The United Kingdom (UK) is a country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, all of which are located on islands. The UK’s main island, Great Britain, is shared by England, Scotland, and Wales, while Northern Ireland is part of the island of Ireland.
The geography of the UK is diverse, including rolling hills and plains in southern England, rugged mountains in Scotland and Wales, and numerous rivers and coastlines. The UK is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Irish Sea, all of which significantly impact the country’s weather patterns.
The UK has a temperate maritime climate, meaning it experiences mild temperatures, with warm summers and cool winters. It is known for its changeable weather, where rain can occur at any time of year, and the proximity to the sea moderates extreme temperatures. The climate varies slightly between regions, with the north and west generally cooler and wetter than the south and east.
The UK has four seasons:
- Winter: December to February, characterized by cool to cold temperatures with frequent rain and occasional snow.
- Spring: March to May, with moderate temperatures and increasing sunshine.
- Summer: June to August, typically mild to warm with longer days and periods of sunshine.
- Autumn: September to November, featuring cooler temperatures, rain, and the shedding of leaves from deciduous trees.
Let’s explore the UK’s weather month by month.
January
Weather Overview
January is one of the coldest months in the UK. The country experiences short days, cool to cold temperatures, and frequent rain. In some regions, particularly in the north and highlands of Scotland, snow can occur.
England
- Temperature: 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Cold and wet, especially in the north and west. Snow is rare in southern England but possible in northern areas such as Yorkshire and the Lake District.
Scotland
- Temperature: -1°C to 6°C (30°F to 43°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm
- Weather: Cold and snowy in the Scottish Highlands, with milder conditions in the central and southern regions. Snow is more common in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Wales
- Temperature: 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F)
- Rainfall: 80-150 mm
- Weather: Cold and wet, with snow possible in the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm
- Weather: Cool with frequent rain, especially along the coast.
February
Weather Overview
February is still cold across the UK, but the days begin to lengthen. Rain is frequent, and snow is more likely in northern regions and higher elevations.
England
- Temperature: 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)
- Rainfall: 50-90 mm
- Weather: Cold and damp, with occasional frosts. Snow is rare in southern England, while northern England can see light snowfalls.
Scotland
- Temperature: 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F)
- Rainfall: 100-140 mm
- Weather: Cold with snow in the Scottish Highlands and rain in lowland areas. Windy conditions are common.
Wales
- Temperature: 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F)
- Rainfall: 90-130 mm
- Weather: Wet and cold, with snow possible in the higher regions of Snowdonia.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 2°C to 9°C (36°F to 48°F)
- Rainfall: 70-110 mm
- Weather: Cool and rainy, with coastal areas seeing slightly milder temperatures.
March
Weather Overview
March marks the beginning of spring, with longer days and gradually rising temperatures. However, the weather is still cool, and rain remains frequent.
England
- Temperature: 4°C to 11°C (39°F to 52°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Cool with increasing sunshine, though showers remain common. Southern England begins to experience more mild and pleasant days.
Scotland
- Temperature: 1°C to 10°C (34°F to 50°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with snow still possible in the Scottish Highlands. Glasgow and Edinburgh see more rain than snow.
Wales
- Temperature: 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F)
- Rainfall: 70-100 mm
- Weather: Cool and damp, with more sunshine as the month progresses. Snow is still possible in Snowdonia.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 3°C to 11°C (37°F to 52°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with sunshine increasing towards the end of the month.
April
Weather Overview
April is a true spring month, with milder temperatures, blossoming flowers, and longer daylight hours. However, the weather can still be unpredictable, with rain showers common.
England
- Temperature: 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F)
- Rainfall: 40-60 mm
- Weather: Milder temperatures, with occasional sunny days and frequent rain showers. London and the southeast enjoy warmer conditions.
Scotland
- Temperature: 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Milder but still wet. Snow is less likely, though higher elevations in the Cairngorms may see occasional snowfalls.
Wales
- Temperature: 4°C to 13°C (39°F to 55°F)
- Rainfall: 50-90 mm
- Weather: Mild, with increasing sunshine and fewer days of heavy rain. Cardiff enjoys more temperate conditions than the mountainous areas.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 4°C to 13°C (39°F to 55°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Cool and damp, but with more frequent sunny spells. Rain showers remain common, particularly along the coast.
May
Weather Overview
May marks the end of spring, with more consistent mild temperatures and longer days. It’s an ideal month for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
England
- Temperature: 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)
- Rainfall: 40-60 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with fewer rainy days. The southern regions, particularly London and the South East, enjoy pleasant weather.
Scotland
- Temperature: 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Milder temperatures, though still rainy in the Highlands. Edinburgh and Glasgow experience increasing sunshine.
Wales
- Temperature: 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Pleasant, with less rainfall and more sunshine, particularly in coastal areas like Pembrokeshire.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 7°C to 16°C (45°F to 61°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Mild, with increasing sunshine and fewer rain showers. The coast and countryside enjoy ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
June
Weather Overview
June marks the beginning of summer, with warm temperatures and extended daylight hours. It is one of the best months for outdoor exploration across the UK.
