Best Time to Visit England

Have you been wanting to plan a trip to England, but are unsure of when to visit? England is filled with beautiful landscapes and history and is attracted by millions of travelers that are looking to travel over seas. With many cities and towns that have their unique activities you’ll be amazed by the number of attractions there are to explore.

The best time to visit England is during April and May, when temperatures stay between 50 and 60 degrees and when crowds are at their lowest. You’ll be able to find affordable accommodations with prices as low as $60 per night. During this time, you’ll be able to enjoy Shakespeare Season and amazing family-friendly art festivals.

When traveling to a destination such as this England, you’ll want to weigh the factors that help you know when to plan your vacation. Let’s dive into the best time to visit England.

Worst Time to Travel to England

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When traveling to England, you’ll want to take into consideration the current season, climate conditions, and busiest time of year. The worst time to travel to England is during the summer in June, July, and August because warm temperatures, crowds, and high prices.

One reason you’ll want to avoid England during the summer months is because many places don’t have great cooling systems like we have here in the United States. Many of the buildings have older designs which means they just don’t have it. During this time you may find yourself paying extra to take a cab, and even those may not have cooling units.

Putting the weather aside, summer is the most expensive time to travel to England. This is busy tourist season so you’ll see rates increase. Your airfare, hotels, and even car rentals may cost you more.

When is the Cheapest Time to go to England?

If you’re planning a trip to England on a budget, you’ll want to know when the cheapest time to travel is. The cheapest time to go to England is during the off-season in September and October. England has different seasons that attract different types of visitors, so depending on the activities, some seasons will be more expensive than others.

If you’re looking for cheap flights, the best time for discounts is during the months of September and October. If you book mid-week, this will save you more money as opposed to flying in the beginning or end of the week. Make sure to avoid booking your flights from June to August when price are higher and around holidays.

You will also be able to save money on accommodations during the off-season as well. During the months of November and January, you can save up to twenty percent off. Prices will start to rise from March to early June so you’ll want to avoid visiting during these times. To save the most money, check for special packages that may be offered that include free meals and other attractions.

Related Read: UK: Travel Budget Calculator

What Time of Year is the Best Weather in England?

When planning your vacation to England, you’ll want to go when the weather is permitting and deals are at their lowest. Below, we discuss the weather by month so that you can choose the best time to visit for you and your family.

January: London Boat Show

Temperatures average between 36 and 44 degrees during January in England. January is considered the coldest month of the year in England with occasional snowfall. You can typically see around an inch of rain and an inch of snowfall total.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack warmer items such as gloves, boots, hat, scarf, pants, sweaters, and a warm coat. During this month, you can see the London Boat Show. The London boat show occurs in mid-January and is the largest boat show in Europe.

If you’re in town, you’ll also want to check out the Charles I Commemoration. This commemoration marks the execution of King Charles I in name of freedom and democracy. Many cavaliers march through London in a 17th century dress and say prayers at the Whitehall’s Banqueting House.

• London Boat Show
• Charles I Commemoration
• Manchester Beer & Cider Festival

Related Read: Top 6 Wild Swimming Spots near to Manchester, UK

February: Jorvik Festival

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Temperatures average between 36 and 45 degrees during February in England. February is still considered a frosty month in England with cold temperatures. February is also the month with the least amount of sunshine out of the year.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack a warm coat, pants, boots, sweaters, gloves, a hat, and a scarf. During this month, England has the Jorvik Festival. The Jorvik Festival is a two week festival that celebrates historic cathedral city’s role as a Viking outpost.

Also during this month is the Chinese New Year. This is held in London as the Lion Dancers perform on the nearest Sunday to the Chinese New Year.

• Jorvik Festival
• Chinese New Year
• Orchid Festival
• Bookfest

March: St. David’s Day Parade

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March temperatures average between 38 and 51 degrees during March in England. March is the first month of spring in England and temperatures start to rise slightly. During this month, there will only be around one inch of rain that falls.

If you’re traveling during this month, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, sweaters, a coat, a jacket, and gloves for cold nights. During this time, England has the St. David’s Day Parade.

