When to Go to England, Scotland and Ireland: Weather and Clothing Guide

The period from May to September is generally the most comfortable time to tour the British Isles: the days are long, the weather is mild and the countryside is at its most vibrant. In this region, though, the weather can change several times in a day; even in summer, a raincoat and a warmer layer should be in your suitcase. Winter brings short, damp and cool days, but thanks to London's museums and the Christmas atmosphere it can still be appealing for a city break.

'Four seasons in one day': understanding British weather

The British Isles have a mild, damp climate influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. For travellers, this means:

• Extreme heat or cold is rare. Temperatures are more even than in Türkiye's inland regions.
• The weather changes quickly. A sunny morning can give way to a downpour in the afternoon.
• The north and west are cooler and wetter. Scotland, the mountainous parts of Wales and the west of Ireland are usually wetter and windier than London.
• Summer days in the north are very long. In Edinburgh it stays light until late on summer evenings; in winter it is the opposite, and the days become very short.

That is why, on a British tour, checking the weather for a single city can be misleading. On a route covering five countries, be ready for different kinds of weather.

Season by season

Spring (March to May)

March is still cool and changeable. In April and May the parks and gardens bloom and the countryside turns green. With its long days and the summer crowds not yet arrived, May is a very well-balanced month for Britain.

Summer (June to August)

This is the mildest time of year with the longest days. The countryside, the coasts and outdoor events are at their most enjoyable. On the other hand, it is the busiest period; London's landmarks and museums get crowded. In August, because of the festivals held in Edinburgh, the city gets very crowded and demand for accommodation rises. Remember that cool, rainy days can happen even in summer.

Autumn (September to November)

September is usually still mild and relatively dry, and the summer crowds disperse. In October, autumn colours decorate the parks and countryside. In November there is more rain and the days get noticeably shorter.

Winter (December to February)

Winter is cold and damp, with short days, especially in Scotland. Snow is not common in London but is more likely in Scotland's mountainous areas. In December, Christmas lights and markets bring the cities to life. Winter is also an option for a city break focused on museums and indoor venues; but for a route covering five countries and including countryside scenery, the milder months are preferable.

What to wear? Layers, layers, layers

The secret to dressing well in Britain is layers. Being able to add and remove layers as the weather changes during the day is much more comfortable than walking around in one thick coat.

Basic list for summer

• T-shirts and thin long-sleeved tops
• A cardigan or light jumper for the evenings
• Light waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood
• Comfortable trousers
• Waterproof or quick-drying walking shoes

Also for spring and autumn

• A fleece or thickish jumper
• A heavier raincoat or jacket
• A light scarf

Also for winter

• A warm base layer
• A thick, waterproof coat
• Hat, gloves, scarf
• Waterproof boots

Practical tips

• A hood is more practical than an umbrella. In windy areas, umbrellas easily blow inside out. A hooded jacket leaves your hands free.
• Make sure your shoes are waterproof. A day in wet shoes spoils the fun of the trip. Bringing a second pair is also a good idea.
• Don't forget a plug adaptor. The United Kingdom and Ireland use three-pin plugs that differ from those in continental Europe.
• Traffic drives on the left. Get into the habit of looking right first when crossing the road. At some pedestrian crossings in London, there are markings on the ground showing which way to look.
• Don't skip the sunscreen. Sunburn is possible even on cloudy days.

Clothes for dinners and the city

In most restaurants in Britain, casual clothing is perfectly normal. Still, if you are planning a theatre visit or a smart dinner, it is a good idea to pack one smarter outfit. If the waterproof jacket you choose for daytime walks is a simple, dark-coloured design, you can easily wear it in the evenings too, which saves space in your suitcase.

Choosing the season for a group tour

The Great Britain Tour covers England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in 7 nights, 8 days. The catalogue lists flights with Turkish Airlines, accommodation in 4-star hotels, breakfast and dinner, transport by luxury coach and professional guiding. The day-by-day itinerary and the date are agreed together at the quote stage.

To get to know the places on the route, take a look at our article places to visit in Great Britain and Ireland.

Frequently asked questions

Which month is best for London?

May, June and September are generally well-balanced months. The days are long, the weather is mild and there are fewer crowds than at the summer peak.

Does it rain in England in summer too?

Yes, rain can come at any time of year. Even in summer, carrying a light raincoat is recommended.

Is Scotland colder than London?

Generally, yes. Being further north, Scotland is cooler and windier, and the weather can be harsher, especially in mountainous areas.

When should you apply for a visa for a British tour?

The visa rules of the United Kingdom and Ireland are separate and may change. Before you travel, check the current situation with the official sources of the countries concerned and the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and plan your application early.