder seasons of spring and fall are greatest. You’ll nonetheless be capable of take pleasure in websites resembling Stonehenge, Windsor Citadel, 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 Tub, Tintagel Citadel in Cornwall, and West Stow Anglo Saxon Village and Sutton Hoo in Suffolk the place an historic Saxon King was found. Every of those distinctive sights are steeped in folklore from Historic 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 with no wetsuit (although many individuals nonetheless choose to put on one).
The shoulder season can also be time to surf in England as there are fewer folks on the seashores and extra alternatives to catch some nice waves with out the fear of colliding with anybody. I’ve surfed in England from round Could by to September and suggest these because the optimum months.
For extra skilled surfers, England, and particularly the browsing seashores in Cornwall, could be surfed year-round inside purpose. The winter months will see some huge waves hit the north Cornish coast, so for actual professionals, that is the time to hit the empty seashores and catch some enormous swells.
When to Go to England For Low-cost Costs
One of the best time of 12 months to go to England for reasonable costs is any time outdoors of peak season (June to August) and faculty holidays (half-term, Easter, Christmas, and so forth). Lodging will likely be least expensive in winter (although not round Christmas and New Yr), and you’ll predict costs begin to drop in September after the youngsters return to high school.
I’ve traveled round England many instances out of season and it is a nice time to discover a few of the prettiest cities and villages throughout the nation such because the Cotswolds, Devon, and Cornwall. In the event you’re seeking to store whereas in England, then remember to benefit from 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 situations or temperatures (cold and warm) in comparison with different components of the world. As with browsing, the months from Could by to September are excellent for exploring England on foot they usually supply the very best climate for a picnic.
Winter can be 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 realize 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 lots of the scenes put to canvas by the celebrated painter John Constable (and thus the realm 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 an awesome number of pubs on the finish.
England’s Nationwide Parks are additionally the right place for strolling and mountaineering with many tracks and trails ranging in size and issue from straightforward 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 Finest 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 a few of the greatest actions and issues to do throughout every month, from festivals to hikes and historic sights.
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 median of two.9 inches of rain (together with sleet and snow). Temperatures across the coast and on greater floor will likely be a level or two colder.
There may be the potential of snow in England in January, primarily on greater floor and in northern areas. The south, and significantly the southwest of England see hotter temperatures than the midlands and northern areas, the place the rainfall can also be greater.
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. Experience the London Eye, see the waxworks at Madam Tausads, go to Buckingham Palace, and discover the 1,000-year-old Windsor Citadel. January additionally sees the Colchester Actual Ale Pageant – one in every of my favourite winter treats.
This tour to the Warner Bros Studios is a superb possibility for Harry Potter followers and contains transport from London, a visit across the units, and a experience on the Hogwarts Specific. The annual New Yr’s Day Parade in London takes place at 12 pm on the first of January annually and units off from Piccadilly.
England in February
England in February continues 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 median of 1.6 inches of precipitation (rain, sleet, and snow).
As with January, there’s extra likelihood of snow throughout England in February, although that being mentioned, in direction of the top of the month the primary indicators of spring begin to make themselves identified and it’s a good time to get outdoors 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 somewhat dreary as everybody tires of winter, there’s nonetheless a lot occurring up and down the nation from the Six Nations rugby match (you received’t must look far for pubs displaying the video games) and the Darkish Skies Pageant for stargazing.
England in March
Because the bluebells and daffodils brighten the lanes and parks of England, March is the right time to get again outdoors 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 median of 1.5 inches of rain. It is a nice time to be out and about in England as March is likely one of the driest months of the 12 months.
In March, England begins to heat up somewhat with extra likelihood 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 greater floor.
Issues To Do in England in March
March is a good time to get outdoors and hit a few of 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 annually the place the 2 prestigious college cities go face to face down the Tideway in south London. And though it’s an Irish pageant, St Patrick’s Day is well known in pubs throughout England on seventeenth March with loads of promotions, dwell 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 seems 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 median of 1.5 inches of rain. Temperatures across the coast and on greater floor will likely 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 out of doors actions. St George’s Day celebrations happen on the twenty third of every 12 months with a number of avenue events, occasions, and actions. The Cheltenham Jazz Pageant brings acts from all around the world to carry out within the city, which can also be an awesome 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 median of 1.8 inches of rain. As England welcomes Could, temperatures are nice sufficient to take a seat outdoors briefly sleeves through 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 components 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 also be well-placed for exploring London’s cracking nightlife and because the evenings get lighter, it’s the right time to take pleasure in old school bar crawl.