During this month, you can also go to the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham. At this event, you can see pet lovers of all kinds dote over twenty thousand pets.

• St. David’s Day Parade
• Crufts Dog Show
• Words by the Water Festival

April: The Shakespeare Season

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Temperatures average between 41 and 57 degrees during April in England. April is considered a mild spring month in England where temperatures slightly increase from cool to moderate. April is the month with the least amount of rainfall, accumulating less than one inch.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, sweaters, and a jacket. During this month, England has Shakespeare Season. The Shakespeare Season is located in Stratford and is an event where The Royal Shakespeare company presents works by the Bard.

If you’re looking for a festival to attend, you can try out the Beltane Fire Festival. This event is celebrated on the last evening of April and celebrates the onset of warmer, longer days in May. You’ll see elaborate costumes, bonfires, drums, and other performances.

• Shakespeare Season
• Beltane Fire Festival
• London Marathon

May: Brighton Festival

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Temperatures average between 46 and 62 degrees during May in England. May is considered the last month of spring and is a comfortable month. The days are enjoyable and there is only about one inch of rain for the entire month.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, and a jacket. During this month, England has the Brighton Festival. The Brighton Festival is England’s largest art festival that features four hundred different cultural events.

If you and the family are Harry Potter fans, you can plan a Harry Potter day out. You can have an adventures at Warner Bros Studios in London where the films were made.

• Brighton Festival
• Harry Potter Day Out

June: City of London Festival

Temperatures average between 51 and 67 degrees during June in England. June is considered the first month of summer in England with a rise in temperatures. It is the month with the most rainfall seeing around almost two inches of rain.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you can start to pack some lighter clothing items, but still bring a jacket for those cooler evenings. During this month, England has the City of London Festival. The City of London Festival is an annual arts festival that is held in venues throughout the city.

If you’re wanting to find a good hiking spot, you can hike the South Cornwall Coast. This is one of the most spectacular locations in England and can be completed on a 9 day adventure.

• City of London Festival
• Hike the South Cornwall Coast

July: Kenwood Lakeside Concerts

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Temperatures average between 56 and 72 degrees during July in England. July is the warmest month out of the year in England, making this an agreeable summer month. In July, the rain falls for around 16 days dropping about an inch and a half of rain accumulation.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want pack pants, shorts, t-shirts, a jacket, and good pair of walking shoes. During this month, England has their Kenwood Lakeside Concerts. These summer concerts are on the north side of Hampstead with fireworks and laser shows.

If you’re looking for another activity, you can attend the Early Music Festival. This music festival is located in Northern England and is devoted to classical music of the 18th century.

• Kenwood Lakeside Concerts
• Early Music Festival
• Tramlines Festival

Related Read: Ultimate Guide to Manchester NIGHTLIFE

August: Nottinghill Carnival

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Temperatures average 56 to 71 degrees during August in England. August is the last month of summer and a pleasant month in England. This is the least humid month with relative humidity at 72%.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack pants, shorts, t-shirts, sun protection, and a light jacket. During this month, England has the Nottinghill Carnival. The Nottinghill Carnival is one of the largest street festivals in Europe that attracts more than a half a million people.

• Nottinghill Carnival
• Leeds Festival
• Boomtown Fair

September: The Ascot Festival

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September averages 52 to 66 degrees during September in England. September is the first month of autumn with comfortable temperatures that are similar to August. Rain falls for around 9 days out of the month with accumulations a little over an inch.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack clothing for chilly temperatures that may include a jacket. During this month, England has the The Ascot Festival. The Ascot Festival is located in Ascot, Berkshire and is England’s greatest horse-racing weekend.

If you’re looking for another activity during this month you get attend the Jane Austen Festival. Fans of Jane Austen can head to the city of Bath for a ten day festival celebrating Jane Austen.

