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You know that classic British saying – “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”? Yeah, they really live by that over there.
While the UK does get all four seasons, one constant is the light rain showers and cloudy skies that seem to hang around all year long. Temperatures can bounce anywhere from a chilly 48°F (9°C) in the winter up to a pretty pleasant 73°F (23°C) in summer. But here’s the real kicker – the weather loves to switch it up on you multiple times throughout a single day. One minute sunny, the next minute downpour!
Want the full scoop on what kind of crazy weather you can expect? Give our blog a read!
What are the 4 seasons in The UK?
We all know rain is a mainstay of UK weather. Be it hot or cold, a shower is hardly unexpected in almost all parts of the country. Traditionally, the four weather seasons in the UK are spring, summer, autumn and winter. Below discussed are the four seasons, what months they last and the fun activities people can enjoy during the different seasons.
- Spring, occurring in March, April, and May, brings sudden rain showers, blossoming trees, and flowering plants.
- Summer, spanning June, July, and August, is the warmest season in the UK, offering long sunny days, occasional thunderstorms, and occasional heatwaves.
- Autumn takes place in September, October, and November, characterised by varying weather – mild and dry or wet and windy. The leaves change colour and fall from the trees, and temperatures start to dip.
- Winter, from December to February, is the coldest season, featuring freezing temperatures, icy conditions, and occasional snowfall.
Spring
- Average Min/Max Temperatures: 9.3°C- 15.4°C
- Average Min/Max Daylight Hours: 11-15 hours
- Average Min/Max Rainfall (mm): 60 mm
Spring in the UK lasts from March till May. The average daylight hours are anywhere from 11 to 15 hours. It is that time of the year when the country starts to bloom after the harsh and unrelenting winters with green and warmth slowly making their way in. It is a beautiful time of year with people out and about and there are one too many enjoyable things to do during springtime in the UK.
- Touring Bluebell Woods: One of the most popular activities during spring is taking a walk through the absolutely gorgeous bluebell woods with lovely violet-blue flowers set against tall, leafy trees.
- Exploring Places With A Slice of Magic: There are hoards of places in the UK that close down during the winters and get too hot to visit during the summers. So, that makes spring the perfect time to pay them a visit. The Giant’s Causeway, Merlin’s Cave, and Glastonbury Tor are just a few among many places that are ideal to visit during springtime.
- Get Atop Buildings: To be fair, not just any building but monuments and famous pieces of architecture that provide 360-degree views of their magnificent surroundings. There’s no time other than spring that makes this particular activity the most fun.
| The last Monday of May is a spring bank holiday in the UK. Many establishments in the UK will be closed and public transport may be affected according to local customs of the city or county. |
Summer
- Average Min/Max Temperatures: 18.1°C- 20.6°C
- Average Min/Max Daylight Hours: 16 hours – 16 hours 30 mins
- Average Min/Max Rainfall (mm): 61 mm
From June to August is among those weather seasons in the UK that some welcome wholeheartedly while some absolutely dread. That would be summer. With an average temperature of 18 to 20 degrees and an average of 16 daylight hours, UK summers are often described as hot and sweaty by British folk marred by showers as usual.
- Gardens of Manchester: A lush green selection of gardens spread over large areas makes Manchester a treat to visit during the summer. The RHS Garden Bridgewater, Fletcher MossPark and Botanical Gardens, and Piccadilly Gardens to name a few are a must-visit during the warm weather seasons in the UK.
- Sea Kayaking: Scotland is the spot for this activity set against the backdrop of the North West Highlands. Several companies organise kayaking tours this time of year.
Autumn
- Average Min/Max Temperatures: 17.5°C- 9.5°C
- Average Min/Max Daylight Hours: 10-14 hours
- Average Min/Max Rainfall (mm)
September to November marks the season of autumn when the country prepares to usher in winter. Among all the weather seasons in the UK, one can experience temperatures from hot to cold to everything in between. While the months of September and October are relatively warm, sometimes even more so than the summer months, temperatures drop drastically in November as a prelude to winter.
- Halloween: Halloween although not traditionally a British festival, has travelled to the country from across the pond and is widely celebrated across various parts of the country. 31st October marks the holiday and carved pumpkins, spooky decorations and kids going trick or treating has become quite the norm.
- National Parks: The UK has quite a selection of serene national parks. A much-enjoyed activity during the autumn months is exploring some lesser-known national parks in less crowded areas across the country.
