ENGLAND

The Best Time to Visit England

When Is the Best Season to Travel to England?

England is famous for its changeable weather—even at the height of summer, clear skies can give way to cold rain and fog. But with the right clothing and attitude, you’ll find the country’s moody conditions a delightful backdrop to exciting adventures. Depending on where you’re visiting and how active your journey is, especially if you’re heading out on a walking tour in England, it’s best to time your journey according to that area’s specific weather and seasonal draws.

We schedule departures for each of our five England hiking-based itineraries accordingly, with trips to the Channel Islands and Cornwall in the spring and fall, to Wales and the Cotswold Way in the fall, and to the iconic Coast to Coast path from May to September. In any time other than the harsh winter months, WT has a quintessential English adventure waiting for you.

England Weather

Destination

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

London

47°

35°
2.4″

48°

35°
1.9″

53°

38°
1.6″

58°

40°
1.4″

64°

46°
1.6″

70°

53°
1.8″

75°

57°
1.6″

73°

55°
2.3″

68°

50°
1.8″

60°

46°
2.9″

52°

39°
2.5″

50°

38°
2.7″

Manchester

46°

35°
2.4″

46°

35°
2.5″

50°

37°
1.8″

55°

40°
1.9″

61°

45°
1.9″

66°

50°
2.2″

69°

54°
2.3″

68°

54°
2.6″

64°

50°
2.3″

57°

45°
3.0″

50°

40°
2.8″

46°

36°
3.0″

Cornwall

49°

42°
3.2″

49°

43°
2.9″

50°

43°
2.8″

53°

45°
2.3″

58°

49°
2.1″

62°

54°
2.4″

66°

58°
2.5″

66°

58°
2.7″

63°

56°
2.4″

59°

53°
3.7″

54°

48°
4.0″

51°

45°
3.4″

SPRING: march-may

SUMMER: july-august

Fall: september-november

winter: december-february

England in the Spring: March, ApriL & May

Why Visit England in the Spring?

Our trips kick off in April with a journey linking some of Britain’s most intriguing settings—like famed Stonehenge and the limestone cliffs of the Jurassic Coast—on our Walking England’s Jurassic Coast & Channel Islands tour. This is the time of year when much of the rolling fields, coastal plains, and lush islands erupt in colorful wildflowers, newborn lambs dot the landscape, and the weather starts to warm. Visiting England in the spring also means having many countryside hikes to yourself—even the Cotswolds are mostly quiet these months.

What to Expect on Our Spring Tours

Discover landscapes of bluebells and primroses and fluffy lambs across England’s most idyllic regions, from the legendary cultural haven of Cornwall, where we hike the Cornish Coastal Path, and the north’s three iconic parks: Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors, which we traverse along England Coast to Coast. Following the winter rains, the ground firms up, making for feasible hiking in the Pennines, a mountain range of rolling hills and limestone formations we traverse on Hiking the Yorkshire Dales Way.

England in the Summer: June, July & August

Why Visit England in the Summer?

There’s no better time to visit England than the summer months, when there’s the greatest chance of bluebird days (though a day or two—or more—of rain is inevitable!) and temperatures range from the low 60sF to the high 70sF, depending on where you are. Many of England’s most popular areas see summertime crowds, which we plan for accordingly.

What to Expect on Our Summer Tours

Believe it or not, it’s possible to find calm and solitude along some of England’s most popular long-distance walks—even at the height of summer. Trails like the Coast to Coast Path, Cotswold Way, and Dorset’s South West Coast Path are at their most spectacular this time of year, which is why it’s our favorite season to experience them. Plus, our local Trip Leaders know the inns and pubs that see fewer visitors. August is also an ideal time to explore the magnificent Yorkshire Dales and Lake District National Park, with great weather accompanying its verdant fells, remote moorlands, and peaceful valleys, which we explore on Hiking the Yorkshire Dales Way.

England in the Fall: September, October & November

Why Visit England in the Fall?

Landscapes bright with turning leaves, fewer crowds, and harvest events are among the reasons to visit England in the fall. The days start to shorten, but remain mild (expect temperatures in the 50s and 60s). Starting in September, when many of our departures take place, you can experience more seclusion at places like Cornwall and the Cotswolds. Plus, the cozy atmosphere of the pubs and inns we frequent on our hiking-based trips takes on a new warmth come autumn.

What to Expect on Our Fall Tours

Following a purple bloom in late August or early September, the landscapes of bracken and heather turn gold come fall, which makes North York Moors National Park glow bright (see England Coast to Coast). The bounty of the fall harvest is on full display during our adventures to the Cotswolds and Cornwall, and the softer autumnal light brings a different kind of atmosphere to our seaside walks along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and Wales’ Pembrokeshire Coast.

ENGLAND in the WINTER: DECEMBER, JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Why Visit England in the Winter?

Visit England in the winter months of December, January, and February for fewer crowds and cold (but not usually frigid) temperatures that tend to fall in the 30s and 40s. You’ll find short days and long nights, as the sun typically sets by 4:00 pm. But you might be rewarded with snow-blanketed landscapes, especially in northern and higher elevation areas like the Lake District and Yorkshire. Wilderness Travel doesn’t run England trips during the winter, but we recommend a wintertime visit for anyone who enjoys off-season travel and cold weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best months to visit England for a hiking or walking trip are May through September. You’ll experience pleasantly warm temperatures and the less rain than usual (though England is rainy any time of year). But if you like to avoid tourist crowds, consider skipping the months of July and August.

England’s rainiest months are typically October through January. It tends to rain between 12 and 16 days a month in England in the winter, compared to around 8 to 12 days of rain a month in the summer.

Light layers is the best way to dress for England’s weather. Summers can get warm, so make sure to bring short sleeves and light pants or shorts, but don’t forget a light sweater or light jacket, since you’ll likely need it. Winters are much colder, so bring a medium or heavy jacket to wear over long sleeve t-shirts or sweaters, and don’t forget a hat and gloves. In the spring and fall, bring a range of clothing—from short sleeves to sweaters to a jacket.

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Talk to an Expert

Our Europe Specialists know every detail about our England Tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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