• The Ascot Festival
• Jane Austen Festival
• York Food and Drink Festival

October: Opening of Parliament

Temperatures average 48 to 59 degrees during October in England. October is another mild autumn month in England with comfortable temperatures. It rains for 11 days out of month with a little over one inch of rain accumulation.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll experience temperature drops so you’ll want to pack some warmer clothing. During this month, England has the Opening of Parliament. The Opening of Parliament is where the monarch opens Parliament in the House of Lords, and Queen Elizabeth rides from Buckingham Palace and Westminster.

If you want to experience another activity you can participate in Halloween in England. On the last day of October you can experience costume balls and themed events that are appropriate for all ages. You can also use this month to book spooky tours.

• Opening of Parliament
• Halloween
• BFI London Film Festival
• Falmouth Oyster Festival

November: Guy Fawks Night

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Temperatures average between 42 and 50 degrees during November in England. November is the last month of autumn and another cool month. Rain falls for a little over 12 days of the month with a little over an inch of rain accumulations.

If you’re traveling during this time, you’ll want to pack some warmer clothing like pants, a jacket, and sweaters for cooler temperatures. During this month, England has Guy Fawks Night. Guy Fawks Night is a British celebration that commemorates the anniversary of the “GunPowder Plot.”

If you’re looking for another activity to take part in, you can attend the EFG London Jazz Festival. This is an annual music festival that takes place at Southwark Center and attracts artists and emerging stars.

• Guy Fawks Night
• EFG London Jazz Festival
• Holiday Market

December: Best For Celebrating the Holidays

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Temperatures average between 38 and 46 degrees during December in England. December is the first month of winter and is a chilly month. Rain falls for 11 days out of the month with rain accumulations of a little over an inch.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack warmer clothing, especially your winter coat. During this month, England is best known for celebrating the holidays. England is magical during the holidays and has many activities for both Christmas and New Years.

• Celebrating the holidays
• Christmas at Kew
• Hogwarts in the Snow

What is the Best Time to Visit England With Family?

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Have you been thinking about wanting to travel to England, but are unsure if it’s a great place to bring the whole family? Not only is traveling to England with family possible but there are many activities and outdoor adventures you can take. The best time to visit England with family is in the spring, from late March to early June.

During this time, temperatures will be warm and dry and the beautiful spring flowers will be in bloom. The earlier you visit in the spring, the more likely you’ll be able to avoid crowds and enjoy famous landmarks even more. When traveling with family, you want to make sure that you and the whole family can enjoy planned activities without feeling overwhelmed.

When is the Best Time to Avoid Crowds in England?

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If you want to visit England and avoid crowds, you’ll want to visit in May, early June, September, and early October. This time is a bit easier to deal with than peak season and is less expensive. You’ll also want to avoid traveling around the holidays because people tend to travel around Christmas time and the New Year.

Avoiding crowds will all depend on what part of England you plan on visiting. If you travel during the summer, places like Brighton and Whitby are particularly crowded. You’ll find that the least crowded areas are among smaller towns and remote areas, but they’ll also have fewer accommodations available.

When is the Best Time to Visit Museums and Galleries in England?

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The best time to visit Museum and galleries in England is from December to February. If you travel during the winter, this can bring cold and rainy days. Even during this time, museums and galleries will always stay open making this the perfect time for exploring.

The British Museum

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At the British Museum, you’ll be able to experience cultures across the globe, from human history to the present. You’ll be able to experience their exhibitions and events by scheduling a planned visit.

The National Gallery

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The National Gallery is an art gallery in the city of Westminster that is home to over two thousand paintings from the 13th century to the 1900s. Admission is free, making this the perfect activity for a budget-friendly vacation. It is ranked eighth on the list as the most visited museums in the world.

Victoria and Albert Museum

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The Victoria and Albert Museum is London’s largest museum of arts, housing over two million objects. The museum covers over twelve acres and one hundred and forty-five galleries. You’ll be able to see the largest collection of post-classical scripture and Renaissance items outside of Italy.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

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The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery is located in Birmingham, England. It’s collection covers fine arts, ceramics, natural history, archaeology, and natural history. The admission to this museum is also free, making this a family-friendly and budget-friendly activity.