Best time to visit the British Isles

The best time to visit the British Isles is June to August, judged across 40 places; November to January are its low season.

in seasongoodnot its bestlow season

Updated September 2026 · Europe · 40 places, each judged for what it is · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis

The British Isles month by month

MonthSeasonWhyBest places
Januarylow seasonoff-season shutdown · 8 h daylight · best May–AugAviemore, Killarney, Clifden
Februarynot its bestoff-season shutdown · 9°C highs · best May–AugAviemore, Killarney, Canterbury
Marchnot its bestoff-season shutdown · best May–AugKillarney, Keswick, Windermere
Aprilgood13°C highs · 9 h sunClifden, Killarney, Fort William
Maygood16°C highs · 11 h sunKeswick, Killarney, Fort William
Junein seasonsporting event · 19°C highs · 10 h sunLondon, Bath, Bristol
Julyin season20°C highs · 10 h sunOxford, Cambridge, Canterbury
Augustin seasonsporting event · 20°C highs · 9 h sunLondon, Cambridge, Canterbury
Septembergood18°C highsCanterbury, Saint Peter Port, Cambridge
Octobernot its best15 wet days · best May–AugKillarney, Canterbury, London
Novemberlow seasonoff-season shutdown · 9 h daylight · best May–AugKillarney, Cambridge, Clifden
Decemberlow seasonoff-season shutdown · 8 h daylight · best May–AugAviemore, Killarney, Canterbury

In season: one of the region's three best months, and good in its own right. Low season: one of its three worst, and well below its best. The reasons compare each month with the region's own year and name the seasons on the ground — monsoon, autumn colour, hurricanes — where most of its places share them.

All 40 places in the British Isles

The British Isles — FAQ

When is the best time to visit the British Isles?
June to August. In July: 20°C highs · 10 h sun.
When is the low season in the British Isles?
November to January. In January: off-season shutdown · 8 h daylight · best May–Aug.
Which months are in season in the British Isles?
June to August — the months among its best that are also good in their own right.