UK Weather Patterns: Understanding Its Climate, Temperatures, & more

While the UK doesn't see many extreme weather events, it does frequently experience a wide range of circumstances. UK weather is notoriously unpredictable regardless of the season and constantly varies daily. Scroll down to find out more!

Average UK weather

Climate in the UK

According to the Köppen climate classification system, the UK has a humid and moderate oceanic climate. Latitude and the Atlantic Ocean both affect regional climates. 

Since they are closest to the Atlantic Ocean, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the western sections of England and Scotland tend to be the mildest, wettest, and windiest parts of the UK, with rarely dramatic temperature fluctuations. 

Eastern areas have the biggest daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations and are drier, colder, and less windy. 

Compared to southern regions, often warmer and dryer, the northern parts are typically colder and wetter, with somewhat wider temperature variations.

Climate in the UK

Temperatures in the UK

In Britain, the typical temperature ranges from around 10°C during the lowest nighttime winter temperatures to 30°C during the hottest summer months. 

This is due to the waters around Britain, which retain heat for longer than land; the country experiences warmer winters and cooler summers. 

Temperatures do occasionally rise above these extremes. The UK's record low temperature was -27.2°C in Scotland in 1995, while the record high temperature was 38.5°C in Kent, England 2003.

Temperatures in the UK

Rain in the UK

Because of its position and marine climate, the rain patterns in the UK are very unpredictable. There is yearly rainfall, with more rain falling in the west than in the east. 

Whereas Southeast England is dryer, coastal regions—particularly Scotland and Wales—are wetter. Summer rains can occur, although autumn and winter are usually the wettest seasons with plenty of precipitation. 

The UK gets an average of 1,000 mm of rain each year. However, the amount varies greatly between areas and times of the year.

Rain in the UK

Snow in the UK

In the UK, snowfall is significantly more likely to occur in the north and east. For instance, the south coast of England rarely receives a significant quantity of snow, yet several parts of Scotland have significant snowfall every year. 

However, this norm has certain exceptions, such as the winters when a lot of snow falls throughout Britain (as occurred in 2009–2010).

Snow in the UK

Wind in the UK

The UK frequently receives high winds because of its proximity to the North Atlantic, a central ocean to the west. Still, it hardly ever experiences severe hurricanes or tornadoes.   

Gales, or winds ranging from 51 to 101 km/h, are frequent in various parts of the UK. For example, the Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland, average 35 days of gales annually, compared to less than 5 in many interior parts of England.

In 1979, a wind of 191 km/h (119 mph) was the strongest wind ever recorded in Britain, and it occurred in Cornwall on England's southwest coast.

Wind in the UK

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Seasons in the UK

The year is divided into four seasons, each lasting around three months. However, the seasons sometimes overlap or deviate from the norm because UK weather can be unpredictable.  

Spring (March to May)

In the UK, springtime is all about fresh life emerging after the severe winter weather. 

The days become longer, the frosts lessen, and the temperatures rise around March. This results in trees returning their leaves, plants shooting up across the country, and animals reproducing. 

But in Britain, springtime is still windy and damp, so don't pull out the flip-flops and sunglasses too soon.     

Spring (March to May)

Summer (June to August)

The UK has scorching periods during the summer, but most summers still involve a lot of rain. It is preferable to see it as a means of adding extra specialness to the hot days. 

Though not much higher, temperatures can reach 30°C on certain days, and the British people make the most of it. People throng beaches, sprawl in parks, and enjoy the heat. 

Summer (June to August)

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is the season with the most significant variation in weather conditions and signifies the slow transition from summer to winter. 

Autumn weather is often windy and wet, but it may vary so much yearly that it might feel like a distinct season.

Autumn (September to November)

Winter (December to February)

Winter in the UK lasts roughly from December to February and is the coldest month (though November can still see extremely icy weather). 

Though not frequently much lower, temperatures can drop as low as freezing point (0°C). This causes snowfall sometimes, ice on car windscreens and roadways, and frost in the mornings.  

Because British winters are sometimes quite windy and wet, it's important to dress warmly and waterproofly. 

Winter (December to February)

Wrapping Up

According to our guide to UK weather, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit England. During these months, you'll see displays of spring flowers or the shifting colors of fall foliage instead of the summer months when crowds peak. So, if you plan to go there, have a nice trip!