The Brighton Pageant additionally takes place over three weeks in Could and this vibrant metropolis is crammed with track, dance, theater, meals, and drink. The climate can also be adequate to discover the South Downs and take a dip at one of many many great seashores round Brighton and alongside England’s stunning 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 median of 1.8 inches of rain. England in June is a lovely time to get outdoors and take advantage of the British summertime with heat, sunny days and the longest day of the 12 months to take pleasure in.
June is likely one of the most nice months in England with a number of heat and sunny days excellent for BBQs and different out of doors actions.
Issues To Do in England in June
June sees the Glastonbury Pageant, which is likely one of the largest and most well-known music festivals on this planet (the equal of Woodstock within the USA). The pageant is about 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 just isn’t removed from Glastonbury). The Isle of Wight Pageant additionally takes place in June and is a superb pageant on a small island within the English Channel.
England in July
July is an excellent month in England with a few of the warmest climate of the 12 months, excellent for days outdoors 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 median of two.2 inches of rain.
July is likely one of the greatest 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 likely one of the greatest instances for exploring the coast and seashores.
Issues To Do in England in July
The Wimbledon tennis championship is likely 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 Court docket. For those who want somewhat 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 possibility 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 median of two.3 inches of rain.
The ocean is at its warmest in August so is ideal for exploring the various great 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.
Certainly one of England’s largest dance festivals, Creamfields, is held every August close to Liverpool with prime acts masking a spread of electronica from home to EDM, trance, dubstep and extra. For those who want one thing somewhat extra rock, August additionally sees the Studying and Leeds festivals with artists as numerous 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 look.
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 median of two inches of rain.
That is one in every of my favourite months because the climate continues to be heat and you’ll nonetheless take pleasure in lengthy evenings outdoors, 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 gentle climate. Exploring the Lake District, Dartmoor Nationwide Park and England’s attractive shoreline is one thing I like to do in September.
The British Science Pageant kick’s off in September in Chelmsford simply outdoors London (near the place I grew up). It is a nice occasion for the entire household and curious youngsters can become involved with the hands-on displays, whereas adults can attend lectures by a few of the prime UK scientists.
England in October
The crunch of leaves underfoot, fall colours, and homely pubs are what make England in September the right 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 median of two.2 inches of rain. October is likely one of the wettest months in England as summer time recedes from view, nevertheless, there are nonetheless many nice, sunny days.
The month of October could be fairly moist, however that’s by no means stopped me from getting out and about. Pack a brolly (umbrella) and waterproofs, and you’ll nonetheless discover all England has to supply outdoors 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 in the event you can plan your route round a pleasant village pub, which frequently isn’t troublesome! There’s nonetheless a lot occurring throughout the nation such because the Cheltenham Literature Pageant and the BFI Movie Pageant at London’s Southbank (the Southbank is one in every of my favourite components of London to discover).
Sampling a few of England’s great 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 straightforward 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 inside and outside.
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 median 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 under freezing. It hardly ever freezes within the south in November and inland areas will likely 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 Evening/Man Forks is well known throughout the nation with bonfires, fireworks, and warming winter drinks.
Each city, village, and metropolis may have its personal celebration, normally within the native park or village inexperienced.
The Leeds Worldwide Movie Pageant takes place in November and Winter Wonderland at London’s Royal Hyde Park opens. It is a nice household day trip and can also be completely positioned for exploring London’s different prime sights 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 median of 1.9 inches of rain. Temperatures across the coast and on greater floor will likely be a level or two colder.
Sometimes, England will see some snow in late December, though the white Christmas’ I bear 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 Pageant with purchasing, fireworks shows, meals, and drink. Trying out a few of the nation’s prime 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 possibility, as is the British Museum, Tate Britain, Cambridge Archaeological Museum, and the World Museum in Liverpool.
In Conclusion
Now you realize 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, in the event 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.
One of the best time to go to England relies upon solely on what you’re seeking to do, so take this under consideration whereas planning. If you wish to get probably the most out of England’s gorgeous surroundings and seashores, then summer time is the most suitable choice. If tradition is extra your factor then keep away from the crowds and discover England’s nice cities through the off-season.