Best Time to Visit England

High Season: July • August

July and August offer the best weather in England, making them the most popular times of the year to visit for those arriving in the high season. Though crowded, you can enjoy the clear skies and minimal rainfall that would otherwise affect your itinerary.

Shoulder Season: May • June

On the cusp of the popular high season, May and June are excellent shoulder-season months in which to travel to England, as the weather warms and the crowds are yet to arrive. You can enjoy outdoor experiences, from hiking and cycling to exploring the countryside, as well as tour museums and see the landmarks comfortably.

Low Season: December • January

December and January are sensational times to travel to England in the low season as, although the coldest time of the year, you can experience the Christmas festivities. Towns and cities come alive with twinkling lights and jovial atmospheres, encouraging travelers to take part in seasonal experiences and embrace the joys of the festive season.

Best Months: May • June • July • August • September • October

The best time to visit London and more of England’s top sightseeing spots is between spring and fall, specifically from May to October.

While rain is always a consideration, the weather between these months is best for discovering the scenery and cultural sites. In May and early June, and in late September to October, you can also avoid the crowds that often fill the streets in London.

From castles to villages, museum galleries to antique streets, when sightseeing in England from May to October, you can embrace the long history, famous sites, and find surprises.

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in England

Best Months: June • July • August • September

Hiking in the summer can unveil the exceptional beauty of England’s natural scenery, especially between June and September.

While larger crowds may take to the trails during the summer months, you have the best chance for consistently good weather to discover the country roads and coastal paths.

By traveling over the lush hills, beyond the soaring cliffs, or into quiet villages, you can enjoy an immersive experience across the country.

Best Months: June • July • August • September

Cycling in England, one of the top things to do, can take you around the contours of the coastline to the winding shores of glacial lakes, with great weather in summer between June and September.

The cycling routes and trails are busier at this time of year, but the more consistent temperatures make it much easier to enjoy the beauty of England’s gorgeous landscape and charming historic villages.

Embrace the panoramas and tranquil country lanes or find an enticing route connecting the cultural corners of a bustling city as you embrace England’s beauty along the winding cycling trails.

Best Months: May • June • July • August

Views of green plains or sprawling vines, tastes of effervescent brut or dimensions of earthy and fruity flavors bring to life the wines of England when tasting from May to August.

Summer not only helps you discover the fantastic tastes of English wine, but also allows you to bask in fantastic weather that can accentuate how you interact with every glass.

Every sip in summer from May to August can provide you with a new and exciting characteristic of a wine, a winery, and English culture.

Best Months: April • May • June • September • October

Spring to fall is a great time to experience the food culture of England as the seasons change to reveal flavorful local ingredients.

With diverse terrain and specific recipes captured in regional dishes, you can find tradition and contemporary culinary evolution as you explore England’s food scene from April to October.

With beautiful spring flowers, radiant summer grasses, and changing autumn colors, the culinary landscape often imitates the scenery as the seasonal dishes vary across the country.

Best Months: May • June • July • August • September • October

England strikes a perfect balance of history and popular culture, making summer and fall the ideal time for the family to enjoy a trip to the majestic scenery and city streets.

England is a fantastic family experience, with access to magical corners and theatrical castles, treasured villages and modern theater.

Whether wandering through a museum gallery to view ancient artifacts or punting down a historic river in view of a top university, England family vacations from May to October are the perfect getaway with kids.

Learn more: Top Things to Do in London with Family

Best Months: May • June • September • October • December

England is often overlooked as a destination for a couple's escape, but with overflowing charm, beauty, and variety, it is worth consideration.

Discover the rugged coastline, winding antique lanes, and charming historical villages, or settle into a more contemporary experience in London. The summer months bring a lushness to the landscape across the entire country, with its rolling hills, expansive plains, reflective glacial lakes, and antique cobbled lanes.

Outside of summer and fall, December brings a soulful charm to the winter, with Christmas markets and festivities in which to indulge on romantic England tours for seniors or as newlyweds.

Learn more: Most Romantic Places in England for Couples

Best Months: April • May • June

Spring and summer in England can immerse you in the splendor of the outdoors, especially from April to June.

The weather warms, the crowds have not yet swarmed for the high season, and you can embrace the diverse activities and stunning scenery.

Enjoy country walks and cycling or wine tasting and culinary explorations. Savor the iconic sites or go off the beaten path in the glorious countryside.

Activities: Wine tasting • Food tour • Hiking • Cycling • Kayaking • Gardens • Boating • Surfing

Best Months: October • November •  December

Fall and winter in England reveal the shifting seasons with more drama and can immerse you in the beauty of nature and cultural ambiance from October to December.

With endless charm and transitioning foliage, you can experience the heritage of market towns and the jovial culture of traditional pubs, or find local celebrations that bring the true spirit of the towns and villages to life.

There is an endless collection of things to do and ways to enjoy the splendor of England in fall and winter.

Activities: Pantomimes • Foliage viewing • Ice skating • Christmas markets

The charm of England emerges from the cultural history and natural beauty found from the south to the north, and understanding what you want to experience will help you find the best time to visit for your England tours.

Whether embracing the north’s glassy lakes or visiting quaint villages with blushing gardens, our England travel guide has more information to inspire your trip.