England
- Temperature: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 40-60 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with occasional rain showers. Southern England experiences the best weather, while the north is cooler and wetter.
Scotland
- Temperature: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Warm but often wet, particularly in the Western Highlands. The east, including Aberdeen, is drier and sunnier.
Wales
- Temperature: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, particularly in Cardiff and coastal areas, though rain is still frequent in the mountains.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 60-80 mm
- Weather: Mild and pleasant, with sunshine and rain showers alternating throughout the month.
July
Weather Overview
July is one of the warmest months in the UK. It is peak summer, with mild to warm temperatures and relatively dry weather, especially in southern and eastern England.
England
- Temperature: 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 40-60 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, particularly in southern England. London, Kent, and the Cotswolds experience some of the best weather in the UK.
Scotland
- Temperature: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Mild, though the western regions are wettest. Edinburgh enjoys more sunshine, making it an excellent time for festivals and outdoor events.
Wales
- Temperature: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 50-70 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with coastal areas like Pembrokeshire enjoying long, sunny days. Rain is still possible in the mountains.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Mild and pleasant, with plenty of sunshine and occasional rain showers.
August
Weather Overview
August is still part of summer, with warm weather across most of the UK. It’s a popular time for holidays, though rainfall may increase toward the end of the month.
England
- Temperature: 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Warm, with occasional rain showers. London, Cornwall, and Devon are popular destinations for summer travel.
Scotland
- Temperature: 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Mild, with rain more frequent in the Highlands. The Edinburgh Festival brings crowds, and the city sees warm days with occasional showers.
Wales
- Temperature: 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: 50-90 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, though mountain regions like Snowdonia are wetter. Coastal areas remain pleasant for beach holidays.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 12°C to 19°C (54°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Warm and sunny, with some rain showers toward the end of the month.
September
Weather Overview
September marks the beginning of autumn, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The weather is still pleasant, particularly at the beginning of the month.
England
- Temperature: 11°C to 19°C (52°F to 66°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry, with the south experiencing the best weather. London and the South Coast remain popular travel destinations.
Scotland
- Temperature: 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
- Weather: Mild but increasingly wet, especially in the west. The Hebrides and Skye experience more rain as the month progresses.
Wales
- Temperature: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
- Weather: Pleasant at the start of the month, with cooler and wetter conditions towards the end. Snowdonia remains a popular spot for autumn hikes.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 60-80 mm
- Weather: Cool and damp, with occasional sunny spells.
October
Weather Overview
October brings cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall. The changing colors of autumn leaves create a scenic backdrop, particularly in rural areas.
England
- Temperature: 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with more frequent rain. Yorkshire and the Lake District are beautiful but often damp.
Scotland
- Temperature: 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm
- Weather: Cold and rainy, particularly in the west. Snow begins to fall in the Scottish Highlands towards the end of the month.
Wales
- Temperature: 7°C to 13°C (45°F to 55°F)
- Rainfall: 70-110 mm
- Weather: Wet and cool, with autumn colors in the Brecon Beacons.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 7°C to 13°C (45°F to 55°F)
- Rainfall: 70-100 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with increasing rainfall and cooler evenings.
November
Weather Overview
November brings the UK closer to winter, with shorter days and cooler temperatures. Rain is frequent, and frost is possible in the northern regions.
England
- Temperature: 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F)
- Rainfall: 70-100 mm
- Weather: Cold and rainy, with overcast skies. London and the south are milder than the north.
Scotland
- Temperature: 1°C to 8°C (34°F to 46°F)
- Rainfall: 90-130 mm
- Weather: Cold, with snow possible in the Highlands. Rain is frequent in the west, and Edinburgh experiences cool, wet days.
Wales
- Temperature: 3°C to 9°C (37°F to 48°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm
- Weather: Wet and cold, with frosts possible in the mountains.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F)
- Rainfall: 80-110 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet, with rain becoming more frequent as winter approaches.
December
Weather Overview
December is the beginning of winter in the UK, with cold temperatures and frequent rain. Snow is possible in northern and highland areas, particularly in Scotland.
England
- Temperature: 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)
- Rainfall: 60-90 mm
- Weather: Cold and wet, with occasional frosts and fog in London and the Midlands. Snow is rare in southern England but possible in the north.
Scotland
- Temperature: 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm
- Weather: Cold, with snow in the Highlands and Cairngorms. Edinburgh and Glasgow experience cold, rainy days.
Wales
- Temperature: 1°C to 7°C (34°F to 45°F)
- Rainfall: 80-110 mm
- Weather: Cold and wet, with snow possible in higher elevations like Snowdonia.
Northern Ireland
- Temperature: 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)
- Rainfall: 70-100 mm
- Weather: Cold and rainy, with the possibility of frosts and occasional snow.