Most tourists visit Great Britain during late spring and the summer seasons as the country does not experience extreme hot or cold climates. The months of January and February are chilly; many travellers avoid visiting the country during these months unless they want to take advantage of cheap accommodation deals and flights. attractions located in mountainous regions, the northern areas and those that have snow remain closed, but the main city hotels and eateries are open. Carol Kirkwood gives a brief of the weather pattern of Great Britain on month by month basis.
January and February
Planning to visit Great Britain in January? Carry a warm jacket, pairs of socks and warm trousers. It is the coldest month of the year with temperatures dropping as low as 5-6 degrees Celcius. If you have just arrived at the beginning of the year, you get to participate in the joyous New Year celebrations held in all the major cities. Most parts of the country are snowy during February and snowdrops appear in the woodland areas of the southern United Kingdom.
March and April
March marks the beginning of the spring season. Temperatures rise, and you have the opportunity to witness the garden flowers blossoming while enjoying the country’s best weather. Travellers visiting in March get to enjoy live rugby action of the Six Nations Championship, which includes players from Wales, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, England and France.
April is somewhat unpredictable; it can be rainy, or warm and sunny with spring flowers in the garden. During the end of the month, you may see swathes of bluebells covering the forests. Shops that close during the winter months open during April. The major event held during this month is the London Marathon that is held towards the end.
May and June
The climate is warmer and drier during these two months. There are two Bank holiday weekends in May, and the streets can get a little crowded. Other festivals held in May and June include:
- Wimbledon tennis tournament
- The Royal Ascot horseracing event attended by the Queen Elizabeth
- The Glastonbury Festival
- The Royal Regatta where picnics and boat races are held in Henley
July and August
These are the summer months of Great Britain as they are the hottest and the driest. You want to carry a pair of shorts, short-sleeve dresses and tops along lots of light clothes for the hot weather. Carol Kirkwood cites that less is more; click here for more ideas about what to carry for the hot season. According to Carol Kirkwood today, the warm climate does not guarantee relief from rain hence, the need to carry an umbrella. A lot of activities are held during this period, and these include the Great Yorkshire agricultural show, outdoor music festivals, live performances and comedies, among others.
September and October
The temperature remains warm until mid-September (ranging at 60-70 degrees). As such, you expect the streets to remain crowded. If you are looking to indulge in the rich London culture, these are the best months to visit. London Fashion Week is held in September and several food festivals across the country to mark the harvest season.
November and December
The autumn season is almost over to usher in the winter months. As such, the weather feels a little damp and cold. The mountainous regions experience snow, and the daylight is limited to 7 hours in the northern areas of Scotland. Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated on the 5th of November to commemorate the failed attempt to destroy parliament during the 17th century. The month of December is cold and damp with little vegetation and the daylight hours are less than seven. There are no special celebrations during this period except Christmas and Boxing Day.