- Farm Park: A beloved activity among these weather seasons in the UK on a lazy day is visiting a farm park. Perfect to go with younger siblings or children, it is always advised to book well in advance due to the rush.
Winter
- Average Minimum/Maximum Temperatures: 0°C- 7.4°C
- Average Min/Max Daylight Hours: 8-9 hours
- Average Monthly Rainfall (mm): 78 mm
The most-awaited time of the year comprising Santa and snow! Christmas in the UK is deeply cherished by locals and among the hottest destinations for tourists from all over. Lasting from December to February, the harsh winter months are filled with Christmas decorations, hot chocolate and snow galore. Average temperatures are known to drop to a freezing 6 degrees with dusk approaching during afternoon hours.
- Camping: Brave to bear the cold? A daring activity among these weather seasons in the UK is camping in a gorgeous outdoor area, hiking, sleeping in a tent, cooking on a fire, the whole deal.
- Christmas Fairs and Markets: With the holiday being a big deal across the country, there are some fun, colourful, and sparkly fairs and markets in cities across the United Kingdom. A thoroughly enjoyable activity to spread the holiday cheer.
Tips To Survive The British Winter
The British winter is a unique beast that can leave even the toughest of us shivering like Chihuahuas in a snowstorm. Here’s a comical guide, straight from my own frozen toes, on how to handle the British winter as an international student.
EMBRACE THE PUFFER JACKET
Once the temperature drops, everyone in the UK looks like the Michelin Man. The secret? Puffer jackets. These cozy, padded jackets are like portable duvets. My advice: embrace the puffer jacket and wear it with pride. You’ll look like a marshmallow, but a toasty one.
INVEST IN THERMAL UNDERWEAR
Thermal underwear isn’t just for grandpas. A pair of long johns or thermal leggings can be a game-changer. They feel like a warm hug for your legs and are handy for avoiding the human popsicle effect when you wear regular underwear under jeans.
MASTER THE ART OF LAYERING
Layering is key to surviving the British winter. Think of it as an art form. You’ll feel like a knight in sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and hats. Wearing two pairs of socks might make you topple over, but you’ll be cozy when you do.
BE PREPARED FOR THE ETERNAL STRUGGLE OF WET UMBRELLAS
British winter means relentless rain, so be ready for the wet umbrella struggle. Carry a compact, quick-drying umbrella in your bag to dodge the downpour.
ACCEPT THAT THE SUN GOES ON VACATION
During the British winter, the sun often disappears for days. Embrace the cozy gloom by investing in fairy lights to brighten your room.
HOT TEA: YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND
British tea is a lifeline in the cold. Adopt the tradition of tea breaks to thaw out your icy fingers. Sipping hot tea all day is a joy.
LEARN THE ART OF DEFROSTING
Frozen fingers, toes, and nose are common. Become a pro at defrosting. Quick tip: warm up by placing your feet under your laptop charger block (when it’s off). It works like a mini heater for your feet.
Things That Affect The Seasons In The UK: El Niño and La Niña
The UK weathers are highly influenced by the El Niño and La Niña, we speak about this in detail below:
- The tropical Pacific Ocean goes through a natural warming and cooling cycle every 3 to 7 years.
- When the waters warm up, it’s known as an El Niño event. When they cool down, it’s called a La Niña. The temperature fluctuation can be around 3°C between the warmest and coolest points.
- Fishermen off the South American coast have been familiar with this phenomenon for centuries. An El Niño means a drastic drop in their catch.
- In the UK, a La Niña year can bring milder, wetter, and windier weather than usual, though this isn’t always the case.
- Scientists are still working to fully comprehend how this event influences global weather and climate patterns. But they know it disrupts normal air circulation, leading to unexpected weather changes during El Niño or La Niña years. The stronger the temperature change, the more extreme the weather effects.
- Other cycles like the Madden-Julien Oscillation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation, Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, and North Atlantic Oscillation also contribute to weather irregularities worldwide.
FAQs
Q1. What is the official season in the UK?
Ans: The official seasons in the UK are spring, summer, autumn, and winter, following the standard calendar.
Q2. What is the coldest month in the UK?
Ans: The coldest month in the UK is typically January, as it falls in the heart of the winter season.
Q3. How many months are cold in UK?
Ans: The UK experiences several cold months, which are December, January, and February during the winter season.
Q4. What is the hottest month in the UK?
Ans: The hottest month in the UK is usually July, which falls within the summer season and brings warmer temperatures.
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