UK weather

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Below are the temperatures expected today at popular destinations in the UK. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

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The weather guide for UK 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.

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UK & Ireland holidays

When is it hottest in the UK?

The hottest time of year in London, UK is normally July. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 22°C.

What is the wettest month in the UK?

In terms of rainfall, December usually gets the most rainfall in London, UK with 59mm on average. In December there are normally 14 days with some rain.

When is it sunniest in the UK?

The sunniest time of year in London, UK is normally August with bright sunshine on average for 41% of daylight hours; that's 6 hours of sunshine per day.

Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

Compare UK weather with the USA

Below the UK weather chart shows average maximum daytime temperature for UK (London) and the USA (Washington).

Maximum daytime temperature (°C)

UK (London)

USA (Washington)

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May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

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UK weather overview

No wonder the British are obsessed with the weather: they have one of the world's most changeable climates. The general pattern is for summers to be warm and wet and winters to be cool and wet.

However, the quirky weather can leave the islands basking in sunshine as hot as the Mediterranean's during a good summer and shivering in temperatures as cold as Moscow's during a particularly harsh winter.

In the United Kingdom, weather conditions vary widely from day to day and from region to region. The southwest is the warmest area while the west coast and the mountains attract the most rain.

The east coast is generally a chilly and blustery region with colder winters than other areas. London and the southeast enjoy more periods of sunshine and are drier and warmer than the north.

The mountains of Scotland, Wales and northern England can be treacherous. In the summer months, they can record some of the highest rainfall in Europe while, in winter, they are prone to blizzards, gales and icy rain.

Unwary mountain walkers frequently have to be rescued when a sudden turn in the weather leaves them stranded and in danger of frostbite or worse.

Scotland, because of its northerly latitude, experiences longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter than anywhere else in the UK but, as a rule, temperatures there are no lower than in England.

The west of the country is warmer and rainier than the east and visitors exploring the Highlands should be prepared for sudden fog and mists.

Wales is generally less sunny and more rainy than England but its coasts can enjoy prolonged periods of sunshine in the summer and are therefore popular with tourists.

The Welsh Mountains should be approached with respect at any time of year as conditions can quickly turn nasty. Northern Ireland suffers highly changeable weather conditions and tends to be wetter with less sun than other parts of the UK.

What to pack for UK weather

Always bring a range of clothing when touring Britain. Layered clothing, which can be added to or removed according to temperature and conditions, is probably the best bet.

Expect the odd short sharp shower and, if in the Lake District or the mountains, rainwear is strongly recommended.

For more UK destinations visit our dedicated UK Holiday Weather website. Here you'll find weather guides for counties, cities, towns and villages across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.