- Book hotels in the UK for £35 or less (London from £49)
- Prices based on lowest saver room rates. T&Cs apply
- Travel before 20th March 2026 (inclusive)
Best time to visit Dorset
The best times to visit Dorset (Bournemouth) are in July and August based on our default weather conditions. Update your weather preferences to see which months best match.
Dorset by month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Recommended for Dorset
Expires at 23:59 on Friday 20th Mar 2026 · View all Travelodge offers
Hotel deal finder
Top Dorset destinations
Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Dorset. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.
When is the best time to visit Dorset?
The best times to visit Dorset (Bournemouth) are in July and August based on the following average weather conditions.
Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more [remove]
Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.
Max Day Temperature (°C)
- Jan
8 - Feb8
- Mar10
- Apr
13 - May
16 - Jun
19 - Jul21
- Aug21
- Sep18
- Oct15
- Nov11
- Dec9
Best time to visit
The weather guide for Dorset (Bournemouth) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.
Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)
More about Dorset
Explore our complete guide to Dorset with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Dorset.
- Essential information
- Ready to book?
- Top travel deals
- Travel advice
- Travel health
- Travel features
- FAQs
Dorset essential information
Below is a beginner's guide to Dorset with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.
| Dorset - quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Time difference | UK +0 hours |
| Language(s) | English |
| Currency | Pound Sterling |
| Electricity | G plug (230V) |
| Driving side | Left |
Travelling to Dorset?
Discover where to book holidays, flights, hotels and more from popular travel providers for your trip to Dorset in 2026/2027.
Holidays to Dorset
 |
Just Go Holidays One of the UK's leading coach holiday operators, offering great-value trips across the UK, Ireland and Europe. |
 |
National Holidays UK-based travel company specialising in affordable coach holidays and short breaks around the UK, Ireland and Europe. |
 |
Secret Escapes Members-only travel club offering exclusive deals on hand-picked luxury hotels and holidays to UK and more. |
 |
Spa Seekers Leading UK spa booking specialist offering spa days, overnight breaks and experiences to over 500 UK locations. |
 |
lastminute.com Leading European travel company specialising in dynamic holiday packages to thousands of destinations including Dorset. |
Flights to Dorset
 |
Kiwi.com Global OTA and search engine specialising in affordable flights, hotels and car hire across worldwide destinations including Dorset. |
Hotels in Dorset
 |
Travelodge Britain's first budget hotel chain. Offers great-value accommodation across the UK, Ireland and Spain. |
 |
Warner Hotels UK hotel group specialising in short breaks for adults. Room, breakfast, dinner, live shows and spa facilities all included. |
 |
Hilton Leading global hospitality brand with a portfolio of 9,000 properties across 141 countries and territories including UK. |
 |
IHG Leading global hotel group with a portfolio of international brands including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and more. |
 |
Marriott The world's largest hotel company with a portfolio of 30+ brands and almost 9,600 properties across 143 countries. |
 |
Best Western Well-known independent hotel group with over 4,000 hotels across 80+ countries including UK. |
 |
Premier Inn Find and book great-value rooms across the UK and beyond with the UK's biggest hotel brand. |
 |
Spabreaks.com Europe's largest spa booking agency offers low-cost spa days, holidays and retreats in Dorset, UK and beyond. |
 |
Booking.com Leading global OTA founded in Amsterdam. Offers worldwide accommodation, flights, car hire, activities and more. |
 |
Hotels.com Part of Expedia Group, this major OTA offers deals and discounts on hotel rooms worldwide including in Dorset, UK. |
 |
Priceline Leading OTA for discounted flights, hotels, cruises, car hire, experiences and packages worldwide including in Dorset, UK. |
Accommodation in Dorset
 |
National Trust Holidays A collection of holiday cottages, camping spots, bothies and bunkhouses throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. |
 |
Luxury Cottages Book your next luxury staycation with this premium cottage rental agency with locations throughout the UK. |
 |
Parkdean Resorts The UK's largest holiday park operator with over 60 locations across England, Scotland and Wales. |
 |
Sykes Cottages Holiday cottage rental agency representing 22,500 holiday homes across the UK and Ireland. B Corp Certified. |
 |
Haven Award-winning family holiday park provider with 39 locations in England, Scotland and Wales. Activities included. |
 |
Hoseasons One of the UK's leading self-catering accommodation specialists with over 30,000 places to stay in England, Scotland and Wales. |
 |
Away Resorts UK holiday park operator with over 24 parks complete with caravans, luxury lodges and holiday homes. |
 |
Oliver's Travels Specialists in luxury villa holidays. All accommodation is handpicked with locations in the UK, Europe, Asia and beyond. |
 |
Shorefield Holidays |
 |
Snaptrip Find your next UK holiday rental with this online travel marketplace offering cottages, lodges, hotels and villa holidays. |
 |
The Plum Guide Premium travel platform handpicking the best vacation rentals, holiday homes, short-term lets and Airbnbs across 25+ sites. |
 |
Hostelworld Leading global OTA for hostels and budget accommodation worldwide. Perfect for travellers looking to connect. |
 |
VRBO Owned by Expedia Group, this online holiday marketplace offers a unique selection of 2+ million homes worldwide. |
Things to do in Dorset
 |
English Heritage This charity manages 400 historic sites across the UK. Sign up to enjoy unlimited days out – kids go free. |
 |
Viator The world's largest online marketplace for tours, activities and attractions. Owned by Tripadvisor. |
 |
Get Your Guide Major global marketplace specialising in travel experiences. Covers tours and attractions across six continents. |
 |
RHS The UK's leading gardening charity. Member perks include unlimited free days out at RHS Gardens. |
 |
Tiqets Online marketplace for tours, activities and attractions. Partners with over 2500 venues across 60+ countries including UK. |
Car hire in Dorset
 |
Avis Award-winning global car rental provider with over 5,500 locations across 170 countries including UK. |
 |
Enjoy Travel Compare and book car hire, hotels, airport parking, attractions and more on this trusted global travel platform. |
 |
Enterprise Long-standing car rental agency with over 9,500 locations across 90+ countries including Dorset, UK. |
 |
Carrentals.co.uk Car rental price comparison website. Offers 24,000+ pick-up locations and free cancellation. |
 |
Holiday Autos Browse and book car hire worldwide with Holiday Autos. Serves over 50,000 locations worldwide including Dorset. |
 |
Zest Car Rental Formerly Economy Car Hire, this leading UK car hire broker covers over 1,500 destinations worldwide. |
Money transfers to Dorset
Airport taxis for Dorset
Dorset travel deals
Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays, flights, hotels and more for Dorset in 2026/2027. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holidays, early bird offers and free kids places where available.
- Book hotels in the UK for £35 or less (London from £49)
- Prices based on lowest saver room rates. T&Cs apply
- Travel before 20th March 2026 (inclusive)
Expires at 23:59 on Friday 20th Mar 2026 · View all Travelodge offers
Hotel deal finder
- Save EXTRA 20% on UK stays in Warner Hotels sale
- Explore deals by month & hotel for 2, 3 & 4 night breaks
- Travel before 31st December 2026 (inclusive)
Expires at 23:59 on Monday 9th Feb 2026 · View all Warner Hotels offers
- Save up to 30% on UK breaks in 2026 with Hoseasons
- Book holidays in Yorkshire, Cornwall, Lake District & more
- Travel before 31st December 2026 (inclusive)
Expires at 23:59 on Monday 2nd Feb 2026 · View all Hoseasons offers
Dorset travel advice
Check the latest travel advice and guidance on visiting Dorset from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.
- Irish traveller advice for Dorset - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
- Canadian travel advice for Dorset - Government of Canada
- US travel advisories for Dorset - US Department of State
- Safe travel advisories for Dorset - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
- Smarter traveller advice for Dorset - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia
Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Dorset.
Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Dorset travel health
Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Dorset with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.
- Vaccines & medicines for Dorset - CDC
- Health & vaccinations for Dorset - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
- How to stay safe & healthy in Dorset - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland
Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Dorset, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.
Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dorset travel features
Do you want to learn more about Dorset? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Dorset.
We don't currently have any travel features on Dorset. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.
Dorset FAQs
Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Dorset including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.
Which is the hottest month in Dorset?
The hottest time of year in Bournemouth, Dorset is normally July. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 21°C.
Which month has the most rain in Dorset?
In terms of rainfall, December is usually the wettest month in Bournemouth, Dorset with 90mm on average. There are normally 17 days in December with some rain.
When is it sunniest in Dorset?
The sunniest time of year in Bournemouth, Dorset is normally August with bright sunshine on average for 46% of daylight hours; that's 7 hours of sunshine per day.
When is the sea warmest in Dorset?
The sea is usually at its warmest in Bournemouth, Dorset in August when the water temperature reaches 18°C.
What is the time difference between Dorset and the UK?
The time difference between Dorset and the UK is UK time+0 hours.
What is the main language spoken in Dorset?
The main language spoken in Dorset is English.
Learn a language for Dorset with Busuu*, Rocket Languages* and Rosetta Stone*.
What is the currency in Dorset?
The currency in Dorset is the Pound Sterling (GBP).
Send money to Dorset with TransferGo*, Wise.com* and World Remit*.
Which plugs are used in Dorset?
Dorset uses electrical plug type G (230 Volts).
Which side of the road do they drive on in Dorset?
They drive on the left side of the road in Dorset.
Find out more about driving in UK with International Drivers Association*.
Be inspired
Get your weekly fix of holiday inspiration from some of the world's best travel writers plus save on your next trip with the latest exclusive offers
We promise not to share your details
Related posts
Popular travel offers
Explore holiday destinations
- Beach holidays
- City breaks
- Family holidays
- Half term holidays
- Spring holidays
- Summer holidays
- Autumn holidays
- Winter sun holidays
- Honeymoons
- Coolcations
- Compare places
- Ski resorts
Save with latest deals & discounts
- Holiday offers
- Top travel brands
- Airlines & flights
- Discount hotels
- TUI
- Jet2holidays
- Neilson
- Marella Cruises
- Pierre & Vacances
- Caledonian Travel
- Club Med
- January sales
Airport parking
- Manchester Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Bristol Airport
- Luton Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Newcastle Airport
Airport lounges
- Manchester Airport
- Birmingham Airport
- Bristol Airport
- Edinburgh Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Heathrow Airport
- Newcastle Airport
- Stansted Airport
- Gatwick